The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1868-01-17
FREMONT, SANDUSKY COUNTY, OHIO; FRIDAY, JAN

| AT Inc same tiIn6 dnOJneT nOte was pre-
pared and dispatched, reading thus:
"Mr John Hsmliue begs leave to inform
Mrs. Rich that he will call npon her on
/ Thursday evening, to consult her upon cer-
I tain matters that have come TO his knowl-
edge, intimately concerning the interests Of
Miss Helen Rich"
It'll be splendid SELL" the crony
declared, and the jokers were in high
glee.
So the letter went through the post
office.
John HamIine scratched his heal re-
iectively for moment, as he read the
missive addressed TO him, and then
turned to other business with the re-
mark:
al wonder what it's about wish
these women would do business as men
do, when they want lawyer; but it's
idle to expect that, | suppose.
Mrs. Rich read the note she received
with some surprise, aud natural feel
ling Of feminine curiosity and knowing
Mr.. Hamlipe's high standing as a law
yer, which was guaranty Of the i'm
portance of the matter, waited with
some impatience for Thursday evening
TO come. -
Thursday evening came, and brought
John Hamline TO the lsdy's door. He
Irung the bell, was shown into the par
lor, and sat with his hesrt humping in
a most annoying way, awaiting the en-
trance of the lady.
She entered, and John bowed awk-
wardly and blusbed violently.
"a pleasant evening" said Mrs Rich.
every pleasant" said John. 81 think
We shall have rain. It's about time We
had some" and he pulled out his watch,
with confused idea Of consulting that
article on the subject
A long pause. Then the lady spoke
again:
"This matter that concerns Hslen's
interest so nearly; l."
"Yes-quite curious, | assure you,"
said John,
Anything That affects my daughter,
of course affects me-"
"Oh, certainly Nothing more natur-
al"
Though the manner of announcing
the business is little out of the COM
mon way with lawye said Mrs. Rich,
gsyly, as if she meant it for piece of
pleasantly.
As such John received it.
"But quite womanly," he said, with
a laugh, if you'll permit me to say so.
Ladies don't do business exactly as men
do, generally"
"That is true," laughing in return,
"and will no doubt serve as an explans-
ton Of"
"Ob no explanation is needed, Mrs.
Rich-none at all"
81 was about to say"
81 beg you won't apologize, madam"
said John, very much distressed by the
prospect, and growing rapidly more
confused.
| Apologize, Mr.. 1amllne
mot at all-not at all"
81 meant to offer no apology, sir. /
do not perceive any occasion for an
apology"
"Not in the least," said John, more
and more abasbed, and looking at bis
watch again for assistance.
"If you will be kind enough to pro-
ceed to business, Mr.. HsmliDe-"
81 shall be happy to do So" said
John, assuming an attitude Of respect
full attention.
Mrs. Rich stared at him with unfeign-
ed astonishment. Was the man crazy
"Will you be 80 good as to inform
me what the matter is which concerns
my daughter 80 nearly ~
1t was now Johns turn to stare.
Precisely what | came here to
learn" he cried.
"You speak in riddles, Mr.. Hsmliue.
When received your note"
'sMy note! have sent no note to
you, Mrs. Rich"
The lady arose to her feet John also.
Mrs. Rich touched bell. A servant
came.
"Go up and ask Miss Helen for the
note that came from Mr.. Hsmliue," she
said.
John took note from his pocket,
with new light breaking over his face.
"Allow me to ask you, Wrs. Rich,
if you sent me this :"
Mrs. Rich glanced at it, and returned it.
al did no.," she said.
"Then it is the work of some practical
JOKER" said John. "That is very plain"
The door opened, and Helen Rich
entered, radiant with beauty that sent
the blood rushing to young Hamline's
head. She brought the letter for which
the servant had been dispatched.
Notwithstanding the mothers excite
ment, the breeding Of the lady prevail
ell, aud Mrs. Rich introduced Mr.. Ham,
line to her daughter
She handed him the note.
"A forgery" said he Immediately.
Both these letters are the ~ork of the
same rascally hand"
At first Indignation prevailed; but to
this succeeded realization of the ludic-
rous aspect of the affair, which recalled
all their good nature, and in few
minutes they were laughing heartily,
while John Hsmline, forgetting to be
bashful, fired volley of bon mots. And
by-and-by, when he left them, he said,
." really feel quite in forgiviug
mood toward the scamp who got up
this joke-and | thinEI know who It
lis-for he has been the means of in
Producing me to an acguaintanceship
which | might otherwise never have
formed, and which | find most agree
able"
Indeed, | share your mood" said
Mrs. Rich.
("And so do |, !" said Helen.1
"-And | hope you will come again
to see us, Mr.. Hamline-soon aud often.
We shall always he happy to see you."
And so they were. But by and by,
somehow it happened that Mrs. Rich
did not feel'a as if John cared SO much
for her society that he could not endure
to I've left alone with Miss Helen. So
she tested the question, and left them
alone together sd much that one day
John lIamline asked permission TO he
left with Helen for the remainder Of
| his life.