The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-09-29

1
home, he built an elegant mansion, and
settled down to life on shore. Tom was
all the child he had, smart, active,
twenty-five; and it was only natural
that the father should look about for
some suitable match for him. He was
well aware of the advantages of wealth
and position, and his eyes fell upon
Nanny Redwing.
The Redwings were the aristocrats of
the place, arrogant purse-proud peo-
Pile, counting the friendship of Captain
Margate for his wealth. Like Captain
Margate, they had but one child,
Nanny and like him, they desired an
alliance suitable to their wealth. Tom
Margate seemed the only one that
suited their fastidious taste Thus they
were agreed, and there was nothing
wanted to complete the scheme but
Toms consent. His father never doubted
that he would give it, until he heard of
his attentions to Fanny Raymond.
Fanny was the daughter of James
Raymond, once Captain Margate's
chief mate. An unfortunate venture
had swallowed up the savings of years,
and, broken down in health, he was
forced to abandon the sea. But he had
met with no better success on land and
his health growing poorer all the while,
Fanny was obliged to exc out their
scantv income with her needle.
1t was while working for Captain
Margate that Tom first saw Fanny. The
acquaintance ripened into intimacy,
right before the captains face; but he
never guessed it until Squire Redwing
very kindly (?) appraised him of it.
"I'll stop that, sr break the rascal's
neckr' was Captain Margate's reply;
and how well he succeeded was a mat
ter of amusement to those acquainted
with the circumstances.
The old captain was very busy hast
ening preparations for the pretty little
farce he had planned for the evening.
Rheumatism was forgotten and he
trotted here and there, the best-natured
old sea-dog that ever lived.
When evening arrived, the parlors
were crowded with guests. The Red
wings were there in all their pompus
pride, tolerating the "rabble," yet
holding themselves aloof. Mann was
never so naughty. Although at first
she positively refused to be married
without all the "pomp and circumstan-
ces l." of fashionable wedding, she was
very easily brought over, when remind
ed that there was danger of losing this
golden opportunity.
She was not handsome woman, yet
an amiable disposition would have
made her an attractive one but lack
ing this, she made anything but an
agreeable impression upon those she
came in contact with, and, least Of all,
upon Tom Margate. He had more than
once declared that he could not bear
her, yet she was eagerly waiting for him
to come.
1t was quiet late when he arrived, and
he passed quickly through the hall, in
quest of his father.
He found the old captain in the IL
brary with several other gentlemen,
among whom he noticed Parson Bliss,
Jacob Barlow the banker, Solomon
Sharpe the lawyer, and Squire Redwing.
tom, you rascal, why did you keep
us waiting y exclaimed the captain.
" But never mind, you rogue, it is all
right now Sharpe give him that deed
and, Barlow, you understand about the
money"
"But, gentlemen, | wish this fairly
understood" said Tom "These gifts
are mine only when | make oath that |
will not marry Fanny Raymond"
1--WE understand that" said the old
captain, rubbing his hands together
in great glee.
"Then all there is for me to do is to
make oath to that effect" said Tom.
An oath is not necessary" said Law.
yer Sharpe. ave know that you will
not dlshonor your word"
NO" said Tom, " shall not break
my promise, whether verbal or written"
"Ah, you sly dog" said his father;
-" knew you would come to it. Go on,
you rascal"
"Well, father, l solemnly promise
that will not marry Fanny Raymond.
Is that sufficient ?"
" Yes, yes, yes, you rogue. Sharpe
give him the deed, quick and here are
the checks, you dog. Ha! ha! hal"
" presu1 that is all you want of
me" said Tom, pocketing the deed and
the checks.
Wait a minute, Tom," said his
father, taking him by the arm. We
have little surprise for you down
stair. Come, gentlemen, and see it out.
All, here is Nanny Tom, take Miss
Redwing down to the parlors.'
Tom knew very well what was ex-
pected of him, but he had no notion Of
having the " little surprise" carried out
according to the programme. Never
theless he gave Miss Redwing his prm
Right this way, Tom said his
father, smiling all over. "Now, Parson
Bliss, here they are. Marry them rs
quick as you can"
Nanny Redwing smiled proudly, rs
she looked up into Toms handsome
face. And he smiled too, but with
very different meaning.
I" Father, this is not according to our
agreement said Tom.
"Well, you rogue, | didn't speak about
it; but | supposed you would not care.
Go on, parson."
But, father, want but one wife,"
Captain Margate started aghast.
"What do you mean, you villain ?"
- Nothing, father, only that | was