Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1875-12-30

'9How-ha-from my old college chum,
Chester, as | live. Remarkable change in
his hand writing, but time alters us ALL
HaVen't heard of him in twenty years,
and-hallo! what is this? A pretty cool
request, upon my word-nephew wants
wife, and has heard that possess a daugh-
ter-has lots of mOney-wants me to aid
him with my well-knOwn experience in
such matters. What does the rascal
mean?" calculated Jabez, the fringe of
gray hair that surrounded his bald head
standing absolutely erect with indigna-
ton. ''l'Q send Jeffers to kick the impu-
dent young scamp out of the house"
But after a moments reflection came
calmness.
''Well, after all, don't see what there
is in the matter to make me so foolisly an
CRY. Guess I'll see what Mary says. An
excellent family, these Chesters-and this
letter is just like Zebedee Chester-he al
ways was singler in his notions. Rather
unlike the ordinary method of an under
standing on such matters, but there's
nothing like a dash of originality in this
world, and if the boy is rich and Mary
don't object-at all events I'll see him on
this subject
And dJabeZ Thorne thrust the letter into
his peeket, and strobe determinedly into
the paIlor, where young Lacy was quietly
awaibInE his appearance. The old mans
face was scarlet with embarrassment; he
was half disposed to be angry with his
guests cool self-possessiOn.
Il had thought of settling in this vicin-
ity, Mr.. Thorne," said Jack, after the GER
emonies of greeting had been exchanged, ,
''and understood from my uncle that you
dad desirable piece of property you
might be disposed to part with
''Piece of property" thought the old
gentleman, beginning to fire up again !;
but he controlled his emotions, and only
answered, Greatly, sir, this is very
strange request. One can hardly be ex-
pected to answer definitely upon so very
short notice.
Certainly not, Mr.. Thorne. I have no
wish to hurry yOu,' said Jack, politely,
EEbut | am rather anxious to see for my
self, and if you will favor me with a brief
description of the prominent features
Of
But Mr.. Thorne was fidgeting uneasily
on his chair.
''What do you mean, sir 20 he exclaimed
wrathfulIy.
Jack was rather perplexed at this cava-
ier reception, but he answered as cOurte-
Ously as possible:
EFWhy, sir, of course it is not best to be
too precipitate in matter of so much inn
pOrtance.'
''If this is a fair specimen of the rising
generation, !" thought the indignant Jabez,
''they are about as impudent a set of
Jackenapes as l want to see. But l owe
something to my long friendship with old
Zebedee Chester won't turn the puppy
out of doors quite yet"
81 suppose it is healthy ?'' asked Lacy,
bIandly.
F'What is heaIthy?''
E'Your property Sometimes in these
low ground diseases are apt to prevail
and-''
''Does he expect my Mary has the fever
and ague?' thought old Thorne, leaping
briskly out of his chair, as if an insect had
stung him. E'I'n send my daughter to
you, young man-that will settle the mat
ter at once"
And before Lacy could express his sur
prise, his choleric host had banged the
door behind him and disappeared.
Mary ThOrne's astOnishment was even
greater than her fathers had been. She
was at4red in white muslin, with boquet
of crimson moss rose-buds in her bosom
and spray of the same exquisite flowers
in her hair, for some rural party or picnic
and at first absolutely refused to enter the
par1or. ss
'EWhat an idea ~ she exclaimed, blush.
ingsto the. very tips of those tiny, shell
! like ears. ftTo be put on exhibition like
one of your prize cattle! No, indeed
Lee the young man go back where he came
| of the ladies in this quarter of the globe =
''But, my love, Zebedee Chester is Ont
of my oldest friends, and the young mar
| is really very fine-looking fellow, anC
rich into the bargain. Go in and talk t.
him little while, there's good girl!
can't stand it minute longer"
! And old Jabez wiped his forehead, OIL
which the Precipitation was standing il
big beads. And MARY went into an un
controllable fit of laughter.
'"The whole affair is SO ridiculous sh
exclaimed.
But she adjusted the moss roses, never
theless, and tripped demurely into tn
parlOr.
Now if there was a determined point il
Jack Lacy's character, it was his aversion
to women in general; and if there wa
one thing OH which he prided himself,
was his decided old bachelorism Imag
inc his Vexation and dismay, therefore
when, after a formal introduction, MI
ThOrne withdrew, leaving him tete-d-tet
with the pretty creature in white musli
and roses. 1t was embarrassing enough
particularly as Mary blushed every tim
he looked at her, and evinced an exceed
ingly great disposition to laugh.
'tWel, !" thought Jack, ''the manner
and customs of this locality are very ode
to say the least of it. [ came to consul
an old man about purchasing some land c
him, and he dounces out of the room an
sends his daughter. What on earth am
to say to her, I'd like to know?'
And Mary, glancing shyIy in the direC
ton of her companion, came to the col
clusion that he had "beautiful Spanis
eyes" and mustache decidedly slperiC
in style to the hirsute adornments of til
young gentlemen at Thornville.
: Mr.. Lacy looked up at the ceiling an
down at the carpet, and wondered whf
7 L
cape incOntinently through the Ope
French window. That wouldn't be a yer
dignified proceeding, however, so he rC
signed himself to destiny by making som
original remark ON the weather. 1t ha
! the much desired effect of breaking til
ice, however, and he was agreeably SUI
prised with the arch vivacity of Nil
Thorne. Only once did she seem confu
ed it was when she had been describin
a fine grove of cedars that belonged I
her fathers land, regretting at the san
time that he contemplated the sale of it.
81 believe I should like to become I'll
: purchaser said Jack. FEYOur father h.
told you that had some idea of settIin
here?''
+ Mary grew scarlet, and murmured son
sentence or other. The conversation w;
f at the effect, for which he could percei,
a no visible cause, rose to take leave.
: 'FWilI you mention to your father, Mi
= ThOrne, that I will call to see him aboI
this matter tomorrow morning?'' he asl
; ed.
S All the moss roses in MIR. Thorne's ro
0 garden could not have rival1ed the h
J., glow on Mary's cheek as she fled out
e | the room without a word of reply.
1 every singular family, this, - mutterc
= Jack, slowly drawing on his glove al
- walking down the broad garden patch.
t F'But she is an uncOmmonly pretty girl
l and l shall certainly take an early wal
: through the grove of cedars to-morro
f morning before breakfast
He dreamed of blue-eyed Mary ThorI
v that evening, and rose decidedly please
: that he should have reasonable eXcu
i for calling at her fathers house so soon.
o 81 certainly emit be in love y, nnoth l