Daily Republican., 1880-02-06
MN FIRST PROPOSAL.
Fifty years ago. Could | have dream

great man who had made money 1
the iron way-and by the iron Ways
not merchant prince, but sort of
merchant lord, and as proud as if h
were a real prince.
My father-for am Tom BriDdley-
had large family OF boys and girls
aud we all "playpd about" in beauti
full grounds and had each pony, will
masters and governesses, and lived il
the lap of luxury, among graperies ant
hot.houses. We were great people in
deed. That is, Il the root Of all evi
sprouts up into greatness. Aud tn,
time that Tom was to go to school--to
of course, the greatest school tha'
money could possibly secure-had nov
arrived.
| was in terrible trouble. For long
had known that the blow was impend
ing, that the step was being talked of
by Government in councils. But did
not think it was SO near. O1s day II
the stroke-came, short and sharp;
my father announcing in his decisive
way. "Tom, sir, you must 60 to Eaton
on the Tenth" Jnst fortnight. Q
the misery, the blankness, the chill at
my heart To come at such o moment
when ny air hopes were In the ear
and all my happiness---But once
more am anticipating. Our modest
little village church, TO which we re-
paired on Sundays in state-Govern-
mtnt in brougham and pair, the fami-
ly in large wagonstte-was served
by the Rev. MIR. Pearkss, the Curate,
tie Rector being in bad health and liv-
ing abroad; wheie indeed he was soon
expected to die. 1t would be unbecom.
ing TO say hoped, but | fear such was
the fact. Mr.. Pearkes supported an
immense family, on the usual stipend,
and 1t was understood was to succeed.
Hs was dreamy, poetical being, VINO
liked fishing and did not look sad or
whine over his difticulties-he had a
daughter Of my own age, and-Here |
must pause.
OF all the entanglsments that hamper
life, nothing, 1t will bs admitted can
compare for en- barrassment with those
or which the other sex is responsible.
How many wretched shipwrscks may
~ set down TO this-when the naviga-
or even with a foreknovledEe, and
What sailors term wide berth, before
lin, declines to keep his course clear
nd will run on certain destruction
Here was |, now clever boy, as |
vas told often, with the world opening
'efore me, about to bs made man OF,
ousumed with the most hopeless pas
ion that ever -preyed on the vitals OF
'oyhood.
Abigail was her name-a plump rosy
title nymph, whom have seen dispose
plate Of bread-and- butter in mas
,rly style; nay, in most bewitching
ay plead for slics OF mine in addition.
hat made no difference. Every one in
le parish knew that adored her, ex-
'pt suppose my father, who was too
nsy with his iron TO notice such tri-
Often used to make my way down
the Rectory, and as we were both
nd of mystery, we rarely met by
opointment, in a concealed and remote
lrt Of the garden where there was a
,lightful swing. A swing was consid.
ed too vulgar for opulent children
lch rs we were at Brindley. Seated
de- by SIDE, and somewhat squeezed,
'ut We found no objection to that, we
'snt such happy hours The time
w by, until, as before explained, the
ut fell, and we we're reduced to the
west pitch of human wretchedness. :
was, at least.
Shall ever forget that evening when,
the swing, told her that | madly
we'd her : that we must not be parted; q
ID that we must--well, do somethinR! :
}! but didn't you," she cried, with
1t being so much agitated as | had I
pected, "hear the Dews1 ol such 9
lightful, good newsl Tho old Rector's I
ad at last, and paps and all of us '
. going to be so happy Old Mr.. Il
indley is to give him the place, and a
I'm to have a new dress, and there's
be-such fun |"
Well, l had hoped for q little more 4
Igic sympathy. But SIT was her ma
re-" l saw that all lay upon me, me u
, man !" And that | must up and =
/. And do quickly II did at all. '.
went straight to Mr.. Pearkes and :, :,
d him that 81 loved his daughter. ~ T.
was reading poetry at the time. He g,
s man that was never surprised ~ :,
'ut," said he gravely, "you are both p
young, are you not ~ he added, in =. u.
stating way Bnt told him | could ~ ~
for years, il necessary >. ~
hich 1t was), while was at school. y
at he might speak to my father. We :"
I'D be engaged. Her education would ee
going on with mine. 40, dear sir, p' "
must be-" "very well," said Mr.. ~
!rkes. Really, sow, | give you ", VI
word, did not think there was 80 W
Gu poetry left in the world. Blythe
7, | have 20 go TO Mr.. Brindley
ut the Living, and could mention
-sh 7" Nj
Do, do, my dear Sir; tbs very thing. Nj
will wait for you here" to
lr. Pearkes, singing love song him de
got his hat and stick and walked Col
y off to Brindley. We went into de
garden and got into the swing once DIT
g. and swung ourselves up into the or
enth heaven, the little lady being tn,
iually worked into a sort of delight TO
anticipation OF ths joys OF being po
gagged" 80 We swung and swung au
tor
7e waited long, tb'
he result may 10 summarized. The Co