Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1864-06-02
/" The gentleman is in the parlor, Sir"

~ Inc gentleman Is III tilo PslIloi, A0ii'
Jabez Thorne laid aside his newspaper,
and glanced at the card which bore the
simple inscription, "John Lacy"-then at
the letter, which purported to be introduce
tory to that individual.
Hum-ha- from my old college chum,
| Chester, as [ live Remarkable change
| in his handwriting, but time alters us all.
/ Haven't heard from him in twenty-years
I-and-hallo /! what is this A pretty
cool request, upon my word--nephew
wants wife, and has heard that | possess
daughter-has lots of money-wants me
I to aid him with my we'll known experience
in such matters. What does the old rascal
mean ~ CALCULATED Jabez, the fringe off gray
hair that surrounded his bald head standing
absolutely erect with indignation, I'll send
JeAfers to kick the impudent young scamp
out of the house!''
| But with a moments reflection came
calmness.
Well, after all, don't see what there is
in the matter to make me so foolishly
angry. Guess I'll see what Mary says.
An excellent family those Chesters-and
this letter is just like Zebedee Chester-he
always was singular in his notions. Rath
er unlike the ordinary method Of coming to
an understanding on such matters, but
there's nothing like dash of originality in
this world, and if the boy is rich, and
Mary don't object-at all events I see
him on the subject"
And Jabez Thorne thrust the letter into
his pocket and strobe determinedly into
| the parlor where young Lacy was quietly
awaiting his appearance. The old gentle
mans. face was scarlet with embarrassment;
he was half disposed to be angry with his
guests cool selfpossession.
+" had thought of settling in this vicini-
| ty, Mr.. Thorne," said Jack, after the cere-
monies of greeting were exchanged, ''and
understood from my uncle that you had a
desirable piece of property that you might
be disposed to part with"
"Piece of property p thought the old
gentleman, beginning to fire up again !;
but he controlled his emotions, and only
said: Really, Sir, this is very strange
request. One can hardly be expected to
answer definitely upon so short notice" "
Certainly not, Mr.. Thorne. l have
no wish to hurry you," SAID Jack, politely /;
"but am rather anxious to see for my
self, and if you would favor me with a
brief description Of the prominent fea-
lures Of
But Mr.. Thorne was fdgeting uneasiy in
his chair
"What do you mean, Sir?" he ex-
claimed wrathful.y.
Jack was rather perplexed at this cavalier
reception, but he answered as courteously
as possible:
| Why, sir, Of course it is not best to
precipitate on a matter ofsuch Importance ;
"If this is a fair specimen of the rising
generation" thought the indignant Jabez
''they are about as impudent SCI
of jackanapes as l want to see But owe
something to my long friendship will
old Zebedee Chester-I won't turn the pup
py out of doors quite yet"
81 suppose it is healthy ?" asked Lacy
blandly. stH a
"What is healthy ?'' isa8
Your property Sometimes in these
low grounds diseases are apt to prevail
and"
"Does he expect my Mary has the
fever and ague?" thought old Thorne
leaping briskly out Of the chair as if an
insect had stung him. "Ill send my
daughter to you, young man-that will
settle the business at once"
And before Lacy could express his sur
, prise, his choleric host had banged the
door behind him and disappeared.
Mary Thorne's astonishment was ever
greater than her fathers had been She
was attircd in white muslin, with boquet
of crimson moss rosebuds in her bosom
and spray of the same exquisite flowers
in her hair, for some rural party or picnic
and at first absolutely refused to enter the
parlor.
!, W hat an idea y she exclaimed, blush
ing to the very tips of those tiny shell-like
ears. "To be put on exhibition like one
of your prize cattle No, indeed Let
the young man go back where he came
from A pretty impression he must have
of the ladies in this quarter of the glober
But my love, Zebedee Chester is one
Of my Oldest friends, and the young man
is really very fine looking fellow, and
rich into the bargain Go in and talk to
! him little while, there's good girl !
} can't stand it a minute longer"
And old Jabez wiped his forehead, on
which the perspiration IVES standing in big
beads. Mary burst into IN uncomfortable
! fit of laughter.