Sharp County record., 1877-10-26

Nh'AH
b. Wen see about that As to this
dance tonight, YOU can either let Tom
drive you over, or YOU stay at home.
IL was on Annals lips TO say she
would stay at home but Richard plans
and Dleadings spoke for him.
"l'd rather 20 with my cousin than
stav ut home. she said quietly.
" Very well, then, you can go, SAID
the father
Anna turned and left the room, but
there was something in her air all the
morning which made the old gentleman
very suspicious. So at dinner he re-
marked:
s'I believe TIL ride over to the Cor
ners and see the young people trOlic to-
night. 7 reckon they won't turn me
out if I don't dance myself, and have
not seen Young folks party these twen-
or years. Yes, think I'll saddle old
Aleck and ride overn
"DoS uncle, That will be jolly
said Thomas Wilby, while into Anna'3
face there stole a look Of blank cOnster-
nation, which did not escape Mr. Gracey,
and he slyly chuckled to himself:
"Aha reckon I've snatched EN- this
timer'
But Anna's wits were busy, too, while
she was helping her mother wash the
dinner dishes. Suddenly, rs they stood
putting away the last shining tins in the
tidy pantry, Anna caught her mother by
the shoulders, and said:
''Mother, have your consent to mar
ry Richard2"
Yes, dear daughter. Richard is
worthy, we know
"And you don't want to see me marry
Cousin Thomas2"
"Oh, Anna, I had rather see you
dead"
well, my dear little mother, I don't
think III die, and I know IwOn'tmarry
cousin. But now, mother, I'll tell you
o secret. I can trust yOuH
" Yes, Anna
Well, dear, Richard wrote to me to
meet him at the dance tonight. Then
we would slip away, go over to WestheLd
and Get married tomorrow morning.
What do you say, mother dear3"
The good little woman began to cry,
but she said
"Do as YOU please, Anna; | can't
blame you. The life your father leads
you is pretty hard, know, But, oh,
Anna, your father is going to the Cor
nersln
50 Yes, mother, on purpose to watch
us; 50 Richards plan won't work. But
I have another one. I can count on
your consent, dear, and a good word
with father afterwards -
50 Yes, yes," sobbed the mother.
"That's a dear, good MOTHER said
Anna, kissing her. "Don't think |
don't appreciate your sacrifice, for I do.
And after all done I'm sure father has
700 much sense not to make the best of
it,"
"I'H do my best for you, dear"
II know you will, mother. won't
tell you my plan, for it might get you
into trouble. And / must get to work
now, for I have no time to lose"
Anna found a chance to send her lover
a little note, which contained only these
words:
DEAR RICHARD: I can not 90 to the Cor
ners. But meet me at Wilis's Halfway
House about o'clock with fast horse and
carriage Don't he astonished if I come
alone, but only be ready for me quick,
ANNA.
And her messenger brought her
lovers answer, written hastily upon
scrap of her own note, and simply say
ing
All right, and all ready. RICHARD.
Anna was dressed and in good spirits
when her father rode away at night,
and very soon Thomas drove the light
wagon round to the door and helped her
to her seat, quite delighted with her
gracious friendliness, for his Cousin An
na was not always ready to show him
much favor.
twas glorious moOnlightnight, every
leaf and twig showing against the white
snow. They rode gayly along for a mile
or two, and Anna took special pains to
make herself agreeable, until she thought
it was about time to set her plan work
ing. Suddenly, on pretense of arrang-
ing the rug, Anna stopped over and
dexterously dropped her mutf into the
snow. She gave a slight scream.
cob. I've dropped my mutf, and it
was new, a Christmas present from
father Do please get out and get it. l
can hold the horse"
Unsuspicious and obliging, Thomas
handed his deceitful little cousin the
reins, and sprang out to get the mutf.
Quick as thought, Anna drew the reins
tightly, caught the light whip from its
socket, gave the swift horse a cut, and
sent it flying down the road as light as
an arrow, while poor Thomas, not COM
pretending her game as yet, ran shout.
me after them. But he was soon left
far, far behind, while on flew the bay
horse. guided bv Annals steady touch,