Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-12-13
MISCELLANY.
A QUEER coURTSHIP.

Il vas wild winters night, and we, six in
number, were seated around genial bright
fire in my uncle's cozy sitting-room. We had
come from our homes to spend Christmas with
him, and merry time we had passed. Christ
mas had gone, and our visit had been protract-
cd far beyond our original intentions.
Uncle Richard and his wife, Aunt Jenny,
were great favorites with us. They had no
children of their own, and were always glad to
have any young people to visit them, and hap"
py enough were we to avail ourselves OF the
privilege
On the night in question, after tea was tin'
ished. we were gathered in the sittIng-rootn,
Aunt Jenny was sitting by the table on which
rested the lamp, sewing and Uncle Richard
was gazing abstractedly into the fire, and list
ening TO the storm as it bowled around the
house. and shook it to its foundations.
"What fearful night" said Aunt Jenny,
after long silence. 81 was thinking Just now
how we should make it pleasant Tor you, my
dears What shall we do?"
81 have it" said |, quickly; " Uncle Richard
shall tell us a story"
A story" said my uncle looking up from
tie fire. Il am afraid shall have to refuse
y L
We can't let you of" | exclaimed. "a
story we must have uncle. Tell US one of your
own adventures You know you have been
a perfect Sinbad in adventures.
Uncle Richard scratched his head and laugh
ed
"How would you like love story?" he
asked.
1.-The very thing. Let us have one, by all
means" was the unanimous reply.
Well. then" he said, with a comical glance
at Aunt Jenny, "Ill tell you how won my
wife"
Now, Richard" began Aunt Jenny, blush
ing.
.sNevcr mind, my dear" said my uncle, /" it
will interest them, and" he added with
laugh, " it may give them some hints by which
they may profit hereafter"
Uncle Richard stirred the fire, and then set
tling himself comfortably in his chair, told us
his story.
Yon must know, my dear children, that
when was a young man was what is gener-
ally termed very fast don't think was
as bad as many young men, or even as the ma
ioritv of them; but nevertheless | was looked
upon by good, steady people, as a dangerous
cHmpanion for their sons, | was not long in
ACQUIRING this reputation, and it clung to me
long after deserved it. | began to mend my
wavs when was about twenty-five, but was
more than thirty before got credit for being
better man. and it was during this time that
/ first met your aunt. 1t was case of love at
first sight; something, by theway, of which
vouvoung ladies are fond ofhearing, but which
| am pow erless tn explain. 1t was real, honest,
true love. though and she was worthy of it"
Uncle Richards eyes wandered over to where
his wife was sitting. and meeting there an an
Swerl smile, wandered back to the fire, and
he went on.
We first met at party, and after that very
frequently. I determined to be better mar,
md to fit myself for the new life to which
spired. Jenny saw my efforts and encouraged
them. Her father however did not believe in
my gcol intentions, and when he found | want
el TO marry his daughter, was very severe on
me. had hard time with him before was
married. but after | became his S n-n-law,
n .ver had better, truer friend. The old man
Is gone now, and hope he is happy,
The old gentleman had been soldier in the
War of 1912, and had carried his military dis
ipline into his family, where ne was very strict
He was. in addition to this, an elder in the
PRESBYTERIAN Church, and was not at all dis
posed to regard any shortcomings with lenien-
". One morning was sitting in my office.
getting ready to go into court, when in walked
I'D Major Shorter.
Good morning, Major" said l, "take
seat"
He returned my greeting, and took the chair
20 which pointed. He sat there FIR at least
FIVE minutes, regarding me with a fxedness
that made me feel uncomfortable. When he
had finished his inspection. be placed his stick
in front Of him, and leaning his chin on it.
looked at me steadily, and said in an abrupt
manner:
"Richard Sturgis, have called this morning
IN matter which is unpleasant to me. and
which we had better settle at once. Tell me
frankly what is your motive in visiting my
laughter so freluently2'
"To be frank with you, Major Shorter"
replied bcllly, l am very anxious to make
her my wife"
"Hnmphp muttered the old man, shortly,
" / thought so. suppose you intended to
speak TO me ablut this matter2" =
a did, sir, but not for some time yet"
"Well, then, you may save yourself any
further trouble about it, for I'll give you my
answer now You can't have her"
II rose to my feet in astonishment."
" ! suspected your motives" continued Mai.
Shorter, "and thought it best to come here
and let you understand the matter before it is