The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-02-20
A QUEER COURTSHIP.

CHRISTMAS with nlm, ana merry time We
had passed. Christmas had gone, and our
visit had been protracted long beyond cur
original Intentions
Uncle Richard, and his wife, aunt Jen-
ole, were great taVorites with US. They
had no children of their own, and were
always glad to have young people visit
them, and happy enough were We to
avail ourselves Of the privilege.
On the night in question, after tea was
finished, we were gathered ia the sitting
room. Aunt Jennie was sitting by the
table on which rested the lamp, sewing,
and uncle was gazing abstractedly into the
fire, listening to the storm as it howIed
around the house and shook it to its foun-
dation.
"What fearful night" said aunt
Jennie, after long silence. 81 was just
thinking how we should make it pleasant
for you, my dears, What shall We do ?"
81 have it," said l, quickly, "uncle
Richard shall tell US story
ga story" said my uncle, looking up
from the fire, 81 am afraid | will have to
refuse you, Nellie; l have no talent for
storytelling"
awe can't let you off," I exclaimed
GA story we must have, uncle. Tell US
one of your own adventures. You know
you have been perfect Sinbad, in ad-
ventures"
! Uncle Richard scratched his head and
laughed.
How would you like love story" he
asked.
the very thing above all others Let
u have one by all MEANS" was the unan
imous reply.
"Well, then" he sail, with comical
g'ance at aunt jennie, "I'll tell you now
| won my wife,"
"Now, Richard" began aunt Jennie,
blushiug.
"Never mind my DEAR" said my uncle
'tt will interest them, ,and give them some
hints by which they may profit hereafter
he added.
Uncle Richard stirred the fire, aud then
seating himself comfortably in the chair,
tod US his story.
| "YOu must know, my dear children, that
when | was young man was what is
generally termed very fast l don't
think was as bad as many young men
or even as the majority of them but
nevertheless, was looked upon by good
steady people as dangerous companion
for their sons. | was not long in acquir-
ing this reputation, and it clung to me
long after | deserved it. | began tomend
my ways when was about twenty-five, ,buv
was more than thirty before got credit
for being better man, and it was during
this time [ first met your aunt. 1t was
a case Of love at first sight; something
by the wav, of which you young ladies
are fond of hearing, but which I am pow
erless to explain. 1t was real honest,
true love, though, aud she was worthy of
| it."
Uncle Richards eyes wandered over to
where his wife was sitting, and meeting
there an answering smile wandered back
to the fire, and he went on.
owe first met at party, after that
very frequently. I determined to be a
better man and fit myself for the new life
to which aspired. Jenny saw my efforts
and encouraged them. Her father how
ever did not believe in my good intentions
and when he found wanted to marry bis
daughter, he was very severe Oh me. |
had hard time with him before ! was
married, but after [ became his son-in-law
l never had better; truer friend. The
old man is gone now, w,and hope is happy
"The old man had been a soldier in the
war of 1872, and carried his military dis.
cipline into his family, where he was very
strict. He was, in addition to this. an
elder in the Presbyterian church, and was
not at all disposed to regard my shortcom-
ings with leniency One morning | was
sitting in my Office getting ready to go
into court, when in walked old Major
Shorter.
"Good morning, Major" said I, ''taka a
seat"
"He returned my greeting, and took
chair He sat there for at least FIVE min
utes, regarding ne with fxedness that
made me feel uncomfortable. When he
had finished his inspection be placed his
stick in front of him, and leaned his chin
on it, looking at me steadily, and saying
in an abrupt manner:
Orchard Sturgis, / have called this
morning on matter which is unpleasant
to me, and which we had better settle at
once Tel! me frakIy what is your mo,
tivein visiting my daughter SO frequently?'
''To be frank with you, Major Shorter,
am very anxious to make her my wife. "
"Humph!" !" muttered the old man
shortly, 81 thought So | suppose you
intended to speak to me about the mat
ter ?"