Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-04-26

Lacy, blandly.
What is healthy"
Your property. Sometimes in these
low grounds, diseases are apt to prevail,
and
Does he suspect my Mary has the fever
and ague p thought Mr. Thorne, leaping
briskly out of his chair as though an insect
had stung him.
''Ill send my daughter to you, young
man. that will settle the business at once. "
And before he could suppress his surprise
his choleric host had banged the door be-
hind him and disappeared
Mary Thorne's astonishment was even
greater than that of her father She was
attired in white muslin, with boquet of
crimson moss-rose buds in her bosom, and a
spray of the same excellent flowers in her
hair for some rural party or pic nic, and at
first absolutely refused to enter the parlor
''Wha an idea - she exclaimed blushing
to the very tips of those shell-like ears
TO be put on exhibition like one of your
prize cattle No indeed Let the young
man go back where he came from. A pret-
ty impression he must have of the ladies in
this quarter of the globe -
But my love, ZeDedee Chester is one of
my oldest friends, end the young man is re-
ally fine looking fellow, and ich into the
bargain. Go in and talk to him little
while, there's a good girl. can't stand it
a minute Longer"
Aud old Jabez wiped the perspiration
from his forehead on which it stood in big
beads. Mary burst into an uncomfortable
fit of laughter.
The whole affair is SO ridiculousl" she
exclaimed.
But she adjusted the moss fosss, never
theless, and tripped demurely into the par
lor.
Now. if there was determined point in
Jacks character, it was his aversion to wo-
men in general, and if there was any one
thing on which he pEded himself it was his
old bachelorism. Imagine his vexation and
dismay, therefore, when, after a formal in-
PRODUCTION, old Mr.. Thorne withdrew, leav-
ing him tete- a-tete with pretty creature in
white muslin and roses. 1t was embarrass-
ing every time he looked at her, and she
evinced an exceedingly great disposition to
laugh.
well, thought Jack, ''the manners and
customs of this locality are rather odd, to
say the least of it. | come to consult an
old gentleman about purchasing land of him
and he bounces out of the room and sends
in his daughter. What on earth am | to
say to her, I'd like to know ?'
And Mary gancing syly in the direction
of her companion, came to the conclusion
that he had beautiful Spanish eyes and
a moustache decidedly in style to the hir-
suite adornments of the young gentlemen of
ThornviIle.
Mr.. Lacy looked up to the ceiling and
down at the carpet, and wondered what the
consequences would be were he to escape
incontinently by the open French window.
That would not be a very digni6ed proceed
ing, however; SO he resigned himself to
destiny by making some original remarks
on the weather. 1t had the much desired
effect of breaking the ice, however, and he
was greatly surprised with the arch yivacity
of Miss Thorne Only once did he seem
confused; it was when she had been de-
scribing fine grove of cedars that belong
ed to her fathers land, regretting at the
saune time that he contemplated selling it.
Il believe [ should like to become the
purchaser, said Jack. Your father has
informed you that [ had some idea Of set
tling here" .-...-
Mary grew scarlet aud murmured some
incoherent sentence or other. The conver-
sation was effectually checked, and Jack
perplexcd at the effect for which he could
see no really visible cause, rose to take hi.
leave.
''WilI you mention to your father, Mis-.
Thorne, that shall call to see him to-mor
row morning?"
All the roses in Mr. Thorue's gardei
could never have rivalled the hot glow OF
Mary's cheeks as she fed out of the room
without a word of reply.
Very singular family, this, " mutterec
Jack, slowly drawing on his gloves, as h'
walked down the broad path. But she il
an unconimonly pretty girl, and [ certainl.
will take all early walk through the grove 0
cedars tomorrow morning before break
| fast
He dreamed of blue-e eyed Mary Thorn'
| that night, and rose feeling satisfied that b,
could have reasonable excuse for calling a
! her fathers house so soon.
Il certainly cant be in love, quoth he
mentally, but how Minnie would tease MI
if she thought was in danger of not onl.
sueing not only fer a farm but wife. -
Old Jabez Thorne was busily engaged
nipping the dead leaves of his pet Taurus
tinus with a gigantic pair of scissors, tina
morning, when young Lacy spraug over th
| hedge and saluted him with
Good morning! We'll sir, be went OIL
gaily, Il have seen the property, and an
perfectly delighted. A fine, healthy invest
Inent; no disease about it, I'm convinced.
Hum" said Mr.. Thorn, obviously.
''And would like to make a second anC
more thorough inspection in your society