The Van Buren press., 1873-01-28
MISCELLANY.
The Happy New Year.

1t is but rarely that fathers are entire
ly satisfied with the men chosen by thei
daughters tor husbands; and the fatbel
who has but one daughter, is, in mos
cases, fated to peculiar trials in this par
tieuar The suitor for her hand mus
have more than human perfection if hs
peases in everything.
Mr.. Frseland had three sons and ar
only daughter, Ellie was, Of course, ten
dsrly beloved by her father. the more SC
as she was his youngest child and had
grown up amsst lovely young lady
lovely in mind as well as in person.
That Eftie would, sooner or later, have
\ lover, and that this lover would bs
more to her than even her father. Mr.
Freeland knew very well, or ough. to
have known But when such thing in
truded itself upon his mind, he thrust il
aside with jealous displeasure. Still for
all this, young men could not help being
attracted by the charming girl, nor help
showing that they we're so interested.
But Of all the candidates far her favor,
none pleased the fancy of Mr.. Fresland
when thought Of as future husband for
Ellie and such a thought would now
and then arise.
One day while Mr. Frselsnl was alone
in his Office, a young attorney. named
Elliott, who had a few week before been
admitted to the bar called in to see him.
This young man was boysh in apprar-
sncc, considering his aye. aud had never
attracted much notice from NJ + s'land
although he had often scep him in the OIL
hce Of counselor with whom ae had FIRE
quent business intercourse
"Well, Edward, ssii Mr. Frveiand,
ind ifaren,lv and without rlsias, AS the
yoHag man casic in
Elliott looked sligatly embarrassed,
and his voice was ,"t marked by its usu.
al steadiness as he said, +" would like to
speak word with you, Mr.. Frselsnd. "
Very we'll, lake a chsir-whst can |
do for your
The young man sat down, still exhib-
iting want of elf.posssssion, and some
time elapsed before he spoke Then he
said with a sudden and forced effort:
"Mr. Frssland, l am and have been
sincerely attached to your daughter and
now asked for the privilege Of address
ing her. "
Had = bombshell exploded in the room
or his house tumbled down over his head
the father of Ellie could net have been
more astonishsd than by this dcclara.
ton.
Please to walk out u my house,
The young man did not pause for a
second invitation OF the kind He pos
sessed q nice sense Of honor, and had =
proud spirit The Grst brought him to
ask Of the father the privilege Of address
ing his daughter, ere he had signifsd to
her the sentiment that Was in his heart
And the second caused him TO shrink
away from the touch Of rudoness and ia
suit. Young as he was, and even boyish
in his appearance. there was a stratum OF
pure gold in his character, and his mind
WAS one gifted with more than ordinary
native ability lie felt that the germs oi
power were in him, and that sooner OIL
later, hs would play his part on tn.
worlds arena But Mr. Freeland saw on
ly his exterior, and permitted q feeling
of contempt to find a place in his mind
The presumption Of asking for the HAND
Of his daughter enraged him beyond al
forbearanee, and led him. as has beer
seen, to treat the young suitor with un
justihabls rudeness, not to call 1t even {
| harsher name.
Edward rstreated with his mind In {
perfect whirl. aud left the father Of Ef1i'
little less disturbed in feeling Hiding
himself in his Office, he there tried te
compose himself for reflection. Pride
anger, and even . feeling OF revenge
were all aroussd in bis mind, aud for 1
season he moved about his I,.ls room il
q high state Of excitement lie then sa
down. and penned line to Mr. Freelanc
in which I've reproved him for his conduc
ia terms that, while they were perfect,
4 just, made him still more angry with tn,
young presumptive.
1t 80 happened that by some accident
this note dropped from the pocket Of Mr.
Freeland, and came into the hands Of Ef
/ ie, thus letting her into = secret of whist
she WAS before ignorant, for, Though Il
liott loved her he had not vet whis ore,
the story into her ears, The letter was
ineligible ~ her mind; II told OF his ar
fsction and rude repulse,
The next time the young couple me
in company, Elliott made it point to
avoid Ellie a. much as possible, Ru
every Tins his eyes turned to where Oh,
vas hs fDund her locking at him. with ~