The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-08-04
A WIDOWER'S WOoING.

man OF middle age, with few strealxs of
silver in his hair, of gentlemanly address,
of pleasing manners, of cheerful counte-
nance and one in prosperous worldly circum-
stances.
The loss of his wife first left him in a
state of inconsolable grief, from which it
required several weeks for him to recover.
Soon, however, his old gaiety returned.
He put aside the sombre cast of counte-
nance that he had worn, his old smile came
back again, lie ceased to talk of his late
misfortune, and he began to have a tender
consideration for the sweet young girls
who dwelt in the vicinity of his place of
residence.
His immediate friends and relatives
thought him strangely forgetful, some of
them who were inclined to be charitable,
attributed his sudden gaiety to slight alb
Grafton of mind, but the gossips of the
neighborhood considered his conduct high
ly improper, and even disgraceful, for, in
the language of Priscilla Whitehouse, an
unmarried girl of questionable age who
resided in town, and whom some unscru-
pulous young persons were in the habit Of
designating as a person having designs
upon the winower:
A man who goes a gyratin' round with
all the silly young girls that are ready to
run after him never comes to no good end.
Now here's Israel Lemons, whose wife
amt got cold in her grave, sprucin up
enough to kill an goin' out amongst 'em.
l say he amt fit to be trusted in respecta-
BILE, society, nor to be continued in fellow
ship with the church. Why, if I was a
married woman, and 1 should go up and
die an my husband should 60 to doin'
such things as Israel Lemons is doin',
would come right back an haunt him as
sure as 1 was alive |"
But notwithstanding the current COM
ments of Priscilla Whitehouse and many
others like her, Israel Lemons gradually
grew more and more social in his disposi-
tion and forgetful of what had once seemed
his irreparable loss.
Several of the sisters in the church be-
sought Elder Long to labor with him for
his inconsiderative conduct and indiscreet
behavior, but that good man we'll under
standing the varions freaks and faculties
of human nature, wisely refrained from
meddling with that which was none of his
business. He simply smiled an approba-
tive smile as he listened to the appeal Of
the women, promised to give the matter
his thoughtful consideration, and went
upon his way to the parsonage and with
rare good sense said nothing about the
matter.
Now, the late lamented Mrs. Lemons
left four young children. They were all
bright and intelligent beings and bore in
their young faces many marks and indica-
cations of promise. Israel Lemons, bur
dened by the cares of business, which for
the greater portion Of the time kept him
absent from home, soon began to feel that
some one should take charge of the things
at home who would be interested in the
welfare of his family, and it required but
little reflection on his part to persuade
himself that it was his duty to marry again
speedily.
There sometimes seems special Provi-
dence that brings about the easy accom-
plishment of matters and things in life that
some persons most earnestly desire.
Her name was Polly Pease, she was
lively young widow with dark brilliant
eyes and ebon black hair. She had q taste
for things that were beautiful, cultivated
mind, love of music, friendly regard
for widowers.
They met at a great watering place,
where both quietly sought to pleasantly
pass the summer months. Their regard
for each other was greatly augmented by a
remarkable coincidence.
Polly Pease had a remarkable resem-
blance to the late lamented Mrs. Lemons,
and Israel Lemons seem perfect picture
Of the departed Mr.. Pease.
From formal acquaintance there sprang
up between them feelings of the most
friendly character and which grew into
what is more commonly called love.
One quiet June evening they were sit
ting closely together. The frogs and
crickets were chirping their customary sere-
made. No one was near to interrupt or
listen to their conversation, which natu-
rally flowed on in a somewhat sentimental
channel At last Mr., Lemons became very
serious and thoughtful.
"of what are you thinking9" asked
Mrs Pease, curiously.