The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-12-09

pie InscrIP P9elSJjiyely PelJa the 6esa; ascy -rnen at
the letter which purported to be the in
troductory to that individual.
"How-ha-from my old college chum,
| Chester, as l live. Remarkable change
in his handwriting, but the time alters
us all Havn't heard from him in twenty
years, and-hallol what is this? A pretty
cool request, upon my word-nephew
wants wife, and has heard that l pos
sess daughter-has lots of money
wants me to aid him with my we'll 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
indignation. "Tll send Jeffers to kick
the impudent young scamp out of the
house"
But with moments reflection came
calmness.
"Weli, after oil, don't see what there
is in the matter to make me so foolishly
angry. Guess I'll see what Mary says.
An excellent family these Chesters-
and this letter is just the Zebedee Ches-
ter-he always was singular in his no.
tions. Rather unlike the ordinary
method of coming to an understanding
on such matters, but there's nothing
like dash of originality in this world,
and if the boy is ricn and Mary don't
object-at all events I'll see him on this
subject"
And Jabez Thorne thrust the letter
into his pocket, and strobe determinedly
into the parlor, where young Lacy was
quietly awaiting his appearance. The old
gentleman face was scarlet with embar'
rassment; he was half disposed to be
angry with his guests cool selfpossession.
~ had thought of settling in this vi
cinity, Mr.. Thorne," said Jack, after the
ceremonies of greeting had been ex-
changed, land understood from my un-
Gle that you had desirable piece of
property you might be disposed to part
with
Piece of property" thought the old
gentleman, beginning to fire up again !;
but Uncontrolled his emotion, and only
answered, Really, sir, this is q very
strange request One can hardly be ex-
pected to answer definitely upon SO very
short notice"
Certainly not, Mr. Thorne. have no
wish to hurry you, said Jack, politely,
"but am rather anxious to see for my
self, and if you will favor me with brief
description of the prominent features
Of
But Mr.. Thorne was tidgeting uneasily
on his chair.
What do you mean, sir ?" he exclaim-
ed wrathfully.
Jack was rather perplexed at this cav
alier reception, but he answered, as
courteously as possible:
why, sir, of course it is not best to be
too precipitate in a matter of so much
Importance"
"If this is fair specimen of the rising
generation" thought the indignant Ja-
bez, "they are about as impudent set of
Jackanapes as l want to see. But owe
something to my long friendship with
old Zebedee Chester@I won't turn the
puppy out of doors quite yet"
81 suppose it is healthy ?" asked Lacy,
blandly.
What is healthy p
"Your property Sometimes in these
low grounds diseases are apt to prevail
and"
docs he expect my Mary has the
fever and qgueY' thought old Thorne,
leaping briskly out of his chair, as if an
insect had stung him. I'll send my
daughter to you, young man-that will
settle the matter at once"
And before Lacy could express his sur
prise, his choleric host Lad banged the
door behind him and disappeared.
Mary Thorne's establishment was even
greater than her fathers had been. She
was attired in white muslin, with bo-
ouet 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 parlor.
What an idea |" she exclaimed, blush
ing to the very tips of those tiny. she'll
like ears. ITO be put on exhibition like
one of your prize cattle No. indeed
Let the young man go back where he
came from A pretty impression he
must have of the ladies in this quarter
of the globel
"But, my love, Zebedee Chester is one
of my oldest friends, and the young man
is really very fne-looking fellow, and
rich into the bargain. Go in and talk to
him little while, there's q good girl
can t stand it a minute longer
And old Jabez wiped his forehead, or
which the perspiration was standing In