Columbia democrat and star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1867, 1866-11-07
The Runaway Match.

|
some twenty miles distant from the market
town, peculiarly ugly and cross grained but
wealthy farmer.
Minnie was Danforth's only child, and re-
port said truly she would be his sole legatee.
| The old man was sturdy farmer and was
estimated to be worth full $4,000, at that
period handsome fortune. The sparkling
eyes and winning manners of Minnie had
stirred up the finer feelings of the whole
male portion of the village, and her suitors
were numerous, but her father was peculiar,
| and none succeeded in winning much head
way with him or her.
In the meantime Minnie had true loyal
lover in secret. Who would have supposed
that such a fellow dare to leok on beauty
and comparative refinement His name was
Walker, and he was simply farmer employ
ed by old Danforth, who had entrusted Joe
with the management of his place two or
three years. But very excellent farmer
and right good manager was this Joe Walk
er. lie was young, too, only twenty-three,
and he actually fell in love with this beauti-
ful Minnie Danforth, his employers daugh-
ter. But the strangest part of the occur
renee was that Minnie returned his love,
earnestly and frankly promised to wed him
at favorable time
Things went on merry for time, but old
Danforth discovered certain glances and at
tentiOns between them which excited his en-
Wy suspicious. Very soon afterwards Joe
learned the old mans mind in regard to his
future disposal of Minnie hand he quick
ly saw his case was hopeless one unless he
resorted to stratagem, so he set his wife at
once to work. By agreement, an apparent
ly settled dislike and coldness was observed
by the lovers for each other for six months,
and the father saw, as he believed, with sat
isfaction, that his previous fears had been
premature. Then by agreement also be-
tween them Joe absented himself from home
at evenings F; and night after night for full
three months longer did Joe disappear as
soon as his work was finished to return only
at late hour to bed. This was unusual,
and Danforth was determined to know the
cause of it.
joe frankly confessed that he was in love
with a mans daughter who resided less than
three miles distant, but after faithful at
tachment between them for months, the old
man utterly refused his application for the
young girls hand.
This satisfied him that he had made mis-
take in regard to his own child and he re-
solved to help Joe get married and thus to
stop all further trouble or suspicion at home
''Do you ike her %
''1es, sir-yes."
''Then marry her..
but can t-her father objects.
'Poh let him do so; what need you care.
Run away. with her -
''Elope ~
'Yes, off with you at once IF the gal
viii join, all right Marry her, bring her
here you shall have the cottage at the foot
of the lane I'll furnish it for you your
wages shall be increased, and the old man
may like it or not"
But
''No butts, Joe do as bid you so about
it at once, and"
''You will stand by me p
eyes, to the last l know Joe, you viii
make anybody good son or good hus-
band"
THE old fellow will be so mad, though. "
'Who cares? Go, now, quickly"
Tomorrow night then,'' said Joe.
"Yes."
I'm hire Clover's horse.
mo, you shan't'
81 say no. Take my horse-the best one
Young Morgan-he'n take you in fine
style in the new phaton."
''The old gentleman viii be astonished.' -
Never mind. go on. Well turn the laugh
on him. III take care of you and your wife
at any rate"
''I'll do it." said Joe.
''Youshall, 4" said Danforth and they par
ted in good spirits.
An hour after dark on the following eve
ming Joe made his appearance, dressed in |
new black suit, and really looked very come
ly. The old man hustled out to the barn
with him, helping him to harness Young
Morgan.
A few rods from the house he found Min |
ME as previously arranged, and repairing to
the village, the parson quickly made them |
one in holy wedlock. Joe took his bride |
and soon dashed back, and halted at old |
Danforth's house, who was already looking !
for him with open arms.
SIS it done ~
eyes," answered Joe.
Bring her in, 4" continued the old fellow, |
in high glee ''never mind compliments
here, " and the honest farmer rushed for |
lights, returning almost Immediately.
eyes, yes"
"And this is my wife," he added, as he