Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-09-18

gagged homestead. / thought, perhaps, Miss
Fanny wouldn't object sir, as she will
thereby save you both much sorrow and in
convenience
"Excuse me, sir" responded Mr. Thorne,
sharply, as he eyed keenly the portly figure
of the Squire, and thought of the four noisy
children at home in the nursery; "but | can
never barter away my daughters hand for
money. Besides, sir, l believe there is q
small love affair between herself and q
young gentleman, her uncle's ward. But
must confess l am not very much prepos-
sessed in his favor rs he is a young man
with nothing to depend upon"
Ii is useless to listen TO the long argu-
ments that followed and, then, widowers
are so silly in their love-making; but suf-
| flee il to say, when the Squire took his
leave the matter was amicably adjusted.
Winthrop Thorne was more disturbed
than ever for he dreaded an interview with
his darling child, and to tell her that he
had bargained for wealth through the sac
rifce Of her hand. And, when he called
her to his side, and told her of what had
passed between himself and the Squire, and
she buried her face in his bosom and went
bitter tears, he stamped his foot upon the
floor and declared that the sacrifice should
not be made. But Fanny had wept herself
calm; and, after remaining thoughtful
awhile, replied, with almost roguish
twinkle in her eye
"Father, / am thinking better Of this
The Squire shall have my hand but he
must wait for it until next June. Mean
while, he must not be very ardent in his de-
yotions toward me-
Every body in the village wondered why
Squire Darnly had "smarted up so; and
why he paid such frequent visits to Win
throp Thornes. Then he had purchased q
pair of fine horses and beautiful carriage
besides, great many repairs were going
on at his mansion house. They had begun
to conjecture that he had matrimonial in
tentions toward Mr. Thornes maiden sis
ter, who superintended the housekeeping at
the homestead.
As faithful narrator, | can no longer
conceal the fact that Cupid-that mischief
loving boy there, bent on mischief of course,
and having first wounded the sly Fanny's
heart, Of which | shall say more by and by
had drawn his bow and shot his arrow,
wOunding fatally the well-preserved maiden
heart Of Miss Nancy Thorne. The 'Suuires
heart he let alone, for he was O widower,
and Cupid knew required no assistance
from him,
do assure my readers that Miss Nancy
Thorne was very shrewd LADY, and she
had long had an eye fixed upon the tall
white chimneys of Squire Darnlys man
sion, which were just discernible through
| the trees. How mortifying to be anticipated
by that little Fanny She wouldn't stand
it, that she wouldn't. The Squire had al
ways been very polite to her, and he NIGH
just as well be generous to her brother fol
her sake as Fanny's Then it was so silly
for old men to marry young wives
4
Winter, with its cold, frosts and driving
sleet, had come and gone again. The Spring
too, was fast deepening into the ripe fusl
Of summer. 1t was q warm afternoon, the
last of May, that the Squire donned his
best suit and trudged off to spend an hour
with his sweetheart He wondered in his
heart why the gentle Fanny was so shy
and odd to him. She had never even let
him kiss her and if ever he attempted to
lay his hand upon her head she would melt
away like sunbeam. He presumed it
would be a more profitable match to marry
Miss Nancy. But, after all, Miss Fanny
would be better able to take care of him
when he was an old man.
The Squire was announced, and Miss
Nancy received him alone in the parlor.
"Where is Miss Fanny?" he asked.
"Miss Fanny2 Oh, ah, Miss Fanny has
got company, young gentleman, her uncles
ward" And she drew him to seat near
the window, and, seating herself by his side,
pointed to the summer-house in the garden,
where Miss Fanny and her admirer sat side
bv oila bnN, ipnb 6nnaro y-ao q Il,
Of flowers, which she placed upon his brow
when completed, while her fair curls fell
like cloud before his face.
The young gentleman was reclining in
graceful nonchalance; his finely turned
limbs, soft, fair face and brown hair in bold
relief. There he SITS with up-turned eve,
while Fanny-never so tastefully dressed
before-looked down into their clear depths,
which reflect back love. Now she turns
back to the light, and the large eyes are
looking full and bright, the long curls are
sweeping down the noble bust, and there is
newer life in Fannys heart.
The Squire winked and blinked his eyes,
as he famed himself violently; then he was
so nervous and uneasy, that he rose and
walked about the room; then, stopping be-
fore picture, he gazed full an hour, with
great, blank staring eyes.
l am a writer of very humble preten-
sions, and do not wish to thrust my crude
opinions into peoples faces; but have seen
many noble, manly specimen, lofty and
proud, excessively annoyed by these young
fellows with easy graces, cool impudence,
and most insufferable composure.
AT length the Squire was startled by the
notes of a guitar, and then masculine
voice chimed forth:
"Dark. eyed one, dark-eyed one, l languish for
"Confound this impudent fellow" NUT
tered the Squire, mentally. Then, turning
to Miss Nancy, he fercely demanded the
name of this young gentleman.
"Why, it's Mr.. Augustus Trevanian |
Didn't Miss Fanny never mention him to
you before ?" asked Miss Nancy, with sweet
indignant surprise.
"They have been quite intimate for q
long while, by way of correspondence"
"They have!" roared the Squire, pacing
up and down the room, rubbing his hand
kerchief across his bald, red crown. "And
has her father been knowing to all this ? and
does he think he can impose upon me in this
way2 We shall see we shall see The
homestead shall be vacant tomorrow
And he shook his iyory-headed cane in Miss
Nancy's face.
Esquire Darnly, how can you be 81
rude j. calculated Miss Nancy. "0f course
| am not to blame. This is what becomes
IF eaneihla pnoV 20 n fa,a,r . g.