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

that there is very great susceptibility TO
improvement. A little judicious cultivation
will accomplish wonders. -"
''Let me tell you, young man., began MIR.
Thorne, in a towering rage,-but Lacy saw
that he had unconsciously committed some
arch blunder and hastened to say;
''In short, sir, am now determined to
secure this rural gem at any price. What
is the sum that you demand ?''
Mr.. Thorne fairly sat down upon the
gravelled walk, overpowered with the ava
lanche of anger which he found impossible
to shape into words.
''Upon-my word - sir - he began,
''vou talk as if this was mere matter of
business -
Jack was puzzled enough ''It is the
way | have been accustomed to treat such
matters heretofore.
'Hcretofore-you have been accustomed
And pray, sir, how many such little affairs
have you had on your hands ?' shrieked
old Thorne, growing purple in the face.
''Oh, several. sir; | am not so inexperi-
enced as you suppose said Jack.
And you are not ashamed to confess
it?"
No; why shouldI be %
Get out Of my garden, you young rep
rebate !" screamed Jabez, leaping up with
lightning rapidity To come here and try
to buy my daughter, as If she was patch
of potatoes Go l say !"
Your daughter, Mr.. Thorn ?''
Yes, ftiy daughter, you jack a dandy"
but, sir, | am not bargaining for your
daughter; | am bargaining for the land
across the river"
Don't tell me- calculated Mr.. Thorn,
tugging away at the fastenings of his pock-
ct book, your uncle's letter has informed
me of your attrocious intention"
".Will you allow Eas to see that letter,
sir ?'
Thorne jerked it out of the compartment
where it lay, and tossed it angrily toward
Lacy. He opened it, and in spite of his
annoyance aud modification, burst into
laughter at the sight of Minnies dainty
handwriting
MY dear Mr.. Thorne, we have all been
the victims of very ridiculous mistake.
Ny uncle never wrote this letter. 1t is the
work of my mischevous cousin Minnie. The
genuine document must have been left be-
hind "
And you didn't come to look for a
wife ?"
Il came to purchase real estate.
"Whew-wl' old Jabez whistlcd loud and
long. then offered l,;s h..--d 60 bic srrcst with
a hearty laugh.
"Well, my boy, I'm heartily sorry hat ]
called you so many approbrious names, but
Mary and thought you were after her.
must go and tell that little mink what &
blunder we've made.
Stay moment, said Jack, laying de
tanning hand on the old gentleman shoal
der, as his quick eye detected the distant
flutter of Miss Thorne's light dress among
the trees, will you allow me to make the
necessary explanations myself? | am not al
all certain that after l have selected home
| shall not enter into less business like ne
gotiations for a charming wife to preside
over it.
"As you please, my lad, said the old
man, chuckliug IN give my consent, il
only to atone for my fillainous treatment o.
you while ago. y
He resumed his gardening operations
occasionally pausing to laugh to himself
while cousin Jack sprang up the path tc
seek Mary.
They were absent long time; in fact
| as old Jabez thought, an unreasonable Ions
time, before he dIScerned, through thu
dense foliage of the acacia hedges, their ad
vaucihg forms Mr.. Lacy looked exceed
| iugly proud and self-satisfed, and Mar.
| leaned on his arm. with her pretty cheek
( flushed, and her pretty lips wreathed il
timid smiles.
| What does she say?" reared bater ia
m!l;as.
She says she will consider it.
A week or two afterward Minnie Cheste
received neat little package containing tn
diamond sleeve buttons and the following
! billet:
/ DEAR MINNIE I've lost my wager
! hut cheerfully deliver over the forfeite
stake, for | have won something OF infinite
ly more value-a wife.
| From which We may conclude that the re
suit of Miss Marys Consideration wa
! favorable .-
Our Sunday school children have ha
their yearly gathering and what a gran
time it was for them. Little Williar
Brown stood by me, drinking in every wor
that was said He got prize too. an
held it up over his head so his mother nigh
| see it.