Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1882-07-26

Sir George Mackenzie. who flourished
In the last half of the seventeenth cen
tury, was one of the most eminent jurists
ever known in Scotland, besides being
brilliant man of letters. Heinherited
wealth, and during his busy life he added
so much to it that he became one of
the wealthiest men of his time As
politician he was self-willed and stub
born, and at times violent Between
himself and the young Earl of Butte a
strong political difference existed, which
neither showed a disposition TO har-
monize. Yet the Earl had fallen deeply
in love with Sir Georges daughter, and
the love was by her returned. The lovers
knew that the stern old advocate would
not consent to their union. In fact.
it is doubtful if Sir George would have
admitted Butte to the house as friend.
His feelings were deep and litter, and
he had been heard to denounce the Earl
as little better than renegade.
The lovers put their heads together
and consulted. They were eager to be
made man and wife. Of course the
young lady could eloIe and be married
clandestireIy, and the father could not
help himself; but ahl he could disInherit
his recreant daughter; and that must
not be. The young Earl was not
mercenary. The damsel's prospective
wealth, as heiress of her rich father,
had given her not a particle of extra
attraction for him, yet he did not like
the idea Of having his wife deprived of
her Just inheritance; and, naturally, he
did not care to lose such broad and
grand estate--for this daughter was an
only child.
At length the Earl Int upon a plan,
and resolved to act upon 1t. He visited
Sir George in his chambers, while the
latter held the Office of Kings Advocate,
and appealed to him for assistance.
Now, as man to man, in matters OF
business, or in any way not involving
brotherly love, Sir George held the
young Earl in high esteem; and there
was no man of his acquaintance whom
he would have more readily assisted
legally Furthermore, the advocate had
not the remotest idea that Butte either
loved his daughter, or that he was famil-
lar with her.
''Slr George" said the Earl, when he
was ready to open his business, There
is young lady IN this city whom L
dearly and devotedly love; and she has
confessed her love for me. Her father
is wealthy. Now sir, care not for the
lady's money; yet it would not be
pleasant to have her father di<inherit
her. From this you can judge that the
father is opposed to our union At all
events we fear that such Is the case.
Now, my dear Sir George. ] know that
YOU would not hesitate to avonch for
my worthiness,'
The old man nodded assent very
pleasantly.
"And, sir, think you would be will
ing to exert your influence in my behalf,
if / should marry the lady clandestinely.
Your influence would be effectual, L am
sure"
And SO the Earl went on until he had
brought Sir George not only to promise
his assistance toward preventing a
disinheritance. but Sc far had the keen
old lawyer entered into tine spirit OF the
thing. that he advised the Earl, by all
means, ~ ~ ibS.Hts -, m,
.sWhy.' he exclaimed forcibly, "the
man must be blind, or fool, who would
reject such an alliance for his daughter
-cne of the oldest names In the realm;
n fair share of wealth, and a coronet.
60 ahead, my lord, and viii sustain
you if can"
And the Earl went ahead. That very
evening he arranged with the lady, and
on thefollowing day they were privately
married -.
In the evening Sir George missed his
daughter. He had Just inquired tor
her. when a door was opened, and she
and the Earl of Butte entered, hand IN
hand. and advanced straight to his
char. and went down on their knees.
Not word of expiration was needed.
The old advocate caught his breath,
changed from a death-like paleness to a
fnrio1s aush half a dozen times, and
finally gave in.
"Sir George, henceforth L shall take
great pleasure in sustaining my wifss
father" SAID the Earl.
A hot response was upon the pafen.
Inns but he swallowed it, and gradually
a sense of the absurdity of the situation
possessed him, and anon he burst INTO
a hearty laugh, and the errmS children
were forgiven.