Weekly Chillicothe crisis. (Chillicothe, Livingston Co., Mo.) 1878-19??, 1879-09-18
MlsreHany,
IN THE SHAWANGUMS.

hAN iic Ahih w hANut AuDs
From the Saturday Night.
Mr.. Slingerland Valentine sat in his cl
paclous arm chair, his hands resting o.
It's broad arms, his forehead puckered II
into nest of wrinkles, his eyes starin,
with intense, puzzled thoughtfulness ou
through the window of his room into til
beauties of the park beyond.
81 wonder what ever possessed me, h
thought do wonder what ever pos
sesed me? Here am, 81 years old, anc
fool enough to imagine | couldn't ge
along the rest Of my life as well as hereto
fore, and must go and actually ask pretty
little. Eftic Herman to marry me-marry
me-"
As if the idea was appalling, Mr.. Val
entine arose from his chair, and began
restless, desperate sort of promenade
around his room.
mot that she isn't the sweetest little
creature that ever lifted a pair of blue
eyes to mans tace-a dainty, hswer.lik(
girl, whom anybody would love; but tC
think-why, what a confounded fool
I've been, and | old enough to be her
grandfather"
A stern, half.indignant look came to his
eyes, and he paused q minute as if Ia
more fully appreciate the folly of his posi-
ton.
"0f course it's impossible the child cares
for me; Of course it S my money-that has
won her, and the consent of her mother.
Well, and the hale, robust old gentle
man drew long, deep sigh, and plunged
resignedly into the depths of his Turkish
char again. "Well, there's no getting
out OF it now. I'm not the first man that
has made fool Of himself over a pretty
face, but at 81, Slingcrland Valentine,
you certainly was supposed to know bet
teri"
And then he soldced himself with
mans infallible comfort, choice cigar
while, in another room, in pretty little
cottage not far away, Ellie Herman was
sitting in the vinewreathed bay.window,
an exquisite picture of herself
among the swaying foliage, and looking
very bewitchingly trowning as she flash.
ed glance from her blue eyes across the
room at her mother sitting stately and
elegant in her gothic-back chair.
81 never hoped to hear such nonsense
from child of mine, Efiie. The idea of
not wanting to marry Mr.. Valentine!
Why, he can give you everything in the
world you can think of. To be his wife
means a bridal tour to Europe; to be mis-
tress of his magnificent mansion on Fifth
avenue; to dispense hospitality at his
Long Branch villa; to have command of
all that is luxurious, elegant, in every
sense, And you don't want to marry
him!"
Efie pouted her red lips.
"No, | don't Mamma, your side of
the picture is very tempting, but my side
all the time keeps showing me fat,
bald-headed, stumpy old man, who wears
false teeth, and pads his coat, and tries to
look and act as if he were twenty years
younger than he is. Mamma, | don't
want to marry him at ALL"
And something very like sob came
from the girls lips.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself"
Mrs. Herman said, severely. "You shall
not be allowed to throw away such a
chance for the sake of sickly sentiment.
You know what a struggle my life has
been, on account of poverty and obscurity,
md | resolved years ago, to save you from
I like fate.
Effie opened her blue eyes widely.
Poverty, obSourity, Mamma? Why,
| think we have q lovely home, and
enough of everything"
"That will do, Effie! You need brpg
no imaginary arguments to confute my
assertions, and, as far as Mr.. Valentine is
your word is pledged, and the
day set for July 25.
Then sudden little resolution shown
n Eihe's eyes, and she ceased toying with
he swaying spray Of strawberry plant.
Mamma, have told you, as kindly as
know how, that do not want to marry
hat old gentleman; but, as you seem to
AXE no notice whatever of my wishes, | |
will not marry him!"
And the blue eyes flashed and a scarlet
tain came on both cheeks.
Mrs, Herman laughed lightly.
"You foolish child! What weight do
'ou imagine your words have with me 4?
You will not marry him? Ellie, you riU, |
md that settles i'll"
"No. mamma, it does not settle il; for
he very next time see him | shall tell
lin sol"
For second, Mrs. Herman grew pale
With anger; then she looked coldly, stern
y at her daughter.
"You will not dare to do it against my |
positive commands. will myselfsee Mr.. |
lalentine, and prepare him for any in
aDity you may dare to perpetrate; and
vhile | am pushing forward the prepara-
ions foriyour marriage, and Mr.. Valen- |
inc is experimenting the refurnishing of
MS seaside villa for your occupancy, you
will be sent into the country to your
Aunt Hepzibah quiet, stupid place
where you will speedily COME to your
enses, and learn to thank me for having
aved you from yourself" :"
And, twenty-four hours later, Efie Her. |
nan was en- route for the mountain farm
louse away up in the Jersey Shawangums,
nd Mrs. Herman was coldly congratulate
ng herself;
"She shall marry him! If there's any |
understanding between her and Frank |
| have once or twice
have effectually puta quietus
m that! My letter TO sister Hepsy con-
aimed strict orders that no living soul,
male or female, was to be allowed to see
Iffie, except members of her own family; |
nd Hepsy was always afraid to offend me |
so there's no danger on that score.
IND two or three weeks will work wond-
rs. She'll be glad TO come back, and
nish the season at Long Branch and New-i