The Osceola times., 1877-02-17

I
clared:
IL could have been better pleased
with one that was poor and honest than
this fine gentleman with his fortune and
inidelity."
The next morning Mr.. Burchell came
again, and though he was always cheer
iul, amisble, and even wise, began
TO be displeased with the impression
he seemed to be making on Sophia
However, he took himself away when
the squire sent word by his chaplain
that he intended giving a moonlight
ball on The grass before our door. Mr.
Thornbill fetched two young ladies of
fashion from town; neighbor Flambor-
ough- rosy daughters were brought in
Haunting with red top knots, and we had
= very gay time Of it, winding up with
prayers.
My girls soon began TO pitch their
thoughts very high, and their pride was
not lowered by fortune telling gypsy
who promised Livy squire and Sophy a
lord.-all for shilling apiece! Then
the two fine ladies from town paid us a
visit Lady Blarney and Mis- Carolina
Wilhelmina Skeggs-and though Mr..
Burchel turned his back, and cried
"Fudge" at the end of each sentence,
We were vastly pleased with their high
life C c,nversation, and my wife struck up
plan of sending our two daughters 10
town a. their companions, at slipends OF
thirty pounds and twenty FIVE gnineas a
year. This they very condescendingly
approved, only requiring, as a mere form,
MIR. ThornhilPs recommendation. This
he readily gave, and the expedition To
town was speedily resolved upon, though
Mr.. Buichell very presumptuously sought
10 dissua ie us from il.
As we were now rising in the world we
determined to sell our old colt, which
had no tail, and buy better one. lily
sen Moses went TO the fair with him, in
wsistcoat of gosling green, fell into the
hands ofa prowling sharper and brought
back only gross of green spectacles
Then ! took our other horse, old Black
berry, and sold him myself to most
venerable appearing gentleman, who
gave me an order on neighbor Flambor-
cugh for five pounds. But when my
honest ncighbor saw the Ephraim
JcuhluSuI -Ht tNClulmtu.
The greatest rascal under heaven
This is the very same rogue that sold the
spectacles"
! went hsme detected, but found my
vile and girls in tears over greater dis
appointment, for the two fine ladies
having heard reports OF us from some
malicious person, had set out for London
leaving us to wonder who could hav,
ssper,ed oar characters thus basely. by
chance, however, Mr.. Burchell was de
tected in the vilainy OF having sent !
warning letter to the ladies of ThOrnhi
castle, and, when reproached, he showcC
such cFontefy that | could scarcely
govern my passion.
"Unerateful wretch !" cried, "begon,
and no longer pollute my dwelling will
thy baseness ~
Hs smiled and departed with the NJ
most composure, leaving us astonishec
and cnraged at his assurance.
esquire Thornhil continued his at
tcntions, but all my wiie's art could moi
bring him To n proposal At last it wa
resolved that Olivia should marry, al
the end OF month, farmer William,
(who was in easy circumstances prudent
sincere and openly devoted to her), pro
vided the squire did not neantime de
clare his intentions. Instead, however
he discontinued his visits and Oliyis
seemed contented with the change in hei
fate. Four days before the nuptials
little Dick came running in, crying:
oh, papa, she is gone--sister Livy
is gone from us forever"
Gone, childp
Yes, with two gentlemen in post
chaise- and one kissed ber--and she
cried-but he persuaded her-and she
said: "Oh, what will my poor papa dc
when he knows that am undonev'
Now then,' cried |, my children, GO
and he miserable, for We shall never en-.
JOY one hour more. And, oh, may
Heavens everlasting fury light upon
him and his Thus to rob me of my
child ~
she's an ungrateiul creature" said
my wife, weeping, "to Use us thus"
DO not talk hardly" said | 'she
shall be welcome to this heart, though
stained with vices, if find but repent
ance."
My suspicious fell entirely upon our
young landlord, but, when insisted on
seeing HIM, he met me with an open face
and seemed amazed at the elopcment
protesting on his honor that he was quite
a stranger TO it. This denial and some
other circumstances soon convinced me
that the real culprit was no other than
Mr.. Burchell ~ | followed some clews
TO his flight with my poor daughter, but
in vain. Returning sadly homewarl,
tell in with very well dressed gentle.
man who invited me TO sup with him
and talked politics at great rate; but
he proved TO be only the butler, and the
sudden arrival Of his master and mistress
put me in great confusion. Just then.
who should enter but Miss Arabella vii.
mot, who was formerly engaged to be
married to my son George. She recog-
nized me with joy, and, on hearing my
name the old gentleman and lady, her
uncle and aunt insisted ON my staying
for some days.
The next evening we went TO see some
strolling players act in a barn. When
the chicf performer appeared and per
oeived Mis-, Wilmot and me, he stood
SPECIFICS. 1t was my fortunate George.
He burst into tears and retired. | con
Quoted Miss Wilmot home, and we soon
had my son with u.s. all hi. travels had
brought him no more fortune than
stick and wallet; but fancied that
could discern that Miss Wilmot still