Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-06-11
THE RUNAWAY MATCH.

A great many years since, when bright-eyed
and fair-haired lasses were not so plentiful as
they are now, there dWelt in the town Of P,
pretty village some twenty miles distant from
the market town, a peculiarly ugly and cross
gained, 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 esti-
mated to be worth full $40, 900, 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 win
ming much headway with him or her. ss
In the meantime Minnie had true loyal low
er in secret. Who would have supposed that
such fellow dare to look on beauty and COM
parative refinement. His name was Walker
and he was simply farmer employed by old
Danforth, who had entrusted Joe with the
management of his place two or three years.
But very excellent farmer and a right good
manager was this Joe Walker He was young,
too, only twenty three, and he actually fell in
love with this beautiful Minnie Danforth, bis
of the occurrence 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 atten.
tions between them which excited his envy and
suspicious Very soon afterwards Joe learned
the old mans mind in regard to his future dis
posal of Minnie hand: he quickly saw his
case was hopeless one unless he resorted to
stratagem, SO he set his wits at once to work.
By agreement, an apparently settled dislike and
coldness was observed by the lovers for each
other for six months, and the father saw, as be
ho1,a fIc4o hok
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 j oe 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 mans daughter who resided less than
three miles distant, but after faithful attach.
ment between them for months, the old man
had utterly refused his application for the
young girls hand. -aef
This satisfied him that he had made a mis-
take in regard to his own child, and he resolved
to help Joe get married and thus to stop all
further trouble Or suspicion at home.
ssDo you like her?''
eyes, sir-yes. -
"Then marry her.
sBut can t-her father Objects 5t .a-
"Poh let him do so; what need you care.
Run away with her.
''Elope?'
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 i Or
not. y r
HRut-',
s'No butts, Joe; do ss I bid you; so about it
at eaae and -
"You will stand by me?'' -
ssYes to the last. [ know, Joe, you will
make anybody good son or good husband. -
'sThe old fellow will be so mad, though" a
tsWho cares? Go, now, quickly"
Tomorrow night then, said Joe.
"Yes.o
''I'll hire Clover's horse.''
IN "No, you shan't."
Il say no. Take my horse-the best one
Young Morgan Il take you in fine style in
the new ph@ton. y
saThe old gentleman will be astonished"
Never mind, go on. Well turn the laugh
on him. Ill take care of you and your wife at
any rate: y
'I'll do it, said Joe
"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 comely 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 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.
''Is it done p -
''Yes," answered Joe f
Bring her in,' continued the fellow, in high
glee; "never mind compliments here" and
the honest farmer rushed for lights, returning
almost Immediately.
'sYes, yes" e---
Sand this is my wife," he added, as he
passed up his beautiful bride, the bewitching
and lovely Minnie.
What roared the old man-"what did