The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-08-22

fore dinner. Belle was about to question
her with regard to her caller, when her
father entered the dining-room with such
look of Importance upon his face that she
waited for him to speak first.
"My DEAR" said he, addressing Mrs.
Dayton, "I have Just had the pleasure of
betrothing one of my daughters to Mr..
Ralph Somerville, and he is now awaiting
to make this announcement to you, in the
parlor. Ihave heard you speak so highly of
him that | think this engagement meets
your entire approval"
Certainly, Of course it does.''
go papa" simpered Belle, ''I was quite
sure he would propose, but how odd that
he should do SO without consulting me
first"
"You mistake, my dear, it was Amy for
whom he proposed, and believe they set
tied the matter between them before ap-
pealing to me-"
"Amyr !" exclaimed Mrs Dayton and
Belle show did she become acquainted
with him %
"she can tell you, presume" replied
Mr.. Dayton, with smile.
Both looked at Amy for an explanation,
and she quietly remarked
Z" He was Uncle Raymond's hired man
this summer, and this was where | formed
his acquaintance"
"Mr. Somerville Uncle Raymond's hired
man don't believe word of such pre-
posterous story / tell you, papa, there is
some ridiculous mistake about this affair."
Indignantly replied Belle.
"Well, in that case the gentleman must
speak for himself" And before Belle
could make her escape she found herself in
the presence of Mr.. Somerville whom her
father had invited to the room.
81 think" said Mr. Dayton, "that you
will have to give the same account of your
self to my wife and Belle that you did to
me- for they are quite incredulous about
your being Mr.. Raymond's hired man."
81 really do not WONDER" replied Ralph
stepping to the side of Amy "and l can
say with truth it was the first piece Of de-
ception ever practised. The fact was, on
my return from Europe, | was mentally
tired out and felt that couldn't meet my
mother and sister at Newport, and become
involved in the whirl and hustle there,
without a previous rest and change. l
bought me a substantial suit of working
clothes, and stepping into the cars, thought
i would ride till | came to place fancied,
and there sojourn for a while. AS chan
ced to hear Shelby spoken Of as delight
full place by fellow-traveller, / decided
|
/ encountered Mr.. Raymond, who was just
commencing haying and was bemoaning
the scarcity of help. The thought at once
struck me that haymaking would give me
bodily exercise as well as mental rest, and,
obeying sudden impulse, / engaged to
help him through the haying season, and
gave my name as Herman Allen, the form
er being my middle name, and the latter
the maiden name Of my mother. OF course
upon Amy's arrival l soon made her ac-
quaintance, and need not say here, what
you have of course inferred from a recent
transaction, that learned to love her with
all my heart. She has already pardoned
me for winning her under false name, and
l trust you will also be as lenient."
Certainly" replied Mrs. Dayton, with
her most gracious manner "we entirely
forgive you, and cordially welcome you in
the new relation you stand to the family"
Belle, now that the field was lost,
made the best of her disappointment, which
after all, was not one of the heart and con-
graduating herself that the French count
was still available, she gave her hand to
Mr.. Somerville, and murmured some words
of welcome. The glitter of Amy's engage
ment ring, which was a magnificent dia-
mond, made her resolve to accept the Count
when he proposed, for she had heard that
he was possessed of family jewels of untold
value.
"Only think 70 she exclaimed to her
mamma, the first time they were alone,
''that Amy should new herself up in that
old farmhouse and catch the greatest lion
of the season. 1t is really past my finding
out.'
"Never mind, dear, We shah have him
in the family, and we really ought to re-
joice that such an unpromising candidate