American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1868-01-11
MR.. BROWNS MIsHAPs.

MR. BROWNS MIsHAPs.
Mr.. Eliphalet Brown was bach,
elor of thirty-tive or thereabcut, one
of those men who seem to I've born to
pass through this world alone. Save
this popularity there was nothing to
distinguish Mr.. Brown from the mul-
titude of other Browns, who are born,
grow up and die in this world of
ours.
1t chanced that Mr.. Brown had
occasion to visit town some fifteen
miles distant, on matters of business.
1t was his first visit to the town, and
he proposed stopping for a day, in
order TO give himself an opportunity
to look about.
Walking leisurely along the street,
he was all at once accosted by child
of five, who ran up to him, exclaim-
ing:
Father, l want you to buy me
some more candy"
Father " was it possible that
he, a bachelor, was addressed by that
title?
He could not believe it.
"Who are YOU speaking to, my
dear !" he inquired of the little girl.
II spoke to you, father" said the
little one surprised.
Really, thought Mr.. Brown, this is
embarrassing.
81 am not your father, my DEAR"
he said, "what is your name 7"
The child laughed heartily, evi.
IDENTITY thinking it a good joke.
"What a funny father you are
she said; "but You are going to buy
me some candyf
Yes, yes, will buy you a pound
ifyOu wont call me father any more;"
said Brown nervOusly.
The little girl clapped her hands
with delight, the promise was all
that she remembered.
Mr.. Blown preceded to a confec-
tionery store, and actually bought
ponnd of candy, which he placed in
the hands of the little girl.
In coming out of the store they en-,
countered the child's mother.
"Oh, MOTHER" said the little girl,
".just see Ii Nv much candy father has
bought for me-"
You shouldn't have bought her
so much at a time, Mr.. JONES'" said !
the lady, g. am afraid that she will
make herself sick. But how did yOu
happen to get home so quick did
not expect You till night
"Mr. jones' ! |, madam" said the
Mr.. Brown, ''it'S all a
mistake. l amt Jones at all-it is mt
my name, | am Eliphalet Brown, of
W, aud this is the first time l
ever came to this city"
Good heavens, Mr.. Jones what
las put this silly tale into your head!
You have concluded to change your
lame have YOU! Perhaps it S your
Intention to change your wife :"
Mrs. Jones' tone was defiant and ,
his only tended to increase Mr..
Browns embarrassment.
81 haven't any wife, madam;
lever had any. On my word as !
| never was married" ,
And do YOU intend tn palm this
ale off upon me 2" said Mrs. Jones, ,
With excitement. "If you are not
married, I'd like to know who am?" ,
81 have no doubt but you are
most respectable lady" said Mr.. =,
Brown, ''and | conjecture fIom what
ou have said, that your name is ,
[ones, but mine is Brown. madam, =
nd always was"
Melinda" said the mother, sud
enly taking her child by the arm, $
nd leading her up to Brown, "Me- .
nda, who is this gentleman 2" :
Why, that's father" was the y
hld's immediate reply, as she con- !
dinghy placed her hand in his. .
You hear that, gones, do you 7 :.
ou hear what the innocent child =
avs, aud yet You have the unblush- :
" impudence to DEFY that you are j,
" husband The voice of nature :
Deaking through the child, should I
you. I'd like to know if :,
on are not her father, why are YOU y
nying candy for herl 1would like :,
, have You answer that : But | sup I
OSe YOU never saw her before in =
our life" +
al never did. On my honor, / .
ever did. l told her | wOuld give .
rr some candy if she wouldn't call :,
e father any more" !,
"You did, did youl Bribe your !,
lild not TO call you father : oh, =
Dnes this is infamous! Do You i'll = =
nd to desert me, sir, and leave me 4
} the cold charities of the world ! !,
nd this is your first stepl" "
Mrs. Jones was so overcome thst ,