The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-06-11

surely, that cannot decide at sight what
woman to pick out of dozen, and singu
lar youth you are not to have your eye
on one already. However, make your own
choice and you'll be happier, live longer,
and prosper better in your own domestic
affairs generally
With these concluding remarks the fond
father turned away, and John was left
alone to his reflections.
Now, John Jansen was not verdant
young man; he had seen considerable of
the world for a person of his age and
circumstances, but he was very djfhcent
and bashful. 1t was this quality of his
disposition that made HIM so averse to
! ladies' society, and occasioned no little
anxiety to old Peter, who had already be-
/ gun to fear that John would be a confirm
| ed bachelor; hence his desire to kindly
assist Johns matrimonial matters along.
For some moments after his fathers
exit John sat profoundly thinking; he be-
! lieved he did have an ineXpressible sort of
tenderness for the youngest daughter of
Israel Ives. If not strictly beautiful, she
was Mt least very sensible girl and would
make a practical housekeeperl Jonn
had but little setiment IN his compost
ton; his tastes were more matter-of-fact.
The more John thought of matrimony,
the more fixed became his determination
Of committing himself as soon as posi-
bic.
A night or two subsequent to the con-
versation with his father it was noticed
that he attired himself with unusual care
before going out, as he insisted, to attend
the debating society" His father and
mother regarded each other significantly.
as if they we'll understood what was ap-
permost in Johns mind, but they gave the
young man no intimation tnat they sus
plcioned mis- intentions.
: After last lingering look at the looking
= glass John started forth in the darkness
; taking the shortest road possible to the
:, residence of Israel Ives.
He soon came TO the place he intended
. visiting. a bright light CLEANED ou
: through the front window with welcom
= ing beams, and he fancied he could Sc
y emiling faces there, yet his heart thumpe
so very singularly under his shining sati
r., vest that it was several minutes before b
" could make up his mind to knock at tn
= door; he walk ed up and down the roa
~ past the place several times to calm him
= self, and to think over the words he pro
% posed saying when in the presence Of Mis-
10 Ives.
ie At last he turned in at the gate, ant
IS walking boldly up to the front door, /
" made his presence suddenly known to tn
"a Ives family by means Of the friendly as
Va sistance of the heavy brass knocker.
m Israel Ives came TO the door with fla
- ing candle IN his hand; he gave suddt
- =, little start ofsurprise upon recognizing b
~ visitor.
'tC TC Why, John, " he said, '' Is this you
ne ne as Miss Ives at home?" said John ne
s, vously, forgetting in his sudden emba
=" rassment to designate the particular MI
Ives he wished to see.
no Certainly, certainly, - replied Isra
aS smiling mischievously; walk right IN
eE the parlor and sit down and she will cor
in presently"
Leaving MS hat upon the rack in t
NJ L: hall John did as he was bid, he sat doI
81 upon the ouier edge of his cha lr q
'1a " awaited the young lady's coming.
- heard several suppressed giggles IN
adjoining room, and subdued sugg
ton on the part Of Israel that they b
are best not act silly and foolish. Then
Is door opened and in sailed Miss Sophro
big Ives, followed By Patience, Priscilla, NJ
our vina and Lucy IYes, each simultaneou
aT- smiling, and trying to look as sweet a
ghT pretty as possible. They advanced
by one and gave John a greeting, al
ose which they arranged them selves IN a gra
full group about him; then began the Il
lest conversation John had ever liste
ers, to. He began to grow uneasy and
'lck his self possession. This was rather m
veil Miss Ives than he had anticipated MT
ooo ing. rr-~H
oon At last sudden idea occurred
is him. 80
:. sGirls," he said. "do any of you
p z, blind mans buff"
ated The Young ladies all suddenly
nan, sled.