The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1864-09-28
fondly believed-for if he was mean she

immediately he began to be attentive
to Patty, and she being without home
had No objections to stepping into the
comfortable living" of the Myricks. Sc
she played her cards accordingly, and
fattered Giles weakness with the utmost
skill.
On Christmas night there was to be a
party at Hooker's Hotel in Greenburg,
twelve miles of-and all the Highwood
beaux and bellies were on the Qui give.
Giles felt as if he ought to take Patty,
but he dreaded the expense. Many sleep
less nights he passed in consequence, and
at last decided that it could be managed
He could carry their supper in his
pocket, and some cats for the horse in a
bag, and 90 in the old sleigh to save wear
ing ont the runners Of the new one. The
night was fine and cold, exceedingly cold,
but Giles did not take the bufalces, for
fear the snow might Fly on them and wet
the fur. So they kept themselves as
comfortable as they could with the horse
blanket.
The party was pleasant, all enjoyed
themselves, even Giles. When supper
was announced he spoke to Patty, and
they went out in the woodshed, where,
by the light Of the moon, they ate the
salt fish, doughnuts and cheese, that
Giles had brought in bis pocket.
A little after midnight they started for
home, but had proceeded only about two
miles, when the old sleigh parted-the
top remaining behind, and the bottom
going Oh home with the horse, at 2-40
pace.
Patty and Giles we're deposited in a
snow drift, from which they were fshod
out By the rest Of the party, and Patty
was taken on board by some Of her &C.
quaintancas. Giles was left behind, and
had the melancholy satisfaction of walk
ing ten miles in his thin boots, and freez,
ing both great toes nearly off.
Toward spring, he and Patty concluded
TO be married. The young lady's friends
warned her of the pecuniary disposition
Of her intended, but Patty smiled know
ingly, and said she'd risk it. After she
once got him fast, they might hang her,
if she didn't manage him.
And as she had red head, they said
perhaps she would get the upper hand Of
him. They hoped so, any way.
The happy couple went to the horse Of
Parson Palmer to be married. 1t was
about three miles, but they walked, be-
cause the frozen ground wore out horses
shoes so.
Giles had something done I'D in a bun
die under his arm; and Patty carried her
wedding dress in band box, SO that it
might not be soiled.
It was just dinner time when they
reached the Parsons, and Of course, he
could not avoid asking them to partake
Mrs. Palmer said they eat tremendously
for people just about to change their con-
dition.
As soon as dinner was over, they stood
up, and the parson performed the cere-
mony in his best style.
dwell. now, parson, tell US the dam
age" said Giles, bracing himself for the
shock.
"One dollar is the legal fee" blandly
replied the parson, ''but we always take
just what cur friends are pleased to be-
stow"
Dwell, that's clever" returned Giles,
undoing his bundle and displaying three
links Of sausage to the amazed minister,
II hope you'll accept them ere. Times
Is hard, and it's pretty hard work to git
money, you know. Aud I'm obleeged to
ye, besides, and SO Is Patty; good after
noon"
The parcon stood aghast, but his wife
was Weman of spirit; minister's wives
always should be. They're sufficiently
tput upon" even then, poor souls.
"Take your rubbish :" she cried, throw
ing the bridal fee after them into the
street. "You're the meanest man on the
foOtstool, and your sausages are neaner
than you are, if such thing is possible =
"Thank you," said Giles, "Fm real
fond of sassingers, and here's enuf to
cook three times"
He sprang forward to recover them,
but the parsons dog forestalled him, and
made off with the plpnder.
To this day Giles mourns about his loss
Patty kept her word. She did man
age her husband. He is just as COM
pletely under her thumb as the world is
under the moon. She spends his money
reckIe8sly; is the best dressed woman in
town, and carries it with high hand,
generally.
Poor Giles he is often heard to declare
that he wishes he was dead-oaly coGns
cost SO much money
The Peace Men who say they are oppo-
sed to the war, and yet support candi-