Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-03-10
MAGGIE'S SECRET.

IN AhhlAGE.-Jhe great astrologer Signor Nor
f1Nl gani wllreturn correct likeness OF your fu-
lure partner uponrcceipt of thirty stamps. Name,
fge and sex must be given, with a slight descrip-
lion Of personal appearance. Address signor
MorSanis &C., &c.
And this is your advertisement, Nor
gan? All well II suspect your dupes are
principally old maids aud school girls"
The speaker, young man of about five
and-twenty, threw down the local paper
with merry peal of laughter He was
very handsome, with fine dark eyes, that
sparkled beneath the long lashes with al
most boyish glee. The person addressed,
known in the advertising columns as the
Signor Morgani, was no other than a GER
stain plain Tom Morgan, a regular slip-shod,
careless, fellow, who, after trying his hand
at various trades, and failing in ALL had
finally hit upon the above mode, which
gratiiled his indolent disposition, by call
ing forth little exertion save the exercise
of that literary ingenuity of which he
possessed large share. He had formerly
been school friend of Jack Carleton's,
who, an hour or two before the opening
of this story, had fallen in with him on
his return from Continental tour under
taken nominally for the benefit of his
health, but more possibly to help to get
rid of the large income left him by his
father.
The young men had grasped hands cor
daily enough when they recognized each
other, and soon after adjourned to the
lodgings of Morgan, to have talk over
old times.
1t was during this talk that Morgan
.conf1ded to his friend his present mode of
living, with strict injunctions to keep it a
profound secret; "as of course you see,
old fellow" said he, "it might prove my
ruin if known"
Jack, however, did not see how his
friend could be in greater state of ruin
than he appeared to be at present
You were always a good-for nothing
scamp, Tom," said he.
"And you were always lucky dog,
Jack" returned Tom. "By the by, what
are you going to do with yourself this
Christmas ?"
"Why to spend it in the jollicst style at
the jolliest place in Christendom," replied
Jack. "They have not seen me at Barby
Holt for eight years, and expect grand
mother and the rest of them will go mad
with joy when l make my sudden appear
ance there"
With this flattering conclusion Mr.. Jack
Carleton elevated his legs till his feet re.
pose on the mantle piece. "Barby Holt
Manor, in Nottinghamshire ?" inquired
the signor, suddenly.
"The very same, old boy" said his com.
panion. "Why do you ask?"
"Only that had letter from there to-
day" replied Tom.
r'sA, letter what about ?" inquired Jack,
with innocent GOODNESS.
why, concerning my advertisement, OF
course" answered Tom, rumaging among
some papers
"Ah, one of my grandfather's guests, I
suppose, in for lark, said Jack. whats
his name?
..' +" 1t is not man." replied Tom; she
signs herself Maggie Barton"
" Maggie Barton" exclaimed Jack, 81
know her--at least did. May read it p
he asked, eagerly.
1t was short letter, in girlish hand
slight, with golden hair and hazel eyes,
and requesting to be favored with carte
de oisite of her future husband, by return
Of post, Of course. Enclosed in the en-
velope was the fee of thirty stamps.
Carleton held the letter up before his
eyes long after he had read 1t. The writers
name, "Maggie Barton" was associated
with a very pleasant picture in this young
mans mind. Long ago, on bright sum
mer-day, in the woods, the sunlight glanc'
ing through the boughs fell on the gay
figures of a picnic party. One figure in
particular seemed very plain in his mem
ory, it was that of girl about twelve
years old, with her golden hair falling
from under the broad brim of sun-hat
with blue ribbons. He could see her dis
tinetIy now The graceful figure, raised
on uptoe, to reach some unattainablt
d. flower or fruit. The white arms reaching
high, the beseeching eyes under the
~. I.uA Mac
Bartonl Then he, tall lad of seventeen
easily reaching the coveted treasure
caught the wilfll beauty by the hair, say
ing" You owe me kiss for this, Maggie
viii you pay me whenever / choose Il
claim itY
an pay you a dozen, If you like, Jack,
was the careless reply, as she broke away
and Joined her companions.
Butthe very next day Jack departed, with
out his kiss, for Continental education
and, as you see, Maggie Barton's name wa
almost one of the first to cross his path OF
his return.
And SO she was one of r grandfather
guests at Barby, and he @ Ky would Sc
her in less than forty. eight hours and
standing there with her letter in his hand
a scheme entered this young mans hea'
worthy of such fellow as he was.
tasfdIlf do it. / don't care for any on
else, and of course she is not engaged, o
why did she answer such an advertise
ment" -r
Morgan" he said, suddenly, twill yo
do me favorY"
Anything you like" replied the signo
in a Treoccupied tone.
Jack drew an envelope from his pocke
and, selecting one likeness of himsel
from about a dozen, he laid 1t on tn
table. -
"Morgan," said he, 81 want you to sen
this to Miss Barton, in answer to her al
plicationi and mean it shall come tru
old boy"
y u