Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1877-10-10
A SHORT WOOING.


One bright June day, more than a
hundred years ago, Parson Millechamp,
with his pretty daughter on a pilion be-
mind him, rode down pleasant Shrop-
shire road ON their way to Powvscourt
The latter had been for some time deep
" engrossed in her own thoughts, while
her father seemed gravely cogitating as
he guided his handsome bay horse over
highway which certainly owed little CT
nothing 20 surveyors or commissioners.
1t was almost overgrown with grass,
scanned with deep car-ruts, and plenti-
fully sprinkled with stones.
But it was not the less pretty or pic
turesque for that The high he'd es,
with the spreading trees growing from
out them, were in the fullness of their
midsummer beauty, and shaded the
wayfarers from the sun. The pale briar-
rose waved its delicate branches over
them. and the honeysuckle made the
air luscious with its sweetness There
was a chipping of birds, bleating of
lambs, and a buzzing of bees. Now and
again the voices of haymakers were
heard in the distance, and Whit from
the bayfield, almost overpowered the
scent of the honeysucklc. 1t was IL
perfect June day, and yet-Henrietta
sighed
Her father heard it, and (penitent for
his long sience) turned to look at her
My DEAR" he said, 'we seem but
poor company this morning.
well, father, l was wondering wheth-
er this going as companion to Lady
Powys is for the best Mother thought
! ought to see little more of life-our
place being so quiet; but I'm sure / did
rcrv well at home She'll miss me sore
Iy, Pm afraid-especially in the dairy
and over the clear-starching."
She must stir Deborah up, said the
parson and make your sister Polly
useful, Polly's quite old enough to help
now
"Yes-but you know Deborah is not
oyerburthened with wits, and mother
doesn't like teaching. She'd always
rather do thing herself. Father, be
sure to send for me if she seems want
me back"
ITO be sure, child; but you know
you're only going for few months"
There's Bobby, too. | don't know
now he'll get on with his lessons without
me-"
Make your mind easy, Ettie-Bobby
shant suffer. But child, while you have
been wondering how we ever can get on
without you, | have been wondering
whether you will be able to take care of
yourself. You can't help knowing,
-
face Of your own. You'll find plenty of
people where you are going ready
enough to praise it even more than it
deserves. You must take compliments
Just at what they are worth, my dear.
Remember, Handsome is as handsome
does.'n
Father said Henrietta, with slight
pout, you need not fear bit about my
mead being turned with compliments.
on know its not my way"
Don't be too sure Forcwarned is
iorearmed.' One of these days, how
ever, | shall hope to see you the happy
wife of good man"
I'm sure you would he very sorry to
ne rid of me, father, if that time came.
But I'm not one of those girls who are
anxious about being married. In fact,
believe, if folks would only think it.,
they're generally better off single. You
know how | refused Squire Hassall. TO
ne sure, / couldn't abide the mani"
Your mother and got on pretty
well together, think, said the parson.
smiling,
Yes, sir; but you are amongst the
EXCEPTIONS answered Henrietta, grave
". And you must own. daddy, that
you and mother are often sorely puzzled
to make all ends meet But | was es-
pecially thinking she continued, after
i pause, of poor Cousin Anne, whose
husband can't say Boz to a goose. I'd
ne ashamed to 90 about with such Il
stupid mani 1t wouldn't be in my ma
lure to put up with it."
My dear, said her father, laughing
Toumust learn TO bear and forbear if
You marry. But Pm sure don't wish
10 persuade YOU to marry"