, 1864-01-09
" The wrong letter."

1he WtOng letter T!
1t was rather dim Highland papa's
eyes arc not as keen as they were wont to
be-and my impertinent missive was gone
while the real bona .tfde letter lay there,
amongst heap Of discarded papers. And
l hadn't courage to confess my misdemean-
orss, papa is so soopposed to my innocent little
lokes-and Jack is of with that indescriba-
BILE letter shall certainly win the sleeve
buttons, Olive, but what q tornado there
will be, when my mischief leaks out ~
And Minnie looked so bewitchingly lovely
In her alternate .paroxysms Of terror and
laughter that Olive, grave cider sister
though she was, had not the heart to lecture
her as roundly as she deserved.
The crimson sunset Of the very next
evening shone radiantly into the special
sanctum Of the worthy old Jabez Thorne,
Of Thorneville, Justice Of the Peace, and
chairman Of oil the agricultural meetings
for ten miles around. It was no scholarly
looking library, like that Of his ancient
comrade Chester, but square light room,
with four uncurtained windows, and orna-
mented with numerous black-framed en-
cravings Of prize cattle and giant turnips.
He was seated in leather cushioned arm.
chair, looking over the files Of an .agricul-
tural journal, to find some coveted informa-
tiOn on the subject of "phosphates" and
"super-phosphates," when servant brought
him card and letter.
The gentleman is in the parlor, sir ~
Jabez Thorne laid aside his newspaper,
and glanced at the card, which bore the
simple inscription, John Lacy then at
the letter, which purportcd to be introduc-
tory to that individual.
"Hum-ha-from my old college chum,
Chester, as l live. Remarkable change
in his handwriting, but time alters us all.
Haven't heard from him in twenty-years
-and-hallo! what's this? A pretty cool
request, upon my word-nephew wants a
wife, and has heard that possess daugh-
ter-has lots Of nloney-wants me to aid
him with my well known experience in such
matters. What does the old rascal mean ?"
calculated Jabez, the fringe Of gray hair
that surrounded his bald head standing ab-
solutely erect with indignation, "I'll send
Jcfcrs to kick the impudent young scamp
out Of the house y
But with a moments reflection came
calmness.
"Well, after all, I don't see what there
is in the matter to make me SO fo0lishly an
cry. Guess I'll sec what Mary says. An
excellent family those Chesters-and this
letter is just like Zebcdee Chester--he al-
ways was singular in his notions. Rather
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'll see
him on the subject" ~
And Jabez Ihorne thrust the letter into
his pocket and strobe determinedly into the
parlOr, where young Lacy was quietly await
ing his appearance. The old gentleman's
face was scarlet with embarrassment; he
was half disposed to be angry at his guests
cool selfpossession.
al had thought Of settling in this vicin-
ity, Mr.. Thorne," said Jack, after the cere-
monies Of greeting had been exchanged,
q and understood from my uncle that you
had desirable piece Of property you might
be disposed to part with"
"Piece Of property!" thought the old
gentleman, beginning to frc up again; but
he controlled his emotions, aud only an
swcred; "Really, sir, this is very strange
request. One can hardly be expected to
answer definitely upon so very short notice" !"
"Certainly not, Mr.. Thorne. l have no
wish to hurry you" said Jack, politely /;
"but I am rather anxious to see for myself,
and If you would favor me with brief
description Of the prominent features Of"
But Mr., Thorne was hdgettlng uneasily
on his chair.
aWhat do you mean, sir 7" heexclaimed,
wrathfully.
Jack was rather perplcxed at this cavalier
reception, but he answered, as courteously
as possible: s'
"a Why, sir, Of course II Is not best to be
prccipitate on q matter Of such Importance"
"If this is a fair specimen of the rising
generation" thought the indignant Jabez,
. they are about as impudent set Of jack
anapcs as I want to see. But | owe some
thing to my long friendship with Zebedec
Chestcr-i won't turn the puppy out Of
doors quite yet" 4.
II suppose II is healthy!" asked Lacy,
blandly.
"What is healthy I"