The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1872-10-18

children to their own pecuniary advan-
tage. The next step in each case was
to mold the young ones to the proper
shape.
John Smith was handsome, brawny
country fellow, with plenty of good
sense, and an ocean of love for Sally
Brown. When his parents proposed
his marrying her, he informed them
that hc would gladly do 50, but he
feared her parents would object. Then
his father slyly suggested an elopoment,
and offered to aid in carrying out such
an exploit. John said he would think
about it.
Sally Brown was q rustic maiden,
with much redncss Of cheeks, and re-
joicing in the possession Of the lasting
comelincss which is derived from a
bright smile, sweet temper, and pair
Of clear, earnest eyes made none the
less expressive by the near neighbor-
hood Of saucy little retrousse. Her
wavy brown hair had not a ripple out
Of place, and plump little figure was
encascd in well-ftting dress, which
was ncatness itself. When her parents
spoke to her about John, she blushed
bloomlngly, and, after close questioning
admitted that she would be 'ticklcd to
death" to marry him. She further
stated that they we're running over
with love for each other; that they
had long settled the question of ulti-
mate union, but that they feared
parental objection.
"Now, I'll tell you what, Sally"
said Mrs. Brown, "you know pa and l
dote on you, and would do anything to
make you happy"
eve would do anything to make
you happy" echoed Mr.. Brown.
"And if you were to hint to John
the idea Of an elorement, we wouldn't
lift our fingers to prevent it,"
"No," repeated Brown, NV ewouldn't
lift our fingers to prevent it,"
In thus instructing their children,
the Smiths and Browns displayed very
little knowledge of human nature.
They should have known that John and
Sally would, upon the first occasion
possible, unbosom themselves; for how
could true lovers keep a secret, and
such secret? And they didn't. At
the next meeting each told the other
all be or she had been told by parternal
lips; but neither could conceive the
object of the old folks. However, they
were not disposed to question the mat
ter. They were too glad that tho H.'''
sumar,orI 50 dvvuurfy to be wished for
seemed SO near at hand to question how
it had been brought about. Conscious
that their progenitors were up to some
kind Of trickery, they resolved to at
once avail themselves Of the oppor-
tunity to elope before any change in
the aspect of affairs should occur. Hay-
ing thus concluded, they proceeded to
lead their parents astray.
"I've been talking to John," said
Sally, demurely, to Mr.. and Mrs.
Brown, land we have concluded to
elope, and we're ready just as soon as
it can be arranged"
Il saw Sallie last night" said John
to Mr.. and Mrs Smith, land she
agreed to elope with me; So l think
the thing had better be hurried right
along"
One week from this time all the pre-
lminaries had been Arranged. Sally
had been supplied with a brand-new
dress and all the other tixings, and John
had been given enough money to buy
suit Of wedding toggery. The respect
i've parents were laughing in
their respective sleeves at their own
cunning. The Browns were overjoyed
at outwitting the Smiths, the Smiths
were happy at fooling the Browns, and
both chuckled over a speedy relief from
financial embarrassments.
The eventful night came, and John
hitched up one Of his fathers horses
and drove over toward Sally's domicile.
When within a few dozen rods of the
house he gave signal whistle and
Sally came out. Under the peculiar
circumstances they feared no inter-
ference, and did not deem it necessary
to exercise any great amount Of caut-
ion. John gave Sally resounding
kiss, helped her into the wagon, and
away they went.
Shortly after their departure two
scenes occurred which must here be re-
corded.
Jonas Brown returned from the vii
lage store and entered his house in
state of great mental and bodily excite
ment. The latter was caused by fast
walking, and the former-but the
conversation that ensued will best ex-
plain.
They're gone!" exclaimed Mrs.
Brown, exultingly, ''and they'll be