South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1876-12-22
Virgins Double.
NJ xancus c. sr1ss.ss.

OF Pharaoh. has q more stubborn. self.
willed individual existed.
| Jacob Muddlewort had. like Jephtha,
judge OF Israel. one fair daughter, and
no more. which he loved passing we'll.
He loved her so we'll. in fact, that ho
dared not trust her to select a partner
for life. but insisted upon it that he was
better qualified to judge who was best cal.
cnlate'lt to insure her happiness i'm the mar.
riage state. She entertained quite diff.
ferent opinion. and as she inherited not
n little OF her fathers pri, cipal mental
characiern les. she firmly resolved that
she would never submit to her fathers
will in that respect.
Her name was Observation-Disclosures Mud.
dlewort.
The residence ofthe Mud ileworts was
in Flyburg in Central New York. Old
Jacob was al may say he was main
pillar of society in that goodly town. He
was only justice Of tue peace, but his
name had been mentioned, on several
occasion. in connection with the nomi.
nation for rel resentative in the State
Legislature.
One day after dinner-Harrict was
eighteen years Of age ut this time-Ja.
cob Muddlewort solicited, or rather de.
manded. private interview with his
daughter. when he proceeded to inform
her that 1t was his wish that she would
marry, and hoped that she would not be
so unreasonable as TO oppose such
measure.
Harriet assured him that she certain.
ly should not. and plainly stated that
nothing would more precisely ,i.eet her
views.
Right right said old Jacob. rubbing
his hands benignly. / thought you
would acquicsce in my views, particu-
larly when informed who ia TO be the
happy man.
hardly need information on that
point. said Harriet, quietly.
., but think you do; am sure |
have never informed you. 1t is no 9TH
err than Robert Virgins. son of my old
fiiend. Peter Virgins of Albany You
used to know Robert when you were
both children; if you will recollect the
family resided over here in Rogtown
then. Peter has done well, very well.
since he removed TO Albany he assured
me. before left him, last Tuesday, that
his son should have twenty thousand on
the day OF his marriage.
Jacob Muddlewort had been on visit
to tho State capital the week previous,
and Harriet surmised. from some OBJ.
scure hints he had let drop after his re-.
turn home, what had been the chief end
of his journey.
l have not seen Robert Virgins for
many years.
Nor have I he was absent in Vermont
when ! was at his fathers. But that
need make no difference. Robert has,
am assured. grown to DC fine young
man, and is now reading Law with an
eminent attorney.
He will have to read long before he
comprehends it, If there has been no i'm q.
provemcnt in his intellect since he was
q boy.
Robert is worthy young man, ex-
claimed the old gentleman, warmly, and
l am astonished ut hearing such an ex-
preston from yon. But rs You offer no
objections TO wedding with him, it is no
matter.
But do object 10 marrying him She
cast down her eyes, but spol;e in low,
determined tone. Her father elevated
his eyebrows, and looked her steadily in
the face for moment.
How am | to understand yous he in.
qured. tartly. At first you consent to
marrying, and in the next breath YOU
decline.
! do not object TO marriage. I only
object to marriage with Robert Virgins
But l have given my word that you
shall be his.
You did it without my consent, and i
am not therefore holden.
But | am. My word is pledged. my
good name is at stake. and it is too late
for you TO decline now.
1 could not very we'll do it before. rs
knew nothing Of your intention TO en-.
; gage me.
Jacob Muddlewort turned very purple
in the face. and was evidently keeping
down his anger with an effort.
The young man will arrive here one
week from to-day, he said Mt length and
he must not come for nothing.
Very well hc can make az long n stay
rs lac pleases, and return home when lie
has mind But he will get no encour.
agement from me.
IL was plain 20 be seen that the old
gentleman was getting enraged. Rising
suddenly, he walked two or three time :
rapidly and neryously across the room,
and then returned to his seat.
IL Is useless to talk, he uttered YOU
must consent to marry him
l cannot.
You shall
/ won't.
Both were silent for few moments.
aud both we're resolving to remain firm
In the determination they had formed.
1ou must have some potent reason
for this strange behavior, said the IA.
ther, at length, striving TO appear calm.
have, said the daughter, in a quiet
manner.
Will YOU inform me what it sy
Certainly love another.