Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1875-01-27

less expressively by the nearneighbor-
hood of q saucy little retrousse nose.
Her wavy brown hair had not rip
pie out of place, and her plump little
figure was encased in well fitting
dress, which was neatness itself.
When her parents spoke to her about
John, she blushed bloomingly, and
after close questioning admitted that
she would be "tickled to death to
marry him. She further stated that
they were running over with love for
each other; that they had long set
tied the question of ultimate union,
but that they feared parental objec-
ton.
"Now, III tell you what, Sally"
said Mrs. Brown, 'you know pa and |
dote on you, and would do anything
to make you happy"
"We would do anything to make
you happy" echoed Mr.. Brown
"Aud if you were to hint to John
the idea ofan elopement, we wouldn't
lift our fingers to prevent it."
"No," repeated Mr.. Brown, eve
wouldn't lift our fingers to prevent it. "
In thus instrncting their children,
the Smiths and Browns displayed
very little knowledge Of human nat
ure. They should have known that
John and Sally would, upon the first
occasion possible, unbosom themselves
for how could true lovers keep sec
ret ? And they didn't. At the next
meeting each told the other all he or
she had been told by the old folks.
However they were not over-disposed
to question the matter. They were
too glad that the consummation so de-
voutly wished seemed so near at hand
to question how it had been brought
about Conscious that their progeni-
tors were up to some kind of trickery,
they resolved to at once avail them
selves Of the opportunity to elope be
fore any change in the aspect of af
fairs should occur. Having thus con
cluded, they proceeded to lead theil
parents astray."
Give been talking to john" said
Sally demurely, to Mr. and Mrs
Brown, "and we have concluded tc
elope, it's all settled, and we're ready
Just as soon as it can be arranged"
81 saw Sally last night" said Johr
to Mr.. and Mrs. Smith, "and she a
greed to elope with me; so l thinl
the thing had better be hurried righ
along"
One week from this time all the
preliminaries had been arranged. Sal
ly had been supplied with bran new
dress and all other fixings, and Johl
had been given enough money to buy
a suit of wedding toggery. The re
! spective parents were laughing il
their respective sleeves at their OWL
cunning. The Browns were overjoy
ed at outwitting the Smiths, thu
} Smiths were happy at fooling thu
Browns, and both chuckled over {
speedy relief from financial embarrass
ment.
The eventful night came, and JOIN
hitched up one Of his faith er's horse
and drove over to Sally's domicile
When within a dozen rods of the hous'
he gave signal whistle, and Sail.
came out. Under the peculiar circum
stances they feared no interference
and did not deem it necessary to exer
| else any great amount ofcaution. Johl
/ gave Sally a resounding kiss, helped
her into the wagon, and away the!
went.
Shortly after their departure, TIVE
scenes occurred which must here b.
, recorded.
Jonas Brown returned from the vii
! lage store in a state of great menta
and bodily excitement. The latte
was caused by fast walking, and th'
former-but the conversation that en-
sued will best explain.
r "They're gone 2" exclaimed Mr.
: Brown exultantly, "and they'll bt
! hitched in an hour or less
> "The deuce they have" cried MI
Brown, 81 hope to get there tim
enough to stop 'en."
''To stop 'em q
r "Yes, that's what / said.
"What for9 2"
l "Just this old Smith amt worth
t cent ; can't pay what he owes +; will b
: sold out within month it's the tai
l of the whole village" ...
Goodness gracious p gasped Mr'