Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-01-10
The Runaway Match.

the town of P, pretty village some
twenty miles. distant from the market town,
peculiarly ugly and cross-grained but
wealthy farmer.
Minnie was Danforth's only child, and
report said truly she would be his sole leg
atee. The old man was a sturdy farmer
and was estimated to be worth full $40
GOO, at that period a 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 Roadway with him or her.
In the meantime Minnie had true 10y
al lover in secret. Who would have sup
posed that such fellow dare to look on
beauty and comparative refinement. His
name was Walker, and he was simply
farmer employed by old Danforth, who
had entrusted Joe with the management
o. his place two or three years. But a
very excellent farmer and a right good
manager was this Joe Walker He was
young, too, only twenty three, and he ac-
tually fell in love with this beautiful Min
ME Danforth, his employers daughter
But the strangest part of the occurrence
was that Minnie returned his love earnest
ly, and frankly promised to wed him at
favorable time.
Things went on merry for time, but
old Danforth discovered certain glances
and attentions between them which excited
his envy and suspicious. Very soon after
wards Joe learned the old mans mind in
regard to his future disposal of Minnie's
hand quickly saw his case was a hopeless
one unless he resorted to stratagem, so he
set his wits at once to work By agree
ment, an apparently settled dislike and
c9ldness was observed by the lovers for
each other for six months, and the father
saw, as he believed, with satisfaction, that
his previous fears had been premature
Then by agreement also between them Joe
absented himself from home at evenings
and night after night for full three months
longer, did Joe disappear as soon as his
work was finished, to return only at a
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 mans daughter who resided
less than three miles distant, but after a
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 he
resolved to help Joe get married and thus
to stop all futher trouble or suspicion at
home.
'Doyo like herr"
Eyes, sir-yes."
"Then marry her.
'sBut [ can't--her father objects"
-"Poh! let him do so; what need you
care. Run away with her"
'tElopeY'
eyes, off with you at once. IF the gal
will 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 I bid you SO
about it at once and"
You will stand by me p
.sYes to the last. | know, Joe, you will
make any body a good son or a good hus-
band"
''The old fellow will be so mad, though :"
"Who cares Go, now, quickly"
Tomorrow night Them said Joe.
Eyes"
s.Pll hire Clover's horse .
No, you shan't."
Il say no. Take my horse-the best
one-Young Morgan-he'll take you in
fine style in the new ph@ton."
1.-The old gentleman will be astonished. y
''Never. mind, go on. Wen turn the
laugh on him. III take care of you and
your wife at any rate"
.'I'll do it" said joe.
s'You SHALL" said Danforth and they
parted in good spirits.
An hour after dark on the following
evening Joe made his appearance, dressed
in new black suit, and really looked very
comedy. The old man hustled out to the
barn with him, helping him to harness
Young Morgan.
A few rods from the house he found
Minnie as previously arranged, and repair
ing to the village, the parson quickly male
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.
is it done p
eyes," answered Joe.
Bring her in continued the fellow,
in high glee; "never mind compliments
here" and the honest farmer rushed for
lights, returning almost Immediately.
Yes, yes"
"And this is my wife," he added. as he
passed up his beautiful bride, the bewitch-
ing and lovely Minnie.
What" roared the old man-'' what did
you say, JOEY william you scamp
you cheat-yOu-0