The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-22

the very middle of the room with funereaI
expression of countenance, and OCCASION
ally tumbling over one or other of the
young Todds, who had rather indefinite no
tions of dancing, and were good deal in
the way. But he didn't mind, not he: he
picked himself up and went at it again as if
nothing had happened. One by one the
dancers stopped, exhausted and at last the
fiddle stopped, too but Miss Pinnifers
brother still continued to dance without q
smile on his countenance, and without any
apparent intention of ever leaving off. Indeed,
/ think it highly probable that he would have
continued dancing to this moment, had not
has sister, by certain whispered Establishments,
in which the word pudding was plainly au-
dible, persuaded him to leave off. and finally
got him to bed.
The youthful Todds about this time began
to show signs of weariness, and we're with
some difficulty induced to retire TO rest.
Johnny Todd with the inestimable pigs tail
under his pillow. The remainder of the party
gathered round the fire, and chatted quietly.
Mr.. Brown seemed to have suddenly crown
silent since the children's departure. At last
after pause in the conversation, he said sud
denly-"Mr. Todd, I've a proposition to make
to you Don't go, Miss Nilly-what I'm
going to say concerns you too. This lady and
gentleman are friends of the family, and
don't mind speaking before them Mir. Todd.
m not young man-Ive been knocked
about good deal in my time, and mean, il
/ can, to have little comfort 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 unutterablc
things; and Miss Pinnifer became perfectly
rigid, with only energy enough to turn up her
eyes to the ceiling and to murmur in heart
broken accents, 'Cruel-kerrewel man !"
John Todd attempted to speak, but Mr..
Brown continued
Hear me out, please; and then give me
what answer you like. I'm not young man,
as said before, but I'm easy-going, and I
believe l should make good husband. I've
worked hard in my time, but / have made
twenty thousand pounds, and now don't in
tend to work any more, but just to enjoy
myself. My wife will have good time of it,
mind you Balls concerts, parties, if she
likes EN-, she shall have EN-, and that's all
about it. Now, Miss NTilly, what do you say E?
Will you be an old mans darling ?"
MIR. Brow ohm Todd began, but Milly
interrupted
"No, 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 Gas you might have guessed to-
nlSnt) ana can give IL Twice.
Il know, know, said Mr.. Brown, sadly
''But it's weary waiting, Milly all through the
long years, and boy -and-girl fancy soon dies
away.
ours isn't boy-and-girl fancy, then, Mr.
Brown, for I'm quite sure it'll never die
away. Never, never never Will it,,Char-
ley?" Charley did not trust himself to speak.
but warm pressure of the hand answered
Milly well enough.
Don't decide in hurry Miss Milly. There
are many things to think about you know;
your father, now. He oughtnt to work as he
does, lat his time of life and his eyes are fail
ing already. Now, if you'll marry me, your
father shall have good house over his head.
nice little cottage in soma
quiet country place, and need never do 4
stitch of work again. And the boys shall
have good schooling and fair start in bust
ness It's worth thinking of, my dear"
Poor Milly felt utterly miserable. She had
not the smallest idea of 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 il was in her power to
bestow. She could only sob OUT
Its very cruel, and burst into tears.
John Todd had made repeated efforts to
speak, but now he broke out in a tone that
bore down all Interruption
ceived from you, I'm obliged and don't go
from it. But I'm not obliged, sir, by your
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 and cowardly, that's what
it is. And ] tell you what, sr-I wouldn't
take another kindness at your hands, no, nos
if was was starving. I'm a creaky old man,
sir, know am; and my sights failing, as
you say; but I've work in me yet, thank God
and I'll work my fingers to the bone before
Ill bid child of mine marry for money with
ont love"
'And perhaps you'll let me say q word, M.
Brown, interposed Charley Collins. 1T
amt much, it's only a matter of opinion, aid
it'll relieve my mind. It's my opinion, sr,
that you're canting, two-faced, hypocrittab
old humbug.'
IN trouble you to say that over again,
presently, young man, said Mr.. Brown, Who
seemed to recover his cheerfulness ulder
abuse. ''It might be useful, if 1 wantd
character, you know. Well, Mr.. Todd, hen
that's your answer, is it?"
1T is so, sir" said John Todd, with ireat
decision.
And yours, Miss Milly;"
Millys reply was of a rather remarkable
description She quietly turned rohd to-
Charley Collins, and put her arms roud his
neck.
"And yours, Miss Pinnifer. Ibegbardon,
l quite forgot hadn't asked you a qhstion.
Miss Pinnifer looked as if she wshed he
had.
'Wel, said Mr. Brown, 'afterall, per-
haps it S Just as we'll as ii is: and IJe had the