The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-11-04

unpleasant, and set his wits at work tc
frame proposal to his lady-love. Al
every previous visit, it had happened that
the family were all present, and no oppor-
tunity had presented when he might "free
his mind"
This last time, however, he was more
fortunate. Mrs. Barker was alone, and in
formed him that Otis and sister had gone
out to make call, but would soon return.
Jonas did not express much sorrow at their
absence, but smiled pleasantly as he seated
himself very near Mrs. Barker, and remark
ed that she had no fault to find with his
company.
Now was his time, he thought but how
was it to be done? At first he thought
best to open the subject abruptly and have
it over at once; but Mrs. B. kept on talking
and chatting and his embarrassment in
creased as he momentarialy expected the
return of Otis and his sister, which would
oblige him to go home again without set
tling the question.
AT length he summoned all the courage
of an ordinary lover, and commenced with,
My dear madam, forgive me for speak
ing my mind frankly, when / assure you
that the happiest hours of my life have
been spent in your society"
"Thank you, sir, for the compliment %
said Mrs. B. at gives me pleasure to see
you in society. am confident that you
will enjoy life much better than in the re-
tirement and solitude which you have so
long suffered. Otis feels deep interes in
you, and as his friend, shall try to enter
tain you to the best of my ability"
"Ah-hem Thank you," blundered out
the bachelor. 81 am persuaded that a
bachelors life is not the happiest in the
world, and if it is not too late, propose to
amend on the system"
"Ah-indeed Then you think of tax
ing wife. l congratulate you on the hap.
piness. May ask you who is to be the
honored lady?"
"That is more than l now know, my
dear madam but allow me to say that /
have never met with one whose charms in
spired me with such esteem, such love,
such irresistible fascination as yourself
All have, and am, and ever hope to be,
lay at your feet May Ihave the unspeak-
able felicity of looking upon you as my
future wife ?''
"This was Jonas maiden speech -
and he felt relieved of ponderous load
when he "paused for reply" and wiped
the Precipitation from his forehead Mrs.
b. looked confounded for an instant, then
springing to her feet she exclaimed
"Me your wife? Your all at my feet /!
Mr.. jerks, explain yourselfr'
Mr.. Barker, who was just entering the
door, overheard only the last exclamation
Of Mrs. B.
"What is the matter?" said he, rushing
into the room, and gazing alternately at
his wife (who leaned against the wall, look
ing like maniac), and at his friend Jonas,
who sat on the edge of his chair, his hands
upon his kness, and with his mouth and
eyes as wide open as if he had just been
shaken out of visit from a nightmare
"What does this ?" again inquired
Mr.. Barker, with great earnestness.
Mean Mean, sir? You know as we'll
as do" said the astonished bachelor.
"Your sister appears to have taken a sud
den fright at something-somethin
don't know what ~
"My sister? That is my wife %
"That your wife p screamed Jonas
why have you deceived me thus ?''
"No one has deceived you. If you have
deceived yourself that is not my fault,
surely. That is my wife This is my
sister," pointing to the lady who had just
entered.
Yes" said Miss b. "You have made
a slight mistake, that is all. But no mat
ter now it is explained in season.
Jonas was struck dumb He rose, seized
his hat, made low bow, and shortly an
initiated the space between the BarkeIs
and his bachelors hail."
1t was not many moments before he set
by blazing fire, built of dickies, scent
bags, white gloves, gilt-edged paper, curl
ing tongs, tooth brush, and other super
huous articles for bachelors toilet, which
lay in his way. uu
OF what he thought, said, or did, after
that time, We can give no account for he
was the same old bachelor as before-liv-
ing alone, eating alone, sleeping alone, and
keeping all his secrets within his own prem
ises but as Mrs. Barker chanced to be his
first love- no doubt she was his lasti