The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-11-13
FRIGHTENING A LOVER.

Caroline F Preston, in Gleasons Monthly
Companion.
"You have heard me speak of Stephen Jen-
kins, MstildaT,
"Well-another-cup of tea, if you please
he is coming here tomorrow, on a weeks
visit"
aAnd why don't I, Miss Matilda? There
is nothing 70 summon sucn looA Vi Gull
sternation to your face.
Because. if he shouldn't happen to be
sgreeeble-" .
il "a desirable for you to find him so, since
he is your prospective husbani!'
"My pective husband What can you
mean. uncleY' inquired Matilda, opening
her ewes in amaZement
"I thought you understood 1t. Your es-
tstes ioin aud il is emineutlY proper,
therefore, that you should unite them by
marriage"
"a very good reason, certainly" said Ma.
tiIde. with curl of her lip. 1t makes ht-
tie difference suppose, whether our ais
posltions are ,mpatible or not"
'Ob, they will easily adjust themselves
after marriage, and the two wlHmake such
handsome estate. -
"Supposs / stouldn't fancy him we'll
enough to accept bis proposals, uncief
"If YOU should dream of such thing as re-
fns,l I should disinherit you. You are
aware. / suppose, that all your property
comes from me, and that l can, at any time,
recallit"
That would be a pity, certainly" said
Matilda in a lively strain, "tor lsnould
have to take in washing or something oil
that kind, to support myself, and l have
such an appetite"
Mr.. Parker smiled in spite of himself, and
evidently looked upon his neice as one VINO
would readily yield to his expressed will.
"Dne question more, uncle. Suppose nc
should not fancy your humble niece, anC
conclude TO pay his addresses elsewhere.
"I never would speak to the puppy again.
"And you wouldn't disinherit me then
uncle2'
"of course not, you gypsy. 1t wouldn't b'
at would be mortlfying to have him re
iect me-" said Matilda, demurely. "Is there
anything he particularly dislikes In wo
man do you know2'F
II once heard him say he couldn't bear
literary womt q, said her uncle, after SOM
reflection "Ail sorts of strong minded wo
men are his aversion. But then, you know
Matte, you are not strong minded"
THANK you, uncle, very much. That
as much as TO say / am weak minded"
''No such thing you gypsy. But there
one thing more L have TO tell you, aud ths
is that ann called away to New York D
business. which will detain me the fu
length of his ay. So you will have TO er
tertain him yourself. Mind and play you
cards well, and 1 shall expect to had tn
marriage day fixed when return"
'sOh, dear, what shall ever do with ths
horrid man for a whole week.
~ dare say you will be dead in love wit
him by the time / get back. You may y
member me to him when be arrives, and te
him how much regret not being here
welcome him."
That night Matilda kept awake for SON
time, connecting plan by which she mig
offend the pre- udices of the expected Wis
for. and throw the burden OF a refusal upo
him. For she we'll knew that II he once pr
posed her uncle would be seriously angry
she rejected him. and very possibly wou
carry ont the threat to which he had give
utterancg.
1t was about twelve o'clock the next ds
that tail young man, OF serious aspeS
ascended Mr. Parker's front steps and raj
the bell.
He was ushered into the drawing rooI
where, after waiting half an hour, he r"
jolned by Matilda.
The young lady was by no means lookll
her best. Her hair waSloosely arranged,
collar awry, aud there was very perceptit
stain of ink upon her fngers.
'Mr. Jenkins presume" she remarke
The gentleman bowed, and looked Gu
ously ar his entertainer.
"And / presume / am addressing M
Parker"
Our heroine inclined her head in the
frmative. =,
II hope your respected uncle is well