Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-12-09
~ APT FSTOWN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ". Va SATURDAY. d
A Lovers Device.

century. Colonel Smith lPnd bis maiden sister
Patty. were sitting on either side OF blazln 4
fire. enjoying their ease, without any Interrupt
ton for stleast an hour; and that considering
the sex of Miss Patty, was very remarkable.
The colonel was cross legged in great arm
chair. with his spectaeles on, his meerschaum
in one hand, newspaper in the other-fast
asleep. Miss Patty was moving herself ior-
ward aud backward 10 low rocking g-chair.-
Close 10 her feet was the cat, while Carlo was
stretched ont at full length on the rug in front
Of tie fire, and, like his master, was fast a.
sleep.
At length the colonel rousel from bis nap,
took off his spcctscles and ribbed bis eyes ;
then, glancing at large pile Of papers on the
table near him, said, wish Heury was here
to help me collect my rents"
"Well, really wish he was" answered his
sister.
a. can't expect him this month get" yawn-
ed the colonel.
Hadn't you better send for him p suggest
ed tie sister.
Upon this. the dog got up, and walked to-
ward The door.
"whore are yOn going, Carlo2" said the
old gentleman.
Tue dog looked at h;s master, wlGged his
tail. turned about, and pursued his way to-
wards the door; and as he could not well open
j, hinsclf, Mss Patty got up aud opened it
for bin.
The colonel seemed perfectly satisfied, and
was composing himself for another nap, when
the loud and cheerful barking Of the dog an
nounced the approach Of some one, and reused
him from his lethargy. Presently the door
opened and young man Saily entered the
room.
"Why, William Henry. is that you p
said Aunt Patty.
Henry, my.boy, am heartily glad to see
you ?" added the colonel getting entirely out
Of the chair. and giving his nephew hearty
shake Of the hand. Pray. what hes brought
you home so suddenly, my boy2"
"Oh, | DO not know" answered Henry iii
is rather dull in town, so thought would
psy you visit, aud see how you were"
"Wen, am glad to see you; sit down,
said the colonel.
$50 do" said his sister
There, aunt, is a'bo;tle Of something good
for you; and here, uncle, is one Of capital
Aarschino."
Thank you, my boy" said the coloncl.-
positively it does my heart good to see you
in such fine spirits" !"
"And mine, too" said his sister
Henry, either anxious to sec his uncle or
himself, broke the seal from the top Of the
bottle. drew the cork while Aunt Patty pro-
videl some glasses.
"Well, my by" said The colonel, whose
COOL hnmor increased every moment, What
the news in L1adon? Anything happened 2
" No-yes," said Henry have got one
Of the best stories to tell you you ever heard
in your life"
Come, then, let's have it, said he filing
his glass
"Wcll, you mus: know" said Henry, "thnt
while vas in town. met an oil and pariicu-
lar friend Of mine, abou, my own age. Some
months ago he fell desperately 10 love with a
young girl. and wants to marry her, bu; dares
not without the consent Of his uncle, a very
fine gentleman. as rich as C7nius-do TAX a
little more cordial
Why, don't his uncle wish him to marry p
inquired the colonel.
40, yes, resumed Henry But there
the rub. He is anxious that Gus should &c, a
wife. but he's terribly afraid that he'd be taken
I in for it is generally understood he is 70 be
/ the rcn,!emans heir. AMI as i3T his uncle
thorch liberal in everything else. he suspects
ever, lady who pays his nephew the least at
ton Of being fortune hunter.
The old ninny," said the colonel; why
can't he le; the boy have his own way q
81 thiok as much, pm, in Patty.
"Wen, how did he miaage7" inquired the
colonel!
Why" said Henry. "Lo vas 10 con-
founded pickle lie was afraid to ask his
uncles consent right out he could not man
ago to let him sec the girl, for she lives atsome
distance. Bat he knew his uncle enjoyed a
good ioke, and was an enthusiastic almirer Of
beauty. SO what does he DO but 60 and &c.
her miniature taken, Tor she was extremely
beautiful besides being intelligent and accom-
plishsd."
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES! -
exclaimed the coIoneI-"Prly wha, objections
( should the fool have to herr
Why, she is no; worth g'aa'.' replied
Henry.
Fudge - said The colonel. q wish I had
been in tie old gentlenaa's place. How did
be get 90 -"
"Why, as said, be bad picture taken,
sad ss it was about the time Of collecting rents.
he thought it would make tie uncle good
uatured if he vent home ard Offered to assis,
him and so, answering all inquiries, he took
the miniature out Of bis pocket, handed it 10
his uncle and asked him how he IiKel i.-tcll-
ing him a particuler friend len, it to him. The
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