The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-06-27

ded dryly; parents are always willing to
encourage the young men that have
fortune, or the expecta tion of one. Money
redeems multitude of sins They may
drink, cheat or steal, if they are only
rich. But if man is relying upon his
own exertions to make his way in the
world, no matter how good and honora-
BILE he may be, he is threatened like
vagrant or felon. l hate such in
Justice"
" Don't grow ill-natured, Eva; it would
soon spoil your beauty"
" l had rather be ill-natured than mer-
cenary," she retorted
" / suppose you think your father
terrible old bear, because he won't let you
play at love in a cottage-scrubbing
floors, washing dishes, cooking salt pork,
&C."
6 l think you are very cruel" she said
and bursting into tears, rose from her
seat and left the room. Her mothers
eyes followed her, full of tenderness and
sympathy, but Mr.. Merrill only laughed
saying:
i" She will be in love with Curtis in a
week you see if she isn't"
go no" said the mother, " Eva is very
constant in her loves and friendships, she
will not change, l know"
" Mr.. Curtis is not in love with Eva,
nor she with him." exclaimed Maud, a
beautiful girl of seventeen years.
" Indeed, miss, and what do you know
about it ?"
The young girl blushed rosy red, and
then laughing little answered.
" | can see, papa, as we'll as other
people"
" You had better attend to your books
and not trouble yourself about your sis
ter's affairs"
" l shall soon be through with tiresome
old books, and have some affairs of my
own," she retorted saucily.
az beg, Maud, that you will wait un-
til Eva is settled before you begin your
firtations. | shall certainly 90 crazy
if have to look after two of you.
" I'm going to parties this winter,
papa, and of course | shall look my pref
tiest, and then-and then"
1t is time to go to school, so no more
nonsense, but come and kiss me good bye
and the young lady did as requested"
That afternoon Mr. Curtis called with
a dashing little turnout, and took Eva off
in triumph, the young girl looking bright
and happy enough to warrant her fathers
predictions, but at Meridian Lane another
young gentleman took his place by her
side, and INDUCED in certain demonstra-
tions that his predecessor had not dream
ed of. They passed one delightful hour
together, the horses being allowed to take
their own pace, meanwhile, and, upon re-
turning to the place appointed, Henry
sprang out, and young Curtis again
sprang in and drove the young lady
home.
The same programme was repeated
week after week. Eva of course losing
neither health nor spirit under such a
regime. At length, one day when Henry
Beldon was with her, who should they
see coming but Mr.. Merrill himself
"What shall we do What shall we do 2"
asked the frightened girl.
Haven't you thick veil, darling 2"
g Yes, yes" and Immediately the arti-
Gle in question was drawn closely over
Eva's face and shivering with apprehen-
sion they met the severe parent, who gave
them both searching glance as he pass
ed by.
40 Henry, do you think he knew
me ?"
" Not unless he recognized your dress"
Then I'm safe enough, papa never
knows whether | am clothed in purple,
green or yellow. Fortunately had my
veil, shall regard it in future as my
kindest friend Wasn't it funny, thought"
and she went Of into fit of joyous laugh
ter so contagious at her companion soon
Joined in the merriment.
That evening Mr.. Merrill turned to
his daughter saying, Eva, / do not
think you need to wear the willow any
longer for Mr.. Beldon, he seems to be
consoling himself"
What do you mean father" she in
quired very demurely, but almost choking
with repressed laughter
| met him riding with lady to-day,
so closely yelled that could not see her
face-but they seemed to be enjoying
themselves very much"
" ] do not suppose that Mr.. Beldon
will be silly enough to make hermit Of
himself, and renounce the society of all
other ladies, because he has been dismiss
ed from the house of the girl he loves. l
hope that he will find consolation some
,,Lo.o