The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1868-07-25

AS the old man said this, he dellb
. rately knocked the ashes out Of his piI
against the pillars of the porch where L
was sitting, put it into his pocket. an
went into the house.
) Pretty Mary Bliffkins was waitin
to see her lover down at the garde
gate, their usual trysting place. Th
smiling light faded from her eve as sh
noticed his sober, discounted look.
Father means well,' she said, a
Luke told her the result of this applica
tion, "and am not sure but what h
is about right" she resumed after
thoughtful pause, "for it seems toMl
that every man, be he rich or poor
ought to have some occupation"
Then, as she noticed her lovers grav
look, she said softly:
"Never mind-I'llwait for you Luke.
Luke. Jordan euddenly disappeared
from his old haunts much to the sur
prise of his gay associates. But wher
ever he went, he carried with him, ir
his exile. these words, and which were
like a tower of strength to his soul, 'I'll
wait for you, Luke"
One pleasant sunshjny morn late in
October, as farmer Bliffkins was prop
ping up the grapevines in his front gard
en- that threatened TO break down with
the weight of its luxurious branches,
neat looking cart drove up, from which
Luke Jordan alighted, with a quick
elastic spring, quite in contrast to his
former easy leisurely movements.
"Good morning, Mr.. Blifkins, I un-
derstood that you wanted to buy some
cider barrels. I think I have some here
that will just suit you"
"Whose make are they" inquired the
old man, as, opening the gate, he paused
by the wagon.
"Mine," replied Luke with an air of
pardonable pride, "and I challenge any
cooper to beat them"
Mr. Bliffkins examined them critical
ly, one by one.
They'll do" he said coolly, as he
set down the last of the lot. What'll
you take for them p
"What I a.ked you for six months
ago to-day-your daughter, sir"
The rouyish twinkle in the old mans
ayes broadened into smile.
you've the right metal in you, after
Ill.," he cried, come in, lad-come; I |
houldn't wonder if we made trade,
fter ALL" r.....
Nothing 10th, Luke obeyed.
Mary tripped out into the entry. Her
odnd white arms were barred above the
lbows, and bore traces of the flour she
ad been sitting.
her dress was a neat gingham, over
'hich was tied blue check apron ; but
be looked as winning and lovely as she
lways did wherever she was found.
She blushed and smiled as she saw
luke, and then turning her eyes upon
er father, waited, dutitulIy, to hear
hat he had to say. The old man re-
arded his daughter for moment, with
peculiar look ard then said:
Mary, this young man-mayhap you
ave seen him before-has brought me n
1t of tubs and barrels, all of his own {
lake-a right good article too. He ]
SKIS heavy price for 'em, but if you t
'e willing to give it, well and good, and ,
ark ye, my girl, whatever bargain you !
AXE, your old father win ratify." :
AS MIR BliAkin said this he consid 1t
'ately left the room, and we follow his
,ample. But the kind Of bargain the a
oung couple made can be readily con- r
etured by the speedy wedding that O
lowed. Ii
! Luke Jordan, every year, on the an 9
versary Of his marriage, delights his {
ther-in-law by some specimens of the n
ndicraft by which he won what he t
clares to be the best and dearest wife d
the world