The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-02-25


some idea of Mr.. Frederick's appearance
Now our hero-thanks to Rose his pro-
tege-was little known in society and en-
,joying the reputation of being student
and man of talent, he could act with sue
cess the part he had undertaken, sooner
than any other man. His carelessness and
personal appearance was looked upon as
the result Of studious habits. Having fore
seen this he had not been mistaken in judg-
ing that he would be treated with more de-
ference than any mere clown. His uncle's
wealth and influence might also have some
effect in causing Miss Laura to tolerate in
him what she could not have endured from
any other person. In perfect keeping with
the character he had assumed was Fred's
conversation. Instead of indulging in fash
ionable small talk, he discoursed learnedly
on old books by obscure authors, whose
names not one modern reader out of
thousand ever heard In short, he played
the role of slip-shod philosopher to
degree of perfection which argued an i'm
itative talent, and knowledge Of human
nature no one suspected him of possessing.
| Frederick dined with the Pendletons that
day, and having inspired Miss Laura with
an utter adherence of all students, rode
home in the evening, we'll satisfied with
the sensation he had produced-as he cand-
idly assured his uncle.
All, Fred % exclaimed the delighted
bachelor, you are boy after my own heart!
Persevere-and we'll snap our fingers at
fortune ~
After four similar visits at Pendleton
House, which occupied as many weeks
Frederick residing too far from his lady
love, to drive the little black pony to see
her oftener than once in seven days-he re-
solved, with the advice and consent of his
uncle, to make her an offer of his hand.
{" But feel kind of bashfulness in in
PRODUCING the subject" said Frederick,
"she is such dignified lady Suppose /
should write her letter? She knows that
am fellow more conversant with books
than the graces of society and she will ap-
preciate my delicacy."
81 don't see anything out of the way in
that" replied the old gentleman, who little
suspected Fred's motives An offer is an
offer, whether made on paper, OF by word
Of mouth, Draw up the document and let
me see it,"
Fred had three reasons for this step.--
First, although he had audacity enough to
| aoI b;o ya VI th,,s for ha falt CANA Il difiidanca
about making proposal where he was
confident of being coolly rejected. In the
next place, he thought it might be in keep.
ing with the character he had assumed, to
write Laura on the subject. The main
reason which induced him to take this
step, however, was desire to convince his
uncle that he had made formal and bona
tfde proposal for Miss Pendleton's hand, and
to lay before him her positive evidence oi
his refusal
Frederick accordingly produced an elab.
crate document, full of sound sense, nicely
turned compliments, and formal offer ol
his hand which, although it contained
scarcely love enough to meet the old gen
tleman's ideas Of ardent courtship, obtained
his general appreciation.
The letter was sealed and despatched
under Uncle Philips immediate supervis
ion and on the very same day, there wa'
received reply. Frederick opened th'
letter in presence of his uncle.
! "Luck boyp' cried the latter, in higl
glee. 81 am sure she will have you.-
Read read -
"You are sure ?' said Frederick, forcing
smile. "Ihave my fears about it ~
Ineed not state what the fears were
Notwithstanding all his precautions, Free
was little anxious. What predicamen
he would be in, should such q miracl
occur, as his uncle confidently expected
"' Respected sir, ," begun Fred.
"Rather cool, that" said Fred, VIII
t really appeared we'll pleased. 81 do no
t dislike the expression. A woman shoul
Q respect the man she intends to marry
y "Allow me to thank you for the high homo
: you have conferred upon me by the offer q
y your hand and rest assured that, althoug
: / cannot accept it, reman with sentiment
= of esteem, your obliged and gratife
It friend" ffs1-
4 81 do not believe it p interrupted Uncl
IS Philip, snatching the letter. "she nevs
o would refuse--it is impossible--as goo
It looking fellow as you"
Il He glanced his eye over the neatly write
Z billet, and uttering groan, and droppe
l. his hands In mute dismay.