Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-10-15

looking over the files of an agricultural
journal, TO find some coveted Information
on the subject Of "phosphates" and "su-
perphosphates," when a servant brought
him card and letter.
1.-THE gentleman is in the parlor, slr."
Jabcz Thorne laid aside his newspaper,
glanced at the card. which bore the simple
inscription, "John Lacy"-then at the let q.
ter, which purported to he the Introductory
TO that individual.
"How-ha-from my old college chum,
Chester, as live. Remarkable change in
his hand writing, but time alters us all.
Haven't heard from him in twenty years,
and-balloi what is this? A pretty cool
request, upon my word-nephew wants
wife, aud 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 an
solutely erect with indignation. "rll send
JcGers to kick the impudent young scamp
out of the house."
But with a moments reflection came
calmuess.
"well, after all, 1 doD'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 inst like Zebedee Chester-he
always was singular in his notions. Ra-
ther 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 rich aud Mary
don't Object At all events I'll see him
on this subject"
And John Thorne thrust the letter into
his pocket and strobe determinedly into
the parlor, where young Lucy was quietly
awaiting his appearance. The old gentle
mans face was scarlet with embarrassment;
he was half disposed TO be angry with his
guests cool self-possession.
81 had thought of settling in this vcini-
ty, Mr.. Thorne," said Jack, after the cere-
monies Of greeting had been exchanged,
"and understood from my uncle that you
had desirable piece Of property you might
be disposed to part with"
Vi pIOptIty luC Olu
gentleman, beginning to fire up again; but
he controlled his emotion aud only answer
ed: REALLY sir, this is a very strange re-
quest. One can hardly be expected 10 an
swer definitely upon so very short notice"
"Certainly not, Mr.. ThOrne. have no
w.sh to hurry you," said Jack, politely !;
"but am rather anxious to see for myself,
and If you will favor me with brief de-
scription of the prominent features Of"
"What do you mean, sir?" he exclaimed
wrathfully.
Jack was rather perplexed at this cava-
lier reception, but he answered as courte-
ously as possible
"Why, sir, of course it is not best TO lie
too precipitste on a matter of such import
ance."
"If this is a fair specimen of the rising
generation," thought the indignant Jabez,
''they are about as impudent a set Of jack
anapes as I want 10 see. But owe some
thing to my long friendship with old Zebe-
dee Chester-I won't turn the puppy out of
doors quite YETI
~ suppose 1t is healthy?' asked Licy,
blandly.
"What is healihy?"
"Your property. Sometimes in these
low grounds 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 il an insect had
slung him. "Tll send my daughter to you,
young man-that will settle the business at
once"
And before Lacy could express his sur
prise his chuleric host had banged the door
behind him and disappeared.
Mary Thorne's astonishment was even
greater than her fathers had been. She
was attired in white muslin, with bou-
quet of crimson moss rose buds in her boz
som, and spray of the same exquisite
flowers in her hair, for some rural party or
picnic, and at II rst absolutely refused to en-
ter the parlor.
"What an ideal" she exclaimed, blush
ing to the very tips of those tiny, shell-like
ears. ITO be pat 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 globep
"But my love, Zebedee Chester is one of
my oldest friends, and the young man is
really very me looking fellow, aud rich
into the bargain. Go in and talk to him
little while, there's a good grill 1 can't
stand it a minute longer"
Aud old Jabez wiped his forehead, on
which the perspration was standing in big
beads. And Mary burst into an uncon-
trollable fit Of laughter.
"The whole affair is so ridiculousp she
exclaimed.
But she adjusted the moss roses never
theless and tripped demurely into the par
lor.
Now If there was a determined point in
Jack Lacy's character it was his aversion
TO women in general, and if there was any
one thing on which he prided himself it
was his decided old bachelorism. Imag-
inc his vexation and dismay, therefore,
when, after formal introduction, old Mr..
Thorne withdrew, leaving him tete,a tete
with the pretty creature in whl te muslin
and roses. 1t was embarrassing enough,
particularly as Mary blushed every time
he looked at her, aud evinced all exceed
ingly great disposition to laugh.
"Well," thought Jack, "the manners and
customs Of this locality are rather odd, to
say the least Ol it. 1 came to consult an
old man about purchasing land Of him, and
he bounces out of the room, and sends his
daughter. What on earth am 1 going to
say to her, I'd like TO knowH"
And Mary, glancing shyly in the direc-
tion of her companion, came to the conclu-
sion that he had 'beauliful Spanish eyes"
and a mouslache decidedly superior in
style to the hirsute adornments Of the
young gentlemen at Thornville.
Mr.. Lacy looked up at the ceiling and