Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-03-30

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Cousin Jack Lacy; or, The Lost Wager

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Cousin Jack Lacy; or, The Lost Wager.
THr truks we're all packet and corded, and
the carpet bags were piled up in the corner Of
the capacious od-fashioncd hall.
How melancholy they looked, those cmblcms
Of parting adieus Not even the merry laugh
of two or three young girls who were gathered
around stalwart, handsome fellow of about
thirty could entirely Danish an impalpablc
something Of sadness from the sc1nc, Cousin
Jack was going away the general mischief
maker, tormentor, and tease of .he whole fami-
ly, and old Mr.. Chester, sitting by distant
window wiped his spectaclcs every five min
ntcs, and declared pettishly, that the type of
the evening paper was terrible trial to his
old eyes.
@ But you'll come back soon, coaxed Min
mic Chester, the prctticst and most roguish Of
all his cousins, and the one who kept up a
perfect FIRE of practical jokes and girlish tricks
at his expense.
There she sat on the biggest trunk of the
collection, her brown curls hanging about her
round face, and her eyes sparkling with Gu
rious mixture Of fun and tears.
I'm not at all certain of that Miss Min
nic," said Jack decisively. If succeed in
finding a situation to suit me, shall probably
decide to settle permanently at Thornylle
and turn land proprietor on my own account"
Only imagine our Jack gentleman of
property" laughed Minnie, appealing to her
sisters.
II don't see anything so very ridiculous,
| in thcidea,' remarked the youg man, rather
piqued at the amusement of his relatives . At
all events, there's one incalculablc advantage
| that will result from my departure"
And What is that, Mr.. Oracle %
The fact that you'veplayed your last freak
on me. you tormenting little mink"
Don't be so certain ofthat, Cousin Jack said
Minnie. shaking her long curls. " What will
you venture | don't bestow parting trick on
you yet? All. have not settled with you
for several pieces of impertinence; but pray
do not imagine they are forgotten, sir y
Ny diamond sleeve buttons to your coral
neck lace that you don't impose on me within
tie next three months, Minnie" said Jack,
guily
"Done " said Minnie. Girls, you all
hear the wager, don't you? always coveted
Jacks diamonds"
"But you won't have them, madamoiselle !!
How dark it is getting in this cavernous old
hall. Shall l ring for light, Uncle Chester !?
and, by the way, have you written that letter
of introduction to Mr.. Thorne p
"All in good time, my boy--all in good
time, said the old gentleman, deposting his
huge silver bound spectacles in their case.
" You young people are in such a desperate
hurry Tell Betsy to carry lamp into the
library, girls. And Minnie, where is my
gold pen l won't be-very long about it, and
then well have nice long evening to gossip
about jacks prospects.
While Mr.. Chester sat in his cozy red cur
tanned library. revising the letter which he
had been writing to his old college friend,
Jabcz Thorne, of Thorneville, to the effect
that his nephew. John Lacy. was in search of
an eligible piece of lrnd, and wished to settle
down as planter in that vicinity, and re-
questing Mr.. Thorne's aid and cooperation in
the selection of the same, Minnie opened the
door,
+. Papa, there is some one down stairs who
wishes to see you Immediately, for one min
ute."
Very annoying y said the old gentleman.
lust as was finishing up this letter of Jacks
However. can seal it up afterwards. Minnie