Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1861-07-03

seat to seat, and blusbed very much, and
tore pieces of paper into bits, declared
that she was heart whole yet" as why
shouldn't she be 2" for Jenny Brun had
not said word to her which any man
might not have said to any maiden.
So wife and got easy again.
But what should see one evening,
while sauntering out under M own grove
Of forest oaks near the house, but two
figures fitting slowly hither and thither,
among the distant trees. Like q knaye
as l was, I sat on the ground and watch
ed them-nervously, glaringy, till l saw
Jenny Brun give Minnie kiss on the
lips. and look lovingly after her as she
slipped away.
was reclining upon the sward by her
path. Determined to meet and confront
her there, | sat and watched her coming.
Certainly Minnie's face never wore that
expression before. 1t was not gleeful,
but it was radiant, and her eyes, which
we're bent on the ground, and hence on
ly visible as she came very near me, had
light and depth which | never saw be-
fore. She passed me so utterly was
the child absorbed in her own emotions.
"Minnie = l said in a tone which star
sled myself scarcely less than the child.
"Oh y and she sprang from the path
as if the sound had been rattle in the
grass. l raised mpselt SLOWLY am
very slow when very angry-and stand
ing stiffly before her, glowered down in
to her eyes--with sternness which had
never failed to terrify. But the child,
though she trembled like an aspen at
first, brought her fathers spirit to the
rescue, and, in the strength of love and
innoccl &C, looked into her fathers angry
face at length with perfect composure.
l must not repeat the words that fol-
lowed-they shall never be written
would to God they had never been spo-
ken!
Minnie had givon him her heart, and
would give him her hand. How could
she help it ? even her fathers anger sho'd
not prevent her fulfilling her word-for
was not Jenny Brun worthy and
was not her fathers anger unreasonable
and unjust All this she said to me with
the deep calmness of perfect heroine,
while stood there almost rs astonished
as angry.
"Wife, it's all mp with Minnie" said I,
stridipg into the sitting room, and break
ing in upon most comfortable afternoon
reverie, only relieved by the solemn tick :
ing of the cock and the busy click Of the
knitting needles.
"What's the matter 2" and the ball of
yarn rolled across the floor, while flow
er pot on tho window fell, splitting and
crashing on the bricks outside ''There
goes the flower pot-tell me quick-you
look as pale as sheet"
minnie has promised to marry that
scapegrace in spite Of US; she says she
will to me-in the face of my absolute
commands"
Thcreupon l walked the floor, wife
staring at me all the while.
"Pll never forgive her, never"
Husband, stop and think. He"-
IL won't stop and think. l say I'll
never forgive her, and | won't. Call her
iu."
Wife left tho room in search of Min
ME. She was gone long while; from
which circumstance / have always had
the suspicion that she spent the time in
soothings and comfortings, scarcely to be
considered as abetting my view of the
case. At length they returned, both
fearful. We sat down together, CON
strained group-Minnie very fearful, but
very sweet and beautiful. The interview
was short, and these were the closing
words
"Father, I have always been dutifu
child-you will do me that justice. But
l love this man. You grant me that
his character is unimpeachable. but YOU
forbid our marriage because you have a
prejudice against him. l love and honor
you, father. You cannot doubt that !;
but in this case l must follow the dictate
Of my own heart"
"Do so if you will; but remember
your father will never forgive you"
Thus ended the intcrview-wife Sob
bling distressfully. Minnie weeping quiet
ly, and / sitting glum and angry l did
not forbid them the house, as most angry
fathers do; but 1 told Minnie again that
she had lost my love and care. Then l
was 80 foolish as to see Jenny Brun,
and in a very silly speech inform him
that, since he was taking my daughter
from her father without his consent, he
need expect no gifts or favors now or
henceforth. She would not be allowed
to share in the family inheritance, nor
should 1 render the least assistance if
they should come to want" shall new
or forget the queer look the young man
gave ine-a glance in which pride SEEM
cd vainly struggling with cluster of
mirth sparkles.
.Very well, sir; we will try and not
scome to want"
That was all he said; but the cool self
possession of his manner made me feel
rs though / had undertaken to drive a
nail and had pounded my fingers.
l had always been demonstrative to-
wards my children-tbe elder as we'll as
the Younger. Minnie had never lost her
right to her fathers knee, nor did she
ever meet me in the morning or part