The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-12-14
WIGGIN'S DOUBLE.

no more, which he loved passing well.
He loved her so well, in fact, that he
dared not trust her to select a partner
for life, but insisted upon it that ne was
better qualified to judge who was best
calculated to insure her happiness in the
marriage state. She entertained quite g
different opinion, and as she inherited
not little of her fathers principal men
tai characteristic, she firmly resolved
that she would never submit to her faith
er's will in that respect.
Her name was Harriet-Harriet Mud.
dlewort.
The residence of the Muddleworts
was in FIyburg, in Central New York.
Old Jacob was al may say he was the
main pillar of society in that goodly
town. He was only justice of tie
peace, but his name had been mention
ed on several occasions in connection
with the nomination for representative
in the State Legislature.
One day, after dinner-Harriet was
eighteen years of age at this time Jacob
Muddlewort solicited, or rather demand
ed, a private interview with his daugh-
ter, when he proceeded to inform he1
that it was his wish that she should
marry, and hoped that she would not
be SO unreasonable as to oppose such q
measure.
Harriet assured him that she certainly
should not, and plainly stated that no.
thing would more precisely meet el
views.
''Right right !" said old Jacob, rub
bing his hands, and smiling benignly.
81 thought that you would acquiesce in
my views, particularly when informed
who is to be the happy man.
ST hardly need information on that
point, said Harriet. quietly.
go, but I think you do; I am sure ]
have never informed you. 1t is no other
than Robert Wiggins, son of my old
friend, Peter Wiggins, of Albany. You
used to know Robert when you were
both children If you viii recollect, the
family resided over here in Bogtowr
then. Peter has done we'll very well,
since he removed to Albany he assured
ne. before I LETT him, last Tuesday, that
his son should have twenty thousand
on the day of his marriage"
Jacob Muddlewort had been on a visit
to the 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.
''I have not seen Robert Virgins fol
many years.
''Nor have I he was absent in Yer
mont when L was at his fathers. But
that need make 10 difference. Robert
has, I am assured, grown to be a fine
young man, and is now reading law with
an eminent attorney"
"He viii have to read long before he
comprehends If, If there has been nc
improvement in his intellect since he
WAS boy"
Robert is a worthy young man" ex-
claimed the old gentleman, warmly.
''and I am astonished at hearing such
an expression from you. But as you of
fer no objections to marrying with him,
it is no matter"
''But I do object to marrying him. .
She cast down her eyes, but spoke in 6
low, determined tone. Her father ele-
vated his eyebrows and looked her stead.
lily in the face for moment.
Chow am to understand you2'' he
inquired, tartly. "At first you consent
to marrying, and in the next breath you
decline"
81 do not object to marriage. [ only
object to marriage with Robert Wig
gins
"But have given my word that you
shall be his
''You did it without my consent, and
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"
81 could not very well do it before, as
L knew nothing of your intention to en-
gage me-
Jacob Muddlewort turned very pale il
hn
down his answer with an effort.
'The young man will arrive here one
week from now," he said at length,
'sand he must not come here for moth
ing"
Very we'll; he can make as long q
stay as he pleases, and return when he
has mind. But he VIII get no encour
agement from me-
1t was plain to be seen that the. ole
gentleman was getting enraged. Rising
suddenly, he walked two or three time
rapidly and nervously across the rooy 1
and then returned to his seat,
''It is useless to talk he mute rec
'.you must consent to marry him.
ST cannot"
''You shall ~
ssI won't"
Both were silent for few moments
and both were rfsolving to remain fir
in their deterp ination.
"You muss have some potent reaso
for this strsnge behavior" said the fail
er, at length, striving to appear calm.
81 have. said the daughter,in quiz
| manner.
/ HWllI vOu inform me- Hvbak IT iS 1'y