Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-03-23
Uncle Tins Trap.


al am sorry" said the widow; "but do
not see how it is to be helped"
M Timothy Bunkum,-or, Uncle Tim, as
everybody called him,-was uneasy and out
Of sorts. He did not like the turn affairs had
taken. Tn. facts Of the case were simply
these
Not many years before Timothy Bunkums
only brother had died, leaving a son in his
tTim'A charge This son was Harry Bunkum,
n youth of great promise and of glowing anti
cipations. He had graduated with honor at
one of the best of our colleges, and was, with
al. fair and comely to look upon. besides being
of ready wit and genial. The widow, who, as
above. had expressed herself as being sorry"
was blrs Mary Folger. In the other years
she had not only been warm personal friend
of the Bunkums, but her estate irined the
Bunkum estate, and she also owned large
share of the Folgerville Mills left her by her
husband, while the rest Of that valuable prop
erty had descended to Harry Bunkum. In
prospect Of such results Of property qualiIica-
tions. it had been the earnest desire of the
Bunkum now deceased, that his son should
wed with the daughter Of his near and dear
friend and on his death-bed he had enioined
it upon his brother Tim that such consum-
nation should be reached, if possible
And now had come the time when, If ever,
the young people ought TO marry. Harry was
three-and-twenty, and it was high time that
he settled himself down to look after The large
business which had been left to him-a busi-
ness which thus far Uncle Tim had overlook
ed
al am satisfied, pursued Mrs Folger, that
Harry will never marry with my child. The
very fact that his father and have had the
moose so long prepared for him inclines him to
avoid it. Aud yet doubt if he will ever find
a better wife Lizzie is good Girl"
" She's an angel !" cried Uncle Tim. "and
vastly too good for the graceless scamp. But,
Mrs. Foger, do not think he really knows
what he is about lie does not know his own
mind. 1t may be true as you say, that the
very fact of this unions having been planned
in advance for him leads him to oppose it; or,
rather, to shirk IL
al should not care so much, said the widow,
feelingly, "only that Lizzie has allowed love
to second our original motion. She has re-
earded Harry rs the man who was to be her
husband, and she has learned to love him. On
" for that love on her part, which have en-
couraged and cherished, | would not complain"
And" added Uncle Tim emphatically, al
am sure that Harry loves her; only he will not
bring himself to acknowledge it. At least, Of
one thing have most positive assurance:
lie loves no other maiden.-But stop Hold
on have an idea"
Uncle Tim. paced up and down the room
several times. and then went and stood by the
window and looked out into the garden. At
length be returned to the widow.
"Mrs. Folger, if you and Lizzie will come
and spend a week at my house, think can
bring Master Harry Bunkum to his senses"
The widow was willing; but whs: did
Uncle Tim. mean to do?
"Let us 90 and find Lizzie" said he, and
will then explain. 1t is for Harry's good, and
think she will join us"
"Now, Master Harry" said Uncle Tim, in
an abrupt, and rather authoritative manner,
al want one thing distinctly understood
Mrs. Folger and her daughter will arrive this I
evening. and would know if you have any
cl,im upon Lizzie Folger's hand or heart p
Harry Bunkum looked up with smile and .
a shruC. He was handsome fellow and it /
was plain to be seen from his surroundings, in /
his own apartment-his books, and guns, and /
pistols. and boxing-gloves, and dog-muzzles, |
and ill-arranged paintings and statuettes,-
that be stood very much in need Of a regula- |
tor.
MY dear uncle" he replied L hope you |
do not approach that subject seriously"
mot with any serious desire to influence |
YOU. sir" said Uncle Tim. with dignity. 81 4
simply wish to know if am to consider your
claim in that quarter at an end"
Il was not aware that ever had any claim
in that quarter"
Will you answer me fairly and squarsly
| have a reason for the request. Will You tell
me if you prefer any claim to the hand of Liz
ze Folger p
Fairly, and squsrely-NO, sir y answered
the nephew.
THAT is all" pursued Uncle Tim, with 4
show Of relief 1--WE shall now know how to
receive and entertain our guests
Toward evening Mrs. Folger and her daugh-
ter arrived. Uncle Tim. had not spoken wild