Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1869-02-25

Dbl,
as live. Remarkable change in his handwriting
but time alters US all Haven't heard from hin
in twenty years-hallo! what is this e? A pretty
cool request upon my word-nephew wants wife
and has heard that possess daughter-has lot
of money wants me to aid him in my we'll known
experience Of such matters. What does the ole
rascal mean?' calculated the old man, his fringe
of gray hair that surrounded his bald head stand
ing absolutely erect with indignation. 'Tn sent
Jefers 10 kick the impudent young scamp out O
the house."
But With moments reflection came calmness
"Well, after all, don't see what there is in th'
matter to make me so fooishly angry. Guess II
see what Mary says An excellent family thes,
Chesters-and this letter, is just like Zebedet
Chester-he was always singular in his notion
Rather unlike the ordinary method Of coming t
an understanding in such matters, but there il
nothing like dash of originality in this world
and if the boy is rich and Mary don't object-at
all events TN see him on the subject"
And Jabez Thorne thrust the letter into hi
pocket and strobe determinedy into the parlol
where young Lacy was quietly awaiting his appear
ance. The old gentleman's face was scarlet viii
embarrassment; he was half disposed to be angry
at his guests cool sch. possession.
II had thought of settling in this vicinity, Mr.;
Thorne," said Jack, after the ceremonies of greet
ing had been exchanged, "and understanding from
my uncle that you had adesirable piece Of proper
ty that you might be disposed to part With
sPiece of property |" said the old gentleman
beginning to fire up again but be controlled hiG
emotion, and only answered. .:..:.'..
Really, sir, this is strong request One car
hardly be expected to answer definitely upon SC
short notice." g..
Certainly, Mr. Thorne, I have no wish to hur
ry you, said Jack, politely; but I'm rather anx
ions to do for myself, and if you would favor me
with brief description Of the prominent features
Of"
But Mr.. Thorne was fdgeing uneasily in his
chair.
s!"What do you mean, sir2" he exclaimed wrath
fully. ..
Jack was rather perplexed at his cavalier recep,
ton, but he answered as courteously as possible -
+"Why, sir, Of course it is not best to be precip
itate on matter of such Importance
"If this is fair specimen of the rising genera
tion,'" thought the indignant Jabez, "they are
about as impudenta set of jackanapes as want tc
see. But owe something to my long friendship
With old Zebedee-I won't turn the puppy out Of
doors quite yet"
''I suppose it is healthy2" asked Mr.. Lacy,
blandly.
'What is healthy?"
"Your property. Sometimes, in these low
grounds, diseases are apt to prevail, and"
''Does he suspect my Mary has the fever and
ague?" thought old Thorne, leaping briskly out oi
his chair as though an insect had stung him.
'I'll send my daughter to you, young gman-that
viii settle the business at once"
"And before be could suppress his surprise, his
choleric host had banged the door behind him and
disappeared.
Mary Thorne's astonishment was even greater
than that of her father. She was attired in white
muslin, with boquet of crimson moss rosebuds ii
her bosom, and spray of the same exquisite flow
ers in her hair, for some rural party picnic and
at first absolutely refused to enter the parlor
"What an ideal" she exclaimed, blushing tc
the very tips of those tiny shell like ears 'Tt
be put on exhibition like one of your prize cattle
No, indeed! Let the young man 60 back where
he came from. A pretty impression he must have
of the ladies of this quarter Of the globe"
"But, my love, Zebedee Chester is one of my
oldest friends, and the young man is really fine
locking fellow, and rich into the bargain. Go ii
and talk to him little while, that's a good girl
l can't stand it minute longer"
And old Jabez wiped his forehead, on which
perspiration was standing in big beads. Mary
burst into an uncomfortable fit of laughter.
s'The whole affair is 80 ridiculous p she ex
claimed.
But she adjusted the moss roses, nevertheless
and tripped demurely into the parlor.
"Now, if there was determined point in Jacl
Lacy character, it was his aversion to women il
general; and if there was any one thing in which
he prided himself it was his old bachelorism. I'm
agine his vexation and dismay, therefore, when
after formal introduction, old Mr.. Thorne with
drew, leaving him tete-a-tete with the pretty crea
ture in white muslin and roses. 1t was embarras
sing every time he looked at her, and she evincet
an exceeding great disposition to laugh.
"Well, thought Jack, the manners and customs
of this locality are rather odd, to say the least
lit. come to consult an old gentleman about pur
chasing land Of him, and he bounces out of th'
room and sends in his daughter. What on eartf
am going to say to her, Tdhke to know ?"
And Mary, glanoing silly in the direction of he
companion came to the conclusion that he hat
''beautiful Spanish eyes," and moustache deci
dedly superior in style to the hirsute adornment
of the young gentlemen of Thornville.
Mr.. Lacy looked up at the ceiling and down a
the carpet, and wondered what the consequence
would be were he to escape incontinently by th'
open French window. That would not be digni
fed proceeding, however; so he resigned himsel
to destiny by making some original remarks on tn
weather. 1t had the much desired effect of break
ing the ice, however, and he was greatly surprises
at the vivacity of Miss Thorne. Only once did sh
seem confused; it was when she had been descri
bipg fine grove of cedars that belonged to he
fathers land, regretting, at the same time, that
contemplated selling it.
II believe I should like to become purchaser,
said Jack. 'Your father has informed you tina
had some idea of settling here
Mary grew scarlet and murmured some iucoher
ent sentence or other, the conversation was effect
ually checked, and Jack, perple1ed at the effect
for which he could perceive no really visible cause
rose to take leave
"Will you mention to your father, Miss Thorne
that shall call to see him tomorrow morning :?
he inquired.
All the roses in Mr.. Thorne's garden could ne7
! >