Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-03-27
made an impression, as all dandies do-but

the young folks as they laughed and played
away the hours.
"Mother,'' said the squire, "Cordelia is
eighteen years old she ought to begin to look
about for husband. What do you think of
it7"
'sTime enough yet," was the short but poin-
| ted answer of the old lady.
'iProcrastination is the thief of time, and
that "time enough yet' has made many girls
husbandless. Codelia is smart, sensible
girl, old enough to marry, and ought to marry
within the year."
ssShe is old enough, goodness knows but
then she is young enough to wait a while. l
don't like girls to be in too much of hurry
it sometimes doesn't do WE'LL"
awe are in no hurry, but want a son, a
full grown fellow, who can talk and keep me
company, and oversee the farm. Now, who
would you chooses Look into the room, and
consider we'll before you decide.'
The old lady replaced her specks, leaned
forward on her chair, and with the greatest in
terest peered into the room. For few mo-
ments she studied the features of each gentle
man, and more especially the school master.
The squire noticed this, and his eye twink
led mschievously, as she removed her specks
and turned toward her husband
81 would take the schoolmaster,' replied
the old lady candidly.
"Bah thread bare. penniless orphan.
You're getting old, your sight is bad, replied
the squire pettishly.
ssWell, who would You choose ~ she asked.
ell would choose Halam Douglass, the
gentleman
sBah!'' said the old lady, as gentle smile
gathered about her mouth SHE is as shallow
as the cream on SKINNED milk
"You're no Judge of human nature. He is
rich, worth money-no shallowness about
that.''
ssThere may be some day.
"Call Codelia, we'll have her opinion-she
will take Douglass"
"I'll bet you new hat against new dress
she WON'T" proffered the old lady, she took
his hat from the table-ssyou need one.''
s:That will do me year YETI
ssBut think of the wedding.''
sIf she don't get married within the year,
1'll wear your bonnet when that memorable e.
vent takes place"
sAnd I'll wear your old hat if she does,'
replied the old lady laughing.
"I'll take that, and hold you to your bar
gain,' said the squire, as he grasped the old
lady's hand.
Thus the two Old folks enjoyed themselves
while the children were merry making, not
for moment thinking they were the subject
of remarks. Codelia was called, and with
skip and jump she came to the side of her
parents.
ssCodelia.'' said her father, gravely. esyou
are old enough to get married, and have
ieCted husband Tor you.
"And have selected another" replied her
mother.''
'sFor me 9'' she asked and starteSswith sur
prise and curiosity.
s'Yes, my dear for you.''
ssIs he here 90 and she turned her eyes with
interest into the room, while a look of an1i-
ETY. and doubt gathered on her features.
ssHe is in the room.''
"Who is he ?' she asked with trembling
voice.
s.Halam Dougiass.'
sDouglass ~ and her face became pale, a
tear quivered on her eyelid and her tips trem-
bled-her head dropped as she said, 'sHe is
not my choice.''
"There, father, I'n take the new dress,''
said the old lady laughing at the squire's dis
comfiture, and seized him by the arm.
"But you have not won yet-she has not de-
cided who it shall be. Who do you say ?''
asked her father.
1t was hard question, but CodeIia had
been taught to pay implicit obedience to any
command, without moment OF equivocatiOn.
eMr. Miller would be my choice" she re-
piled, hesitatingly.
SHOW have won,'' insisted the old lady.
ssVerily, you have, but it's a conspiracy to
cheat me out Of the dress.''
''Now, daughter, you can return to your
company" and away she tripped gay and
lively, like bird, to join its companions.
s'She must marry Douglass, SAID the old
man, as he prepared to retire.
ssBut he is not her choice,'' said the moth
err, offering an objection in behalf Of her
daughter.
ssN o matter, she must marry the man of my
choice" and the old gentleman closed the
stair door after him.
The party ended and the guests retired.
Codelia was informed of her fathers reso-
luton, and it grieved her to the heart. A
fer davs after the Marty Millar lIed on Co
della, and an opportunity offering, he declar-
eG his love, and sked her hand and heart.
ssMy heart you have,'' she replied, ssbut my
hand my father has decided shall be anoth-
er's''
.sYou do not love him 7''
ssI hate-I despise him."
ssThen it is your fathers command-obey
him. / was taught to honor and obey my pa
rents-you do the same, though the thought
that you should marry one you do not love
will kill me.''
ssIt is death to me, but my fathers CON-
mand is imperitive law.'<
"Then farewell, Codelia, we must not meet
again as lovers. have no right to inquire
the cause of his rejecting me-" and tottering
to the door, he departed.
CodeIa trembled a moment and fell help
less in an arm chair.
aha 20 said the squire, as he moved away
from place of observation, ''he takes it like
a philosopher and gives her good advice"
A day or two following, Douglass presented
himself, declared his passion, and in silly SEN
tences besought her to bestow her hand on
him. He had riches, money in abundance
and would lavish all on her.
81 am not to be bought, sir refuse your
hand, but 1 am compelled to marry you, then
will do Il but not of my own accord"
At<his speech, Douglass became incensed, |
swore, abused and upbraided her with deceit.
She took it very calm, and replied like lady.