Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1869-12-30

dancing to this moment, had not his sister
by certain whispered Establishments, in
which tbs word pudding was plainly
audible, persuaded him TO leave off, and
finally got him to bed. @&46t
4 The youthful Todds about this time be-
gan to show signs Of WEAKNESS, and were
| with some difficulty induced to retire to
rest, johnny Todd with the inestimable
! pigs tail Under his pillow. The remainder
of the party gathered around the fire, and
chatted quietly. AIr. Brown seemed to
have suddenly grown silent since the
children's departure. At last, after pause
in the conversation, he said suddenly
"Mr Todd-Tve q proposition to make to
you. Don't go, Miss Milly-what I'm 60
ing to say concerns you too. This lady
and gentleman are friends of the family,
and | don 't:mind speaking before them.
Mr. Todd, I'm not young man-I've been
knocked about good deal in my time,
and mean, If can, to have a little com.
fort in my old years SO I'm looking out
for wife, and haven't seen any young
lady SO much to my liking as Miss Milly
there"
AT this startling announcement Milly
turned red and pale by turns, Charley
Collins clenched his fists, and looked un-
utterable things; and Miss Pinnifer be-
came perfectly rigid, with only energy
enough to turn up her eyes to thu 'eiling,
and to murmur iii heartbroken accents,
"Crucl-kerrewel mani"
John Todd attempted to speak, but Mr..
Brown continued
"Hear me out, please and then give
what answer you like. Pm not young
man, as ! said before, but I'm easy going,
and believe I should make a good hus-
band. I've worked hard in my time, but
I've made twenty thousand pounds, and
now don't intend to work any more, but
just to enjoy myself. My wife will have
good time of 1t, mind YOU Balls, con-
certs, parties, if she likes EN-, she shall
have 'em, and that's all about it. Now,
Miss Milly, what do you say Will you
be an old mans darling?" s
"Mr. Brown" John Todd began, but
Milly interrupted. ffE.
mo, father, let me speak. Mr.. Brown,
| thank you for your offer, and don't
doubt it's kindly meant. But I've given
my heart away already las you might
have guessed tonight and can't give it
twice"
Iknow, know" said Mr.. Brown sadly,
But it's weary waiting, Milly, all through
the long years, and boy-andIgirl fancy
soon dies away"
"Ours isn't q boy -and girl fancy, then,
Mr.. Brown, for I'm quite sure it'll never
die away. Never, never never! Wilt,
Charleyy" Charley did not trust himself
to speak; but a warm pressure Of the hand
answered Milly we'll enough.
Don't decide in a hurry, Miss Milly.
There are many things to think about,
you know your father, now. He ought
not to work as he does, at this time of
life, and his eyes are falling already. Now
If you'll marry me, your father shall have
good house over his head nice little
cottage in some quiet country place, and
need never do stitch Of WORK again
And the boys shall haye good schooling
and fair start in business It's worth
thinking of, my dear" .lBlr.41o
Poor Milly felt utterly miserable, She
had not the smallest idea Ct wavering, but
Mr. Brown had artfully contrived that by
being faithful to her true love, she should
appear to deprive her father and brothers
of host of blessings, all Of which it was
in her power to bcstow She could only
sob out
sits very cruel" and burst into tears.
John Todd had made repeated efforts to
speak, but now he broke out in tone
that bore down all interruption
"Mr. Brown, for the kindness we've re-
ceived from you, I'm obliged; and l don't
go from it, But Tn not obliged, sir, by
you" coming into my house, and trying to
steal away my daughters affections from
a young man as truly loves her. 1t amt
fair, it amt manly, it amt honorable.
And when you go and try to work upon
| her feelings along of her old father, that
she'd give her right hand for, it's mean
and cruel ana cowardly, that Is what it is.
And tell you what, sir--l wouldn't take
another kindness at your hands, no, not it
was starving. I'm creaky old man, sir,
know | am; and my sights failing, rs
you say but I've work in me yet, thank
God, and I'll work my fingers to the bone
before II! bid child Of mine marry for
money without love" .9
And perhaps you ii lei me say word,
| Mr.. Brown interposed Charley Collins.
ut amt much, it's only a matter of opin-
ion, and it'll relieve my mind. It's my
opinion, sir, that you're canting, two.
face |, hypocritical old humbug~
"Ill trouble you to say that over again
presently, young man." said Mr. Brown,
, who seemed to recover his cheertulness
under abuse at might be useful, if |
wanted character, you know. Well,
Mr.. Todd, then that's your answer, is ity'
at is so, sir" said John Todd, with
great decision. w
"And yours, Miss Milly?'
Mily's reply was of a rather remark
able description. She quietly turned