The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-06-01
KITTIE ELWIN'S CLAWS.

but, kittie-
mo butts about it marry him 1 won't!
you can just tell Mr. Jimcracks.
'kittie, his name
II won't hear it," and the chubby lit
tie hands were applied to the tiny ear IS
while the crimson lips painted rebellious-
ly.'
"Catharinc." and the old Judge spoke
sternly, II took a solemn oath in the
presence of a dying friend, that you
should marry his son, and l have writ
ten letter to that son, telling him of
his fathers wishes, and inviting him to
Ijoin us next week, and make the ac-
quaintance Of his promised bride And
shall expect you to conform cheerful
ly to my wishes, and do everything in
your power to make his visit agreeable"
For a moment Kittie> sat irresolute,
and then the blre eye, danced mischev.
ously, as she said, gayly:
IL will enchant him, father
Surprised at such an unlooked-for
change, he said, delightedly:
Il knew kittic would not have father
break his word" And kissing her with
uncomfortable satisfaction, the unsus-
pecting judge left his wicked little
daughter 10 herself.
The smiling face was succeeded quick
ly by frown, and hastily opening her
writing desk, she wrote:
"MR. SuIRLEY-Your father and mine
have agreed to make us marry each 9th
er l won't hear to the ridiculous ar
rangement! l hate you! (although we
have never metz Father has invited
you to visit us, and if you dare to come
land find me at home), I'll make the
house too hot to hold you!
KITrIE ELwIN
p. S.-Kittins have claws"
"Candid, upon my wordw And,
laughing heartily, Maurice Shirley reread
Kittie's angry letter.
Jumping up suddenly, he exclaimed ::
by Jove! l like the saucy little witch !
And I'll accept the old gentleman's in
vitation. Kittens have claws, and she'll
make the house to hot to hold me- Eh !.
we'll see about that" And, whistling
gayly, he left the apartment.
"Hallow, auntie'
"Bless my stars! Kittie Elwin, as
I'm alive! How ON earth came you
here ?"
81 ran away, auntic. Father and an
old dead friend of his Matched up plot
to make me marry stupid young man,
whom l have never seen. | refused,
and pop got mad and raised quite a
breeze, said / should, and, to be ugly.
invited said young man there to see me
In order to keep peace fot week, l
promised to enchant,' you know, so |
wrote it on piece of paper, and pinned
; it on fathers study-door, and then l
just set sail for, and here l am. Oh,
, won't there be row"
"Well, if this don't beat the very
deuce" and Maurice Shirley sat in an
upper chamber of Judge Elwin's hand
some mansion in $50 the bird has
: flown? l admire the little vixen's spunk
any way How mad the old judge was
wouldn't wonder if Miss Kittie inherited
her fathers disposition. Gone to hel
, aunt's, has she? Distance lends ell
= chantment- ha ha. I'll make that
young lady's acquaintance, if l break
, my neck in the attempt"
l "Kittie, who is this Mr.. Edgar, thai
: comes here so often p
e "A gentleman, auntie;;' and a rosy,
D flush overspread the white forehead, as
: Kittie hastily tied the dainty bonnet
and looked resolutely out of the win
dow.
: "Tm afraid, dear, your father will not
= approve Of this new acquaintance ol
, yours. He is ALMOST stranger, you
t KNOW" and timid' Mrs. Lester looked
7 anxiously at her niece.
Don't care snap il he DON'T" and
seeing familiar figure approaching,
!, willful Kittie kissed Aunt Margaret low
!. ingly, and went out for a walk with
5 Maurice Edgar.
"But, Maurice, it is so very sudden
, she pleaded.
Il know it, Kittie, but remember our
future happiness depends upon it. Your
father has sworn you shall marry this
Mr.. Shirley, and he will never escape
all this; his anger will soon vanish, and
: we shall be the happiest couple in exist
ence" And sealing the rosy mouth
with kisses, he waited anxiously for an
! answer.
, Il will marry you, Maurice, for
( could never love any one else"
e Half an hour later, Kittie walked into
, Aunt Margarets parlor where the good
c lady sat knitting), and said, gravely:
e "Auntie, have just married Maurice
: Edgar, anG We are going straight homo
to fathers"
Mrs. Lester was at first too bewilder
cd to speak.
"Kittie, am afraid you will repent
| of this your fathers anger will never
+ be appeased." l."
!, 81 am convinced that it will, Aunt
, Margaret" and Maurice Edgar looked
smilingly into her troubled face, and
Kittie caught a mischievous glance from
: the dark eyes, that she did Lot exactly
!, understand.
:. "Catharine, will never forgive you
, You are dlsobedient, ungrateful girl
y and are no longer child of mime" and
the wrathful judge looked defiantly away
from the fearful blue eyes.
but, father, Maurice is"
Here to speak for himself. Darling
forgive me. am Maurice Edgar Shir
i ley. hated the thoughts of forced
$ marriage as much as You did, but youl
: letter was so different from anything
expected, that l liked you in spite o.
J. myself, and determined to make yor
like me- When l arrived here, auo
e found you had taken French leave, re-
3 solved to follow you, and make YOU
t acquaintance incognito. This l accom-
0 plishcd without your fathers knowledge
|, You cannot help being my wife, Kittie
s and although kittens have claws l hops
: you won't make the house too hot tt