Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-07-27
The Runaway Match.

eyed ana 1alr-nalreu ldsSts "eis hOs so
plenty in New England as they are now,
there dwelt in the town of P, pret-
ty village distant some twenty miles
from the market town, peculiarly ugly
and crossgrained but wealthy farmer.
Minnie was Danford's only child, and
report said truly that she would be his
sole delegate, the old man was sturdy
farmer and was estimated 10 be worth
full $4,000, at that period handsome
fortune. The sparkling eyes aud win
ming manners of Minnie had stirred up
the fner feelings of the whole male por-
ton of the village, and her suffers were
numerous, but her father was peculiar,
and none succeeded in winning the head
way with him or her.
In the meantime Minnie had true
and loyal lover in secret. Who would
have supposed that such fellow dare to
look ON beauty and comparative refine
ment His name was Walker, and he
was simply farmer employed by old
Danforth, who had entrusted Joe with
the management of his place two or
three years
But a very excellent farmer and right
good manager was this Joe Walker. he
was young too-oply twenty three-and
he actually fell in love with this bearti-
ful Minnie Danforth, his employer 5.
daughter. But the strangest part Of the
occurrence was that Minnie returned
his love earnestly, and frankly promised
to wed him at a favorable time
Things went on merry for a time, but
old Danford discovered certain glances
and attentions between them which ex-
cited his envy and suspicious. Very
soon afterwards Joe learned the old
mans mind in regard to his future dis
posal of Minnie's hand; he quickly saw
his case was hopeless one unless he re-
sorted to stratagem, so he set has wits at
once 10 work By agreement, an appa-
rently settled dislike and GOODNESS was
observed by the lovers for each other for
six months, and the father saw as he be-
lieved, with satisfaction, that his pre-
vious fears bad been premature. Then
by agreement also between them, joe alb
sented himself from home at evening,
and night after night for full three
months longer, did Joe disappear as
soon as his work was flushed, TO return
home only at late hous to bed. This
was unusual, and Danforth determined
to know the cause OF it.
Joe frankly confessed that he was in
love with mans daughter who resided
less than three miles distant, but, after
faithful attachment between them for
months, the old man had utterly refused
his application for the young girls hand.
This satisfied him that he had made a
mistake in regard TO his own child, and
to help Joe get married and thus TO stop
all further trouble or suspicion at home.
Do you like her 2
"Yes, sir-yes.
"Then marry her. !"
But can't-her father objects"
"Poh let him do so, what need you
care Run away with her ''i
"Elope ?" ~
"Yes, off with you at once. IL the
gal will join, alright Marry her, bring
her here; you shall have the cottage at
the foot of the lane I'll furnish 1t for
you your wages shall be increased, and
the old man may like 1t or not.
"But-"
mo butts, Joe; do as | bid you; SO
about it at once, and
iOu VIII etduu u. uit
Eyes, to the last know, joe you
are good fellow, and good workman,
and will make anybody good son or
good husband"
The old fellow will be 50 mad,
though" -
: Tomorrow night, then, said Joe
Yes"
I'm hire Clover's horse" /"
I No, you shan't.'
"No2'
Il say no. Take my horse-the best
one-Youug Morgan-he'll take you in
fine style in the new pheton.
The old gentleman will be aston
ished"
Never mind, go on Well turn the
laugh on him. III take care of you aud
your wife at any rate
Tll do it, said Joe.
You shall, said Danforth; and they
parted in good spirits
An hour after dark on the following
evening, Joe made his appearance,
dressed in a new black suit and really
looked very eomely. The old man
busted out to the barn with him, help
ing him to harness Young Morgan.
{ A few rods from the house he found
Minnie, as previously arranged, and re-
pairing TO the village, the parson quickly
made them one in holy wedlock. Joe
took his bride and soon dashed back, and
halting at old Danforth's house, who was
already looking for him with open arms.
"Is IL done
Vas-" Answered loo
Bring her in, continued the cid fel
low in high glee never mind comph
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