Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-02-17
MARRYING A FORTUNE.

MAXI YlNG A fURTUNE.
"Yes- I'll do it. Ralph, even if she is a
seraggy. worthless, hairless, dried up, yell
low, vinegar faced old maid. I'll marry
her or rather her fortune! - And so say
ing he leaned himself back in his chair and
commenced putting away as cooly at his
cigar As though marrying were the most
commonplace, uninteresting affair ever
dreamed of.
You speak quite confidently, young
man, returned his companion, perhaps
the lady in question won't have you. Don t
be to coneeited, if you haze been called ir-
resistable.
''Fiddlesticksl l guess my uncles fortune
is the most irresistible part to the New
York bellies, and am certain now that my
great expectations have passed away,
there isn't two of them ever remember as
sociating with me. l tell you Ralph, love
is all moonshine mere creature of the
fancy-for | never seen pretty girl yet
that could set my heart palpitating. Money
Is what the poor briefess lawyer like myself
wants, not love; its great deal more sub
stantial, too"
Don't doubt it; but | wouldn't be tied
to an old vixon for a consideration, respond
ed Ralph, and in my opinion, Bart you are a
fool if you heave yourself away. There,
nov, that advice is free gratis-no fee asked
only tell me the whole story"
Il can do that in few words. About
week ago saved fine looking but gouty
old gentleman from being upset out of his
carriage on Broadway. He was profuse in
his thanks, learned my name, said he knew
me by reputation, told me he was very
wealthy, with but one child, daughter,
and if | would run down to Sea View, where
be intended TO pass few weeks, he would
make match between me and her. Imod-
eStiy suggested that theiady in question might
object, but he'.insisted that she could not; she
was devoted to him and heart whole. There
1t is, -batim. | then made inquies of a
friend what kind of girl Mr.. Lafourn's
daughter vas, and they told me she was
scaegy old maid | have her in my minds
eye but it no draw back TU marry for
MONEY, and let her afterwards take to her
cats, just the same as she does now. That
all | am too lazy TO work And he re-
lapSed into profound silence, wondering Sc
cretly what time on the morrow A.r. La
tOuru and daught er would arrive
There, pa, you dear old goose, listen to
tie description of your Nell;" exclaimed
pretty little Nellie Lanfourn, arranging the
curtains so the Old gentleman could hear
The conversation on the piazza between the
two young gentleman just mentioned.
Contcund his impudence growled the
Old man, in a rage, bringing his cane down
ias''ly I'd like to see the wretch get my
money, even if he has get yor mixed up
With your aunt Lucille -
Slightly mixed up, isn't it, Pa? But
after all how much the picture is ike herr"
aaa she burst into merry little laugh, that
caused dozen little dimples to play hide
and seek around her cheeks and lips.
He may be blessed I'll send for him
this moment, and I'll-I'll-I'll II cane him
almost shouted the irate old gentleman.
No, indeed. you won't Pa you let me
MAJ age him, won't you, Pa? Let him
oome--let him imagine Lucille is your daugh-
ier and helress, and your niece, with no
expectations. Wen see how he will carry
himself"
Va the next day Mr. Albertin Cover
waited upon Mr. Laiourn, and was form
Aly introduced to Miss Lucille Cover He
inquired after the old gents health very af-
'eet'osately, ond soon became quite engross-
81 apparently, in the conversation that
started; but secretly he was cycling his in
tended bride, and he confessed to himself
mai the enthusiastic descriptions he
aal given his friend Ralph did not belle
Is'' scarcely do her justice. But just
.,'iTl de door opened, aud graceful young
'1ly' VIII great abundance of golden curls
ana very large brown eyes walked in.
Ny-my niece, Mr. Cover; Mr. Cover,
ms Lee, observed Mr.. Lafourn, and Miss
Lee aeknowledgedit with slight but never
- etdCclul DOW.
nj Tower was enraptured, aud the con-
ols' only made his bride de-expectant more
, ,.-''ulous however, he determined TO act
- part and, as chance presented itself,
, Hhlspered in modulated tones to Miss
--'i'e that he hoped to become better
@Gila'nted with her" though he hated him
", 'or 1t three minutes after, when he saw
s-'ss Lee mischief-looklng eyes resting up
=. nim' and realized that she had heard
nay after day he called, and proportion
sg ly ne 'eil 10 love With laughing Nell. aud
eN OUT with Miss Lucille while she became,
u" appearance, desperately enamored of him,
11 wrote him poetry by the sheet express
.4z ner everlasting affection" which he
sa'ed his friend Ralph. she meant to
an the otdness of her love, for he was
sure she was invented in Noah's ark,
tFain he tried to make love to Nell. She