The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-01-16
If a Woman viii, She Will.
AID JAcoB MuppLEwoRTH

stubborn, self-willed individual existed.
Jacob Muddleworth had, like Jeph-
tina, Judge of Israel, one fair daughter,
and no more, which he loved passing
well.
He loved her so WELL in fact, that he
dared not trust her to select II partner for
life, but insisted upon II that he was bet
ter qualified to judge who was best cal
culated to insure her happiness in the
marriage state She entertained quite
different opinion, and as she inherited
not IL little of her fathers principal
mental characteristic, she firmly re-
solved that she would never submit to
her fathers will in that respect.
Her name was Harriet-Harriet Mud
dleworth.
The residence of the Muddleworths
was in Flyburg, in Central New York.
Old jacob was al may say he was the
Anain pillar of society in that goodly
town. He was not only justice of the
peace but his name had been mentioned,
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
Muddeworth solicited, or rather de-
manded, Il private interview with his
daughter, when he proceeded to inform
her that it was his wish that she should
marry, and hoped that she would not be
20 unreasonable as to oppose such a
measure.
Harriet assured him that she certainly
should not and plainly stated that
nothing would more precisely meet her
views.
Z" Right Right!' said old Jacob, rub
bing his hands benignly. 81 thought
you would acquiesce in my views, par
ticularly when informed who is to be
the happy man."
g / hardly need information on that
point" said Harriet, quietly.
so, but think you do; am sure
have never informed you. 1t is no 9th
er than Robert Virgins, son of my old
friend Peter Virgins, of Albany. You
Ased to know Robert when you were
5scth children; If you will recollect, the
iamily resided over here in Bogtown.-
Peter has done well, very well, since he
removed to Albany; he assured me, be-
fore left him, last Tuesday, that his
son should have twenty thousand on the
day of his marriage"
Jacob Muddleworth had been on
visit to the State capital the week previ-
ous, and Harriet surmised, from some
obscure hints he had let drop after his
return home, what had been the chief
end Of his journey.
81 have not seen Robert Virgins for
many years"
"Nor have [ he was absent in Yer
mont when l was at his fathers. But
that need make no difference. Robert
has, / am assured, grown to be fine
young man, and is now reading law
with an eminent attorney"
He will have to read long before he
comprehends it, if there has been no
improvement in his intellect since he
was boy"
6 Robert is worthy young man, - ex-
claHleu tne Oiu SeDuenlan, warmly,
and am astonished at such an ex-
preston from you. But as you offer no
objections to wedding with him, it is
no matter.
But do object to marrying him. y
She cast down her eyes, but spoke in Il
low, determined tone. Her father ele-
waited his eyebrows, and looking her
steadily in the eye for moment.
How am 1 to understand you =" he
inquired tartly. 4" AT first you consent
to marrying, and in the next breath you
decline"
8 do not object to marriage. l only
object to marriage with Robert Wig
gins"
But l havegiven my word that you
shall be his"
You did 1t without my consent, and
am therefore not holden"
But am. My word is pledged, my
good name is at stake, and it is too late
for you to decline now"
" l could not very well do it before as
knew nothing of your intention to
engage me-
Jacob Muddleworth turned very pur-
pie in the face, and was evidently keep
ing down his anger with an effort
''The young man will arrive here one
week from today" he said, at length,
and he must not come for nothing"
L