Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-12-17
Minnis's Ruse.

''HeighO," sighed Minnie Arlin, .'what
. plague these lovers are, Particularly if
one is not quite certain whether they are
enamored ST ones self or ones fortune ]
wish | knew And as she said this she
gazed thoushtfully after the retreating
form of a tall, gentlemanly looking young
man, at that moment passing slowly out of
the gate in front of her fathers mansion.
Minnie was not beauty, as heromes
usually are, but she possessed a sunny,
gleefUl temper, a warm heart and a we'll
Sultivaied mind, which amply compensated
for au deficiencies Of form and face, sothat
among he truly discernin. she found many
and warm friends
As her father was very wealthy, many
suitors knelt at the fset of Minnie, who
otherwise would have sought lovelier
bride. But TO all she h.d given a kind but
decided negative, until she had met with
Walter Roby, the visitor who had just bid
her adieu. He was young lawyer. who
had recently come into the village OF Bel
mont, and who, possessing a handsome
person, fascinating conversational powers
and bland, agreeable manners, very soon
won the confidence and good viii of the
people, aud particularly of the ladies'
lie did rot at first, however, notice
Minnie with much attention; but in the
course OF a " weeks he seemed to be sud
denly enamosd and soon became very at
tentive.
Though Minnie was much flattered by the
apparent devotion Of the handsome law
yer" vet she had large share Of that rare
but important article-common sense; and
as she suspected that this aSslduity did not
arise wholly from love of her own rather
plain self, she determined to prove her
lover. He had this very day made her the
offer Of his heart ard hand, and begged
hers In return; but Mime had given him
this reply.
'.lIr Roby, am not prepared to answer
you Immediately. shall require at least
two weeks to reflect upon it."
He vas somewhat daHnted by this cool
answer, to his rather eloquent and ardent
proposal. for he deemed his handsome
person irresistible. lie urged her tor a
shorter probation, but she would not re-
lent, only telling him tha, if she decided be-
fore the time had expired, she would in
form him.
Minnie sat long in her room that night
devising some means 10 ascertain his real
sentiments. She thought if she were only
handsome. she might rest assured be loved
her. and then she could return that love-
She revolved many schemes, but none SEEM
ed plausible; and finally, when the bell
cbimed y. she retired, resolving in the
morning TO impart her trouble TO her father
and implore his aid, for she was motheriess-
Morning dawned, and Minnie arose unre-
freshed and pale. As the breakfast bell
ulng she greeted her father at the foot OF
the staircase
..What all. my birdie this mornlng!' he
said. as he gave her his accustomed Kiss
.I'H tell you after breakfast. papa, re-
piled Minnie >.
Accordingly, when the meal was finished
she twined her arm within his, and accom-
named him to the parlor, where she unfold
ed TO him her suspicious. plans. and hopes.
AJinnie's father was not surprised Mr.
Reby had applied to him to sanction his
proposal to Minnie; and as
Mr. Arlin thought him worthy, talented
Young man, he told him that ii Minnie
consented, he would"
eDon't be troubled, my daughter, sad
Mr.. Arlin. when she had concluded 1t
,-o,,Id be strange if we could not devise
some means by which to ascertain what
this vonng lawyer is in love with lie 'neh
unfolded his plan, and when they par'ec,
Mipnie's face had resumed something OF us
old looks of careless gayety.
The first week of Walter Roby's Danish
,,,ant,' las he told her he should call IT. had
not passed, when it was rumored that MIN
rie,s Arlin had entered the shop OF Mrs.
Rand. the milliner, as an apprentice ana
that when questioned she had replied 'ohe
AID NOT wish to be a burden upon her father
in his present circumstances lhere caiie
also fiying reports of loss of property
,-,,;o,, seemed in accordance with Minnie's
conduct and many people began to believe
,bot Mr. Arlin would be obliged to dispose
Of his handsome mansion and fine farm
Minnie continuedher daily tasks at the
.,,;,i;ner,s - ill; shop until the two weeks had
nearly expired. Two days before the time
hod eIansed she dispatched to her lover the
following note;
NJ, RonY:-If you still entertain the
ss;n,e,,,s Mr, It's you professed at our last inter
sew Sew will give you my reply this evening.
Vle"' WIN MINNIE ARLIN.
Walter had heard the rumors' ana en-
s..x.r0s 70 ascertain the truth lie ssn