Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1875-11-11

1 CcudiS USiobSluS " HcI ldLnci . ldIIu
regretting at the same time that h.
contemplated the sale of it.
81 believe I should like to become
the purchaser" said Jack. 'Youl
father has told you had some idea o.
settling here ?"
Mary grew scarlet, and murmured some
sentence or other. The conversation
was effectually checked, and Jack, per.
picked at the effect, for which he could
perceive no visible cause, rose to take
leave. s-g6.4
"Will you mention to your father
Miss Thorre, that1 shall call to see
him about this matter Tomorrow morn
ing = be askeds .ae ~ ~
Allthe moss roses slnsaMr. Thorne s
rose garden sotsld'aot have rivaled the
hot glow on Mary's cheeks as she fed
out of the room without word OF
reply
every singular family, this" nuts
tered Jack, slowly drawing on his
glove, and walking down the bttad
garden path. "But she is an uncom-
monty pretty girl, and l shall certainly
take an early walk through that grove
of cedars Tomorrow morning before
breakfast"
He dreamed of blue~eyed Mary
Thorne that night, and rose decidedly
pleased that he should have reasons
able excuse for calling at her fathers
house SO soon.
81 certainly can't be III Lowell" quoth
he, mentally. "But how Minnie would
tease me if she thought l was in dam
ger of suing fer not only farm, but
Wife"
Old Jabcz Thorne was busily en-
gagged nipping the dead leaves of his
pet leurustinus with gigantic PAIR of
garden scissors that morning, when
young Lacy sprang over the hedge and
saluted him with buoyans 'sgGod
morning.
"Well, sir" he went on to say, 81
have seen the property, and am de~
lighted. A fine healthy investment
no disease about it, Tin convinced
"Hem!" said Mi. a'horne, dubious
ly. Ht lr
"And I would like to take second,
more thorough inspection in your so~
ciety, sir, if you please"
"Really, Mr.. Lacy" said the old
man, sharply, "my daughter has not
yet come down stairs, and -
"What the mischief has his daugh-
ter to do with the matter?" thought
Lacy, but he said politely. ..
'S3f course. 1 will await any time
that may be convenient to you, sir. l
observed a good deal of native rough.
ness, but cannot doubt that there is a
very great susceptibility to improve
ment. A little judicious cultivation
will accomplish wonders.
LET me tell you, young man, be
gone said Mr., Thone in a towering
rage; but Lacy saw that he had uncon~
sciously committed some arch blunder,
and fastened to say: ..
''In short, sir, I am determined to
secure this rural gem at any price.
What is the sum you demand 2"
Mr.. Thorue fairly sat down on the
gravel walk, ovsrpo#ered with the
avalanche of wrath which he found
impossible to shape into words.
"Upon word-sir!' he began;
''you talk as if this was a mere matter
of business!
Jack was puzzlsd enough. at is
the way in which l have always here
tofore become accustomed to treat such
affairs, sir. --..
"Heretofore-you have been accus
toned! end pray, sir, how many such
little affairs have you had on your
hands?" shrieked old Thorne, growing
purple in the face.
"Oh, several, sir. | am not so mex
perienced as you suppose" replied
Jack, smiling.
'sAre you not ashamed to confess
its"
ssNe, why should l be?'
''Get out of my garden, you young
reprobate !" screamed Jabez; leaping up
with lightning rapidity. ''To come
here and offer to buy my daughter, as
if she were patch Of potatoes Go,
sayl"
"Your daughter, Mr. Thorne!"
eyes, nv daughter, you Jack a-dan-
dy!"
u "But I'm not a bargaining for youl
daughter. I'm bargaining for that
land across the river"
'.Dont tell ME !" calculated Mr.
Thorne; tugging away at 1.-The tasten-
ings of his pocket~book; ''your uncle s
letter has informed me of your afro
cious intention"
"Will you allow me 10 see the letter
sir?'
Thorne jerked it out Of the com
partment where it lay, and tossed i
angrily towards Lacy. He opened it,
and in spite Of the annoyance aud nor
titicatiop. burst into laughter ct tn,