The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-02-10
Why He Didn't Propose.


by name, and the person she addressed
was her most intimate friend, Miss Kate
Elliot Our heroine, Kate, Is of medium
height, with a perfect figure, tiny hands
and feet, and free, graceful movements:
She had large hazel eyes, brilliantly
fair complexion, with rich color in her
cheeks, dark, chestnut hair, falling in
large, thick curls upon her neck, and
most beautiful features.
"Well, Flora," she said, with a deep
sigh, Walter Elliot is coming to-mor-
row.
"WellY"
s.' Father has gone to New York for a
fortnight, and my cousin Walter is COM
ing to propose to me-"
Well 7"
"Well, well 1t amt well, it's very
i'll. don't want to marry him ~
"Then refuse himl"
can'tl"
"Why notY''
"Oh, thought you knew all about 1t.
Walter Elliot is my fathers brothers
SON; my father and uncle had one
sister, an old maid, very wealthy.
About three years ago she died, and left
her money to Walter and myself, If we
married each other. Father is rich
so is uncle George, but whoever of us
refuses the other, loses aunt Lizzie's
money. Last week Walter became of
age, and, as am seventeen, our respec-
tive papas have concluded that we are
old enough to settle this matter, so
| Walter comes tomorrow. Father, who
was Obliged to leave home this morning,
charged me not to refuse my cousin, and
if he should take fancy to me, Harry
says"
"I thought Harry was at the bottom
| of it: but talk of angels = here he
comes"
The newcomer, tall, handsome
young man, Harry Graharhe, and Kate's
husband elect, in case the formidable
cousin did not propose, sprung up the
steps of the balcony, and seated himself
between the two young ladies.
"What's the matter Kate darling;
you look lugubrious !" was his first
question.
Kate told her troubles, concluding
with "Oh, Harry, tell me how to make
him hate mel"
"Can't think of any way, upon my
honor; if a description of the young
gentleman, you say you have not seen
for six years, will help you any, here it
is; Walter Elliot is very good looking,
excessively refined, and very dandified !;
thinks ladies should be the pink of
neatness, sweetness, quiet obedience and
submission by the way, Kate, if you
marry him you must calculate to give
up shooting and riding"
While Harry had been speaking,
Kate's face had frightened up wonder
fully; as he finished, she sprang up,
clapping her hands together and cried,
"I've hit it'll"
"Hope you didn't hurt it mueh,'' said
Flora.
"But," said Harry, :" thought this
matter was all arranged. 1 promised to
call him out and shoot him."
"Nonsense, Harry! but set your
mind at rest; I've hit upon a tip-top
scheme. Here Adaml Adam ~ she
cried, waving her hand to man who
was wedding in the garden below them,
"harness up Billy in the carry-all.
Harry, you shall drive me into town.
want whole lot of things. Let me
see; want black wig, some walnut
dye, more jockey looking cap, pair
of green spectacles for Flora, larger
riding-whip-"
skate Elliot" said Flora, seizing her
by the shoulders, and looking straight
into her face, "have you taken leave of
your senses ?"
"No, I'm only considering how to
take leave of my lover; but come, we
must dress for drive, and as we go to
town, will tell you both my PLAN"
The next day. in the afternoon, Wal
ter Elliot arrived at his uncle's house.
Flora met him at the door, and intro
dueed herself as Miss Straightlace, Miss
Elliot's companion. She was dressed in
hlgh-necked dark dress, with a plain
linen collar, wore white muslin cap,
and pair of green spectacles. When
they entered the parlor, they found
Harry extended on the sofa, and he also
was completely metamarphosed. A
Jockeys dress, red wig, highly rouged
cheeks, and large patch over one eye,
altered him beyond recognition.