North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-11-09

W re almost threadbare, which Mr., Day ton
thought proceeded from niggardly DISPOSE
ton, and, accordingly he addressed him upon
the subject as before related. Soon after his
conversationMr Dayton left home on business.
| As he was riding through pretty little vii
| lage he aightcd at the door of cottage and
requested drink of water. The mistress,
with an ease and politeness which told that
she had not always been the humble cottager,
invited him to enter. He complied and a
scene Of poverty and neatness met his gaze
which he had never before witnessed. The
furniture consisted of nothing more than was
| actually necessary, and was SO clean and neat
that it cast an air Of comfort all around, A
venerable old man sat at the window with
! his staff in his hand. His clothes were
whole but so patched that they seemed a
| counterpart Of Joseph's coat of many colors.
''This is your father, | presume" said he
addressing her. -. .
II. Is, sir" III ....F
'He seems quite aged" s..H .s.s
''IIe is in the eghty-third year of his age,
and has survived all of his children but my
| self" W. '.E
Have You always resided here 2''
| "No sir my husband was once wealthy,
but endorsing ruined him, and we were re-
duced to this state. He soon after died and
| two Of my children followed him. -f
''IIave you any children living 2"
"One, sir, who is my only support. My
own health is so feeble that cannot do
much, and father being blind and deaf needs
a great dea! olattention. My son will not
tell how much his salary is, but am sure
he sends me nearly all of it,"
"rhcn he is not at home ~ @
"No, sir be is clerk in New York
"Indeed Pray what is his name gu
"Weston May" .H .
"Weston May Is 1t possible. Why, he
is my clerk, left him in charge of my
store only two weeks ago.".
Explanation followed, rnd Mr.. Dayton
soon left promising to call some otheraiine.
"Noble fellow said he, mentally, Wy he
was riding slowly, and Illuminating upon the
call. "Nobe fellow, | believe he loves my
girl, and he may have her, and part of my
money, too. Let me see" Here he Gell into
a thinking mood and by the time he reached
home, he formed plan which he determined
to execute. How it Terminated we shall see,
Full of his new plan, he entered the break
fast room, where Laura was awaiting his ap-
pearancc,
1" So Weston is going to England" said
he c2relessly.
"Sir !" said LaurH, dropping her coffee cup;
"going to England"
ITO be sure what of it, child %
Nothing -only-I-wo shall be rather
lonesome" Replied she. yanly enlcavoring
to repress her tears.
Come, come, Laura, tcIl me, do you love
Weston You never deceived me, don't do
it now.
No well II love HIN most sincerely"
81 thought so | thought So" replied he
as he left the room.
weston" said he as he entered the store,
''you expect to 60 into the country shortly,
DO yon not ~
eyes sir, in about four weeks"
sIf it would not be iuconvenicnt, wish
you would defer gong few weeks longer
said Mr.. Dayton, ~ D'-
''I will, sir, with pleasure, if it will oblige
you " -
at will greatly oblige me- for Laura is to
be married in about six weeks, and | wish
you to attend the wedding.
'Laura maarlcd !' said Weston starting
as If shot, "Laura married -
''To be sure. What ails the boy %
'Nothing, sir only it was rather-unexpect-
ed"
'It is rather sudden; but am an old
] man end wish to see her have protector
before l Gise. Giie am glad you can stay to the
wedding" ........ ....-.'....
''Indeed, sir, I cannot stay" said Weston,
forgetting what he had just said"
"You cannot! Why just now you said you
would" ....... ..- a..... ...
ayes, sir, but my business requires my
presence, and | must CO." g.. -.s ..a
"But you said you would with pleasure" ;"
"Command me in anything else, sir; but
in this | cannot ob!ge you"
"Weston, tell me frankly do you love
Laura 2"
Sir - Weston seemed like one waking
from dream.
ADO you love my girl 2"
81 do sir"
"Will you give me your mother for her !"
Mr. Dayton spoke earnestly. g..