The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-11

no / love you; and whatever your
parents may be shall be proud to be
your wife,"
" Your father, dear Edith - will he
consent to our marriage ?"
The young girls face clouded as she
thought of what had been said regarding
a match between her and Rodney Helth.
In few words she told Walter of the
arrival of the major and his son, and of
what her father had said.
"Still," she concluded, "I do not
think my father would wish me to mar
ry where cannot love; and as you
have always been favorte of his, Wal
ter, l do not think you need anticipate
any trouble. But whatever happens, re-
member l will be true to you always"
The couple remained in the park a
short time longer; but we will not listen
to the remainder of their conversation,
which can be very easily imagined by
any one who has been similarly situated.
That evening, as Mr.. Bentley was
seated in his library engaged in conver-
sation with Major Heith, servant en-
tered and handed him card
" Walter Elmore," read the major,
looking over his shoulder. Perhaps
he comes to propose for your daughters
hand" he whispered /" tell your
flunkey to show him up"
James, conduct the gentleman to
this room," ordered the banker
" Yes, sir, and James departed.
Introduce me to this young man
when he enters" said the major "and
then, in the language of the ancients.
III cut stick, and leave him to transact
his business, whatever it may be, with
you. And if he is here to ask your
daughters hand you know how to
act"
The banker would have replied, but
at that moment, Walter Elmore entered
the room Mr.. Bentley introduced the
two men.
I'm pleased to meet you, sir" said
Heith, in his most obsequious manner
" delighted, L assure you. But doubt
less you have business to transact with
our mutual friend, Bentley, so I'll take
my departure; trusting that our ac-
quaintance may be long continued, and
as agreeable to you as am certain it
will be to myself"
And the affable major bowed himself
from the apartment and closed the door
After assuring himself that he was not
watched he applied his ear to the key
hole, and prepared to listen to all that
might be said by the two gentlemen.
" I am here, Mr.. Bentley, to ask your
consent to the marriage of your daugh-
ter and myself
The banker had expected this, and
yet, now that the words were uttered, he
could find no language in which to
reply. He would have been happy to
have seen his daughter united to the
young author, for whom he entertained
a sincere regard. His heart pleaded for
Elmore, yet his lips were sealed. Torn
with conflicting emotions, he turned
deadly pale and his head sank upon his
breast.
g Sir, Mr.. Bentley ~ the young man
exclaimed, "you are ill; let me ring for
assistance"
" 1t is nothing" said the banker, ris-
ing his head with an effort; 60 am bet
ter now. Mr.. Gilmore, you have asked
what l cannot grant My daughter can
never be your WIFE,"
"Sir," the young man stammered,
scarcely knowing what he said, you
cannot mean this ~
" / do mean it it is my final answer"
" shall trust to time to change your
resolution, sir"
" Nothing will change it, said Ed
ward Bentley, " L shall never consent to
this marriage"
g At least inform me on what grounds
you thus so decidedly refuse me, sir p"
" Mr.. Elmore," replied the banker,
" have already, believe, Informed you
that do not propose entering into an
argument with you. Therefore, allow
me to wish you very good-evening.
Good-evening, sir" said Walter,
leaving the room.
Enter the major
"Well done, Bentley ~ he exclaimed,
" excellently done, 'pon honor And so
it appears we are at last rid of this
aspiring youth, and the field is clear for
my son."
=" 1 cannot forbid them meeting, al
though, said the banker. " Edith loves