The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-04-08


attempt on the part OF the horse to run
away, Interrupted him, Miss Dove
turned pale. Bachelor Brown looked
terrified, lie cast glance about hun
Near the road was parsonage, connect
ol with its church by garden.
81 tell you what we'll do" he said
" Wen ask for shelter until the storm
is over. A Clergyman ought to be
Christian enough to tax US in."
And driving to the gate, he assisted
Miss Dove to alight. As he did 50, two
hired men rushed out, aud began to ut
tend to the horse aud vehicle, aud an
old lady aud gentleman appeared upon
the steps.
so glad you're early enough to es-
cape the worst Of the storm" said the
gentleman.
"Do come in" said the old lady
We were expecting you; for, on such
occasl'n MS, people always keep their ap
poiutments, rain or sunshine, believe"
"What on earth docs she mean 2" said
Bachelor Brown. But it's very kind
Of them;" and so, while the old lady
hurried Miss Dove away to dry her
things, he sat with the old clergyman
in the parlor.
"Do you feel at all nervous, sir 2"
said the old gentleman, att.r pause.
"No, sir, thank YOU" said Bachelor
Brown.
"Most men do, SIR said the clergy
man.
Yes, lightning is nervous sort of
thing" said Bachelor Brown.
81 did not allude to the storm"
Indeed, sir"
But to the approaching ceremony"
"Eh 7" said Bachelor Brown.
=" In your note, you know, you told
me that you were too nervous to stand
before the whole congregation in church,
and preferred a quiet wedding at my
house, said the old man.
Bachelor Brown stared at him in as.
constituent. The truth dawned upon
him.
You expected a-young couple?"
he said.
"Oh, you are quite young enough,
sir, said the lnnoc ut clergyman. And
| must say the young lady seems a very
charming person" D"
Bachelor Brown felt himself blush.
SHOULD you think she'd make a good
wifel" he asked.
"Undoubtedly," said the clergyman.
"And you think man is-huppier
-ior-eutering the nuptial state p he
inquired.
mo man can be happy without so
doing, and it is every man 5 duty" said
the old gentleman, believing every word
he said
She is dear little thing" thought
Mr.. Brown to himself. 81 never liked
girl SO much It's very awkward to
explain wonder whether"
"And just then Miss Dove entered the
room, looking angelic without her bon.
net, to Mr.. Brown 81 have something
to say to you, Miss Dove" he said.
Dear me" said Miss Dove.
They've made mistake" said
Bachelor Brown. They think we've
we are-are people they expect. A
-a--young couple, you know, about
| to"
"Oh, dear, do they" whispered Miss
Dove.
"Yes, said Bachelor Brown. Now,
it would be very awkward for me to ex
plain; and | like you SO much
Couldn't you like me, too, and let him
do it?-eh?"
"Do what, Mr. Brown said Aman
da.
MARRY us, said Bachelor b."
"Of course ,ot," said Amanda
"What would the Hinkles say2'
THEY'D be delighted, said Richard
growing bolder. Then he put his arm
around her waist.
II don't know much about this sort
OF thing; but you are the only nice girl
| ever saw. Please do I'm not such
bad fellow. III be good to you"
know you are good" said Amanda; /;
hbut-"
But then Tn ugly eh?" said
Richard.
"Ah, no,-not at all.
"Well"
at would be so odd"
swell, said Bachelor Brown. "that's
my fault, aud they know Tn odd, my
dear"
Four hours after, the Hinkles heard
the light wagonctte drive to the door.
aud rushed out to greet Amanda.
We've been SO alarmed" said Mrs,
Hinkle.
But Amanda said nothing.
Uncle Richard, too, shrank, as thoagh
he was atrai OF something.
"Tell 'em, Amanda, he said
"No, you tell them, Richard, said
Amanda
The Hinkles listened in amazement.
"What is there to tell y asked Mrs.
Hiukle. "What is all this mystery
about p
And Cousin Richard answered, sheep
ishly:
Nothing, only we've been getting
marriel. This is my wife, Mrs. Brown"
1t was the OILY explanation ever Of.
iered. The Hiuklcs never comprehend
ed 1t. II WAS always mystery to themj
aud though they were proiusc in their
congratulations, and always continued
the best Of friends, the fortune which
might have been Roses, or Adelaidc's,
rather troubled Mrs. Hinkle; aud she
always declared 10 secret family coun-
ellis, that she was perfectly sure Uncle
Richard married out Of spite, to punish