Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1866-04-19

tated when she me; perhaps she trerilbl ed for
nv happiness, for she must have read q stern re-
solve in my eve; and whispered tiiaidly, "Try not
to hurt Mr.. Clintons feelings. darling, even if you
are surprised at his communication. Do not let
him see anything that will annoy him, for he is
very sensitive; and remember, dear Laura,
that have endeavored to consult your truo in
terests.
al know you have, dear mamma" I replied
with a kiss; "but never fear that ycu viii have
any trouble from me-my only desire is to see
you happy"
Mammals face was fairly Illuminated as she
PISSED ME; and with The consciousness that had
a great deal in my power. entered the parlor
where Mr.. Clinton was waiting for me-
OF course, did not expect him TO go down on
his knees. a. that would not have been at all in
character, but was not quite prepared for the
benignait, fatherly style OF address With which r
Clinton greeted me.
any dear child" said he, taking my hand, With
very composed sort of affection, al suppose your
mother has prepared you"
"Mamma has told me nothing" exclaimed
pettishly, for | felt provoked that he should want
TO get rid of the trouble of making offer
81 am here simply in answer to your request Of
this afternoon.
Not a bit of help should he get from me, and
quito enjoyed hi, surprise.
"At least" he continued, after somewhat
awkward pause, "you imagine the purport of ny
communication! for utter ignorance must be feisn-
ed"
Ny checks were blaxing-never had encoun-
tered so ridiculous, so humiliating an adventure.
He evidently expected me to answer his question
before he had asked it; but would stand this no
longer, and, rising hastily, exclaimed
81 do not understand enigmas. Mr.. Clinton,
you will excuse me If leave until you have some
thsnr definite to say"
"SOme:hng definite to say7" he repeated with
a smile. "What have 20 say ia definite enough;
but feel little embarrassment at asking beau
tifu, well grown girl ofnineteen to receive me as
her father. But as your mother has consented TO
take ME as her husband. | hope you will not be
very obdurate. Shall We seal the compact, Lsura?'
And before could realize this sudden change
Of ba.e, Mr.. Clinton had folded me warmly ia his
arms, and bestowed a fatherly kiss upon me.
Dear, cowardly mamma! She could not face
her grown yp daughter with this confession, and
had wisely left Mr.. Clinton TO break il.
"Oh, | am so glad"' | exclaimed. in = rapture.
al will love YOU dearly, and am glad for nam
ma--she needs some one to take care Of her."
81 think" replied my papa elect. THAT Young
gentleman who shall be nameless has the same
opinion respecting y0g.
ran TO ms room, and threw myself down on the
bed literally shaking with laughter. Was ever
anything so ridiculous perpetrated before? had
worked myself up TO the sacrifice pitch, and 10.
and behold. | was not the person wanted. must
confess to feeling little humiliated-but, one
comfort, no one knew il; and | resolved to keep
my own counsel 20 the best Of my ability.
81 am so glad" said mamma, brightly, when c
talked the matter over, "that you received u as
you did, Laura. Mr.. Clinton Was very much
pleased, and | had almost feared that you did not
like him. He amused though at your perfect
Inconsistencies, she continued, laughing; land
really wonder that you did not suspect, when
you saw hin here often"
How could confess that in nv vanity, had
appropriated these visits 10 myself? bent down
lower over my work to hide smile at my own
blindness, aud mamma went on
"Your governess scheme, of which You have
sometimes talked since misfortune. will have
to be given up, Laura, for am quite sure that
Mr.. Clinton will not allow it. He has been verY
noble, but could not bear 10 speak TO you OF
him-grown up daughters do not always look ia
vorably upon mothers forming new ties
1 stopped her mouth with a kiss and felt SO hap
py TO think had not got TO marry Mr.. Clinton
myself. that slmost danced upon air.
The next evening Frank Gliddon cornered me
somewhere among the vines and told me the hack
neyed old story that was at first whispered 70 Eve
in Paradise, but which has the pecuarity OF ap-
peariug new every time it is told. and was silly
enough to be very much interested in it. As MIR.
CLIFTON did not want to marry me-having had the
good taste to prefer my more attractive mamma, |
was obliged to take up with Frank