The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1870-09-20

and for three mortal hours she kept hin
at this delightful task at the expiration
of which time he succeeded in escaping
to his own room. where he wrote the fol
lowing note to Eva
dearest Eva-I am overjoyed at the
contents Of your brief communication II
as you say my features are not altogether
repulsive to you, may hope that you
will consent to be mine-mine only
WILLouGHBY.
Back came the reply next morning
"Dear Wiloughby-Your reply has
made me feel very happy 1t is very dull
herc--no society except father and
mother long for a more congeniaI
companiouship Thine, Eva"
In this delightful manner the days flew
on--halcyon days, too, they were for
Willoughby, and sweetened by the inter-
change of this and similar lover-like cor
respondence On the following Monday
morning, Mrs Nane left town on a visit
to some friends in Devonshire, leaving
her son to keep house at home. That
same afternoon one of Captain Black s
servants brought the following note for
Wiloughby:
Willie-Ha,e you any objection 10 my
telling my dear papa all ? Matters have
now gone so far that it will be impossible
for either of us TO retract what we have
written. Let us take papa into our con-
idence. | know his kind and generous
nature well, and have no fear that he will
oppose our union. Pray send me line
by bearer. Eva.
The answer was as follows.
My Own Eva-Do whatever you con.
slider best. My fate is in your hands. If
your papa should refuse his consent, 1.
But | will not think of anything so dread
full. Fear not that shall ever retract.
Life without you would be desert, with
no oasis to brighten 1t Yours until
death, WILouanBY.
That evening, just as Willoughby had
finished dinner, he heard loud double
knock at the street door, and on its be-.
ing opened, strange voice in a loud
tone
us Mr.. WilIoughby at home p
His heart beat violently as Jane enter
ing the room, said
"A gentleman wishes 10 speak to you
in the library, sir"
And she handed him card inscribed,
captain Choker Black, G. B. II. NJ. S
1774th Foot"
81 will be with him in moment"
said Willoughby-and he swallowed a
couple Of glasses of sherry to nerve him
for the interview.
Captain Choker Black, Il believe ?" he
said as he entered the library.
Your servant, SIR" said the gallant
captin-who, glass in eye, was busily en-.
gagged in scrutinizing an engraving of the
battle of Navarino Your servant, sir.
Have the pleasure of addressing Mr..
Willoughby Vane ?'
Willoughby bowed
Then, sir. of course, you know the
business that has brought me here ?"
Terribly nervous, and scarcely knowing
what answer to make, our hero bowed
again.
Come, come, sir don't be afraid to
speak out My daughter has made me
her conhdant, so let there be no reserve
between us. Eva has told me all
Here poor Willoughhy blushcd up to
the roots Of his hair
You see, know all about it, You
have fallen desperately in love with the
poor girl ; and although you have never
exchanged three words together, you are
already engaged to be married Mighty
expeditions, upon my word fla ha ha !
Pray excuse me for laughing, but the
idea is somewhat comical Ha ha ha :"
AS the captain appeared to be in very
good humor, Willoughby's courage began
to rise
Don't mention it, sir You are her
father and have right to do as you
please. But | sincerely trust that you
nave 10 objections to offer"
II? None. Believe me, shall be de
lighted TO see my Eva comfortably settled.
But harkye, sir Business is business
am plain, blunt man, and fifteen years
sojourn with ones reg giment in India does
not help to polish one First Of all what
are your prospects ?"
And the captin drew note book from
his pocket and proceeded to examine our
hero, as ifhe were in a court of justice.
"iou are an only son, | believe %
IL am"
Good" And dawn went the note in
the pocket book.
"Your age"
"Twenty-eight next birthday
"Twenty-eight. Good. Is your con-
sttution healthy"
Il believe so. have had the measles,
mumps and whooping cough"
Disorders peculiar to infancy. Good,
and the captain scribbled away again,
"Are you engaged in any business oil
profession ~
"Nonc."
Then how on earth do you liyeY
"On my private income, captain"
"Then all | can say is, you're an un.
commonly lucky fellow to be able tc
subsist on that. only wish | could
What is your income ?"
About seven hundred year"
"ls it in house property shares or limit.
ed companies, or the funds Ifin public
companies, | should be sorry to give two
years purchase for the lot"
"ln the new three per cents"
Good think | may say very good
2 What sort of temper are you3"
"Well, that's rather difficult ques
tion," said Willoughby smiling for the
t first time
"l1ang it, sir, not at all, returned thu
captain, :" If any one asked me of my
temper, should say "Hasty, sir. con
founledly hasty And Choker Black
D proud of it, sir-proud Of it %
Say about the average answered
Willoughby, timidly
{ Temper average" said the captair