The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-08-25
Fanny'S EloPement.
s.I,ANNY,n sald judge Clilt0n to bis

down the paper, over the top OF which he
had been for some time regarding her,
''come hither my child.
Fanny very dutifully did as she was
hidden. And as she stood by his side, the
Judge took both OF her small hands iu one
of his, and smoothing caressingly with
the Other her soft shining hair, looked
tenderly into her face.
''You are woman now, Fanny" he
said.
"Eighteon last Christmas, papa" re-
turned Fanny, demurely, trying to assume
the dignity and gravity which belong to
that matare age. Though to tell the truth,
they looked strangely out of keeping with
her slight fern, and girlish face, and in
spite Of all her efforts, her rosy mouth
would dimple with smiles, and her eyes
wear the arch, saucy expression that was
natural to them.
"Can it be possible?" exclaimed the
old gentleman, heaving a deep sigh
"How time does 60, to be sure You are
a year older than your mother was, when
married her. Well, well, he resumed,
after pause, taking off his spectacles,
and wiping them carefully, he re-adjusted
them upon his nose, 81 suppose must
come to it some time, and it may as well
be first as last. All fathers have to lose
their daughters and / suppose shall have
to make up my mind to lose YOU"
"Lose me, papa1" exclaimed Fanny,
opening her eyesin establishment. "Why,
what do you mean hope / am not going
to die yet awhile"
"You know well enough what mean,
you jade. mean, that like all the rest
of the silly young girls, who never know
when theg are we'll off, you will be getting
married"
"For shame, papa" said Fanny, blush
ing and lsughing. 81 shall do no such
thing"
"Of course not" returned the Judge,
dryly. "Neverh had such an idea during
the whole course of yourlife. dare say.
Couldn't be persuaded to do anything so
highly improper
"But what put that IDEA into your head
this morninge" persisted Fanny, whose
curiosity was aroused.
"The visit of certain young gentleman,
who has requested permission to pay his
addresses to you"
"That homely and disagreeable Major
Sinclair, suppose" said Fanny scorn-
fully. ioJ @0 a0,F raf a,i
"No, my dear, it is not. 1t was that
handsome and very agreeable Mr.. Charles
Ray. What do you think Of that P''
To her father surprise, Fanny's coun-
tenance fells herrose.bud lips showed a
very perceptibae pout, and frown actual
ly gathered ca her smooth, open brow.
"Think?" she repeated, with disdain-
ful toss of the bead, 81 think'he came on
fools erTand that is what L think.p
"Hoity, toityg'' exclaimed the old gen.
tlemah, with puzzled air. "What has
come over you new9 1t seems that you
have changed yOur opinion very sudden
ly.'' ia.t h ts 11 B Ittlu
As Mr.. Ray never took the trouble to
ask my opinion, 1T can matter very little
to ham if have,' 1eterted Fanny.
"Dh, no there is where the shoe pinch
es, as it? said Judge Clifton, laughing.
"Wa! never mind, my dear, he is coming
here some time to-day to otalk with me
aboutit. have given him full permis-
sion.r o W
"Waahout which ne would have stayed
away, q SUPPOSE said Fanny, in an un-
dertOue- alH baw
c'tWhat is that, my deare'' inquired the
old Judge, who was little deaf.
Z" sand that it will mot be convenient
for met0@ee Mr. Ray,1 said Fanny, in a
louder voice {" He may eene if he choos-
es, but eSnaot be at honAe,''
Fanny said Judge CliftSn sternly,
"what is the meaning Of this folly OF
course you Saill receive hiD. Mr.. Ray is
worthy and honorable man, aud shall
insist that he Slaall be treated ciyilly.a
g suppose the next thing you will be
insisting on mg having him for hus-
band,o she retuiEed, her eyes filling with
tears at this un~ented harshness in her
nGnlgent father. 4. ...,...,
My dear child, I" said the Judge, kindly,
touched by the evident grief of his daugh-
ter though unable to understand the
cause, 81 shall iusist on no such thing.
really supposed you had partiality for
the yoang man, and vas glad Of it, for en-
tertained a very high Opinion of him.
Only remember that 1 desire you to see
him this evening, and tell him 50 your
self .