The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-03-27
MINNfE'S RUSE,

whether they are enamored of ones self
or ones fortune. | wish | knew" And
as she said this she glanced thoughtfully
after the retresting form OF tall, gentle
manly looking young man, at that mo-
ment passing out of the gate in front OF
her fathers mansion.
Minnie was not beauty, as heroines
usually are, but she possessed sunny,
gleeful temper, a warm heart and well
cultivated mind, which amply COM
pensated for all deficiencies of face and
form, so that among the truly discerning
she found many, and warm friends.
As her father was very wealthy, many
suitors knelt at the feet of Minnie, who
otherwise would have sought a lovelier
bride. But to all she had given kind
but decided negative, until she met with
Walker Roby, the visitor who had just
bid her adieu. He was young lawyer,
who had recently come into the village
of Belmont, and who, possessing hand~
some person, fascinating conversational
powers, and bland and agreeable man.
ners, very soon won the confidence and
good will OF the people, and particularly
of the ladies.
He did not at first, however, notice
Minnie with much attention; but in the
course of q few weeks he seemed to be
suddenly enamored, and soon became
very attentive.
Though Minnie was much fattered by
the apparent devotion of the handsome
lawyer" yet she had large share of that
rare but important article common
sense; and as che suspected that this
assiduity did not arise wholly from 8
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 and hand, and begged hers in
return; but Minnie had given him this
reply:
"Mr. Roby, am not prepared to an
swer you Immediately. l shall require
at least two weeks to reflect upon it."
He was somewhat daunted by this
cool answer to his rather eloquent and
ardent proposal for he deemed his hand
some person irresistible. He urged her
for a shorter probation but she would
not relent, only telling him that if she
decided before the time expired she
would inform him.
Minnie sat long in her room that
night, devising some means to ascertain
his real sentiments. She thought, if she
were only handsome, she might rest as
sured that he loved her; and then she
could return that love. She revOlved
many schemes, but none seemed plaus
ible; and finally, when the bell chimeC
twelve, she retired, resolving in the
morning to impart her troubles to he
ather and implore his aid, for she wa
motherless.
Morning dawned, and Minnie srost
unrefreshed and pale. As the breakfas
bell rang she greeted her father at thu
foot of the staircase.
"What ais my birdie, this morning p
he said, as he gave her his accustomed
kiss.
j "Tll tell you after breakfast, papa,
replied Minnie.
Accordingly, when the meal wa
finished, she twined her arm within hi
and accompanied him to the parlol
where she unfolded to him her suspi
cions, plans and hopes. Minnie's faths
was not surprised. Mr.. Roby had ap
: piled to him to sanction his contemplated
proposal to Minnie; and as Mr.. Arin
thought him a worthy, talented youni
man, he told him that &C. if Minnie con
scented, he would"
"Do MT be troubled, my daugh ter,
said Mr.. Arim, when she had concluded
at would be strange if we could no
devise some means by which to ascertain
what this young lawyer is in love with
He then unfolded his plan, and whel
they parted Minnie's face had assumed
something of its old look of csreles
gayety.
|
The first week of Walter Roby's "ban
ishment" las he told her he should call it
had not passed, when it was rumored tina
Minnie Arlin had entered the shop o
Mrs. Rand, the milliner, as an appren
tice, and that when questioned she haC
replied, "She did not wish to be bur
den upon her father in his present cir
cumstances." There came also fyin,
reports of loss of property, which seemed
in accordance with Minnie's conduct
and many people began to believe ths
Mr.. Arlin weuld be obliged to dispose o
his handsome mansion and fine farm
! Minnie continued her daily tasks at tht