The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-10-25
No. 43.

W SHiS'S hiNCI lllC DOlCly DlGbbllllluS
that he was so addicted to cigars, that he
should be low-spirited all the evening, if
he was deprived of the stimulant. Having
obtained the desire, the dissfpated fellow
could not, it seemed, think of anything
better to do than to blow smoke into the
cages of Edith's canaries-pursuing this
amusement with such extreme reckless
ness, that shea perfect sensitive plant
almost went into Mysteries, and became
so nervous, that she did not sleep soundly
for three nights thereafter.
Having made all the birds drunk except
one, and having broken off the fairest
branch Of Edith's most beautiful geranium
to tickle that one with, he turned to her
with a cOuntenance full of candor, and
begged her to excuse him while he walked
down the street to the village hotel, to OBJ
tain glass of brandy; being tpubled with
faintness, he said, whenever he neglected
those habits contracted during his college
life
Edith was stupefied with amazement
She looked at Fred, and endeavored to ex-
press proper adherence of those habits,
but she could not find words to relieve her
mind. Fred accordingly went Off; but he
did not go to the hotel, for he was, in reali-
ty, as strict temperance man as there
was in the county.
Fred did not approach near enough to
Edith, that evening, to permit her to smell
his breath "a delicacy, as she considered
the precaution for which she felt thankful
in her heart.
The young man visited the sensitive
young lady regularly every Wednesday
evening through the months of October
and November for, so anxious was she to
obtain an influence over him which would
lead to his reform, that she endured him
with fortitude, and rather encouraged his
attentions. AT length matters came to
crisis. Frederick following the counsel of
the uncle, made Edith an offer of his hand
by word of mouth.
''Mr. Frederick" said she, looking ten
derly in his face, "you knew l feel an inter
est in you"
"Thank you," fatered Fred, tremb-
ling.
"And if | knew could be the means of
reforming you, and teaching you kindness
to dumb animals. | might accept your gen
erous offer, if for no other reason"
Fred turned pale.
I an, ribla ha hoctano1 a.,
say. :" could never give up my indepen-
dence You should not mention that sub
ject-"
81 will not, repli ed Edith, smiling sad
ly, "provided you do not mention the
other. feel only friendship for you and
as there is no likelihood that can be an
instrument OF doing you good, must de-
cline the honor of becoming Mrs. Grandi-
| son.
Frederick parted from Miss Wells with
commendable cheerfulness, and went home
to his uncle with the news of his refusal.
Uncle Philip became livid with wrath
He declared himself ashamed of Il nephew
enjoying such small favor among the ladies.
"Ive good notion to turn you out OF
doors ~ he exclaimed. "You disgrace the
family Can't find woman to have you y
Frederick bowed his head, receiving the
rebuke with as much equanimity as he had
received either of the three refusals. But
his feelings appeared to be touched when
his uncle addressed him with bitter irony.
"Poor fellow ! 1t is too bad Can't get
married If was in your place, Fdgo and
offer myself to poor little Rose over the
way, and see if she'd have you! Perhaps
she will take pity OH you p
Uncle Philip turned upon his heel and
entering another room, raved about the hui
initiation the family had suffered, until the
door opened, and Frederick once more
presented himself before him,
CONTINUED ON SECOND PAGE.