The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1885-06-24
LOVE IN A BALLOON.

IUVh LIN A BALLUUN.
Some time ago was staying with Sir
George Flasher, with q great number OF
people there--all kinds of amusements GO
ing on. Driving, riding, fishing, shooting,
everything, in fact. Sir Georges daughter,
Fanny, was often my companion in these
expeditions, and was considerably struck
with her, for she was girl to whom the
spithet stunning" applies better than any
other l am acquainted with.
o, she was q sumner! You should have
heard that girl whistle, and laugh-you
should have heard her laugh. She was truly
q delightful companion. We rode together,
drove together, fished together, walked to-
gether, danced together, sang together; l
called her Fanny, and she called me Tom.
All this could have but one termination,
you know. fell in love with her, and de-
termined to take the first opportunity of
proposing. So one day when we were out
together fishing on the lake went down on
my knees among the gudgeons, seized her
hand, pressed it to my waistcoat, and in
/
my wife.
" Don't be fool, she said. Now droI
1t, do, and put me fresh worn on
I" o Fanny" I exclaimed don't talk
about worms when marriage is in question
Only say"
tell you what it is, now" she replied,
angrily, " if you don't drop it I'll pitch you
out of the boat"
Gentlemen, l did not drop it, and, give
you my word of honor, with a sudden shove
she sent me flying into the water; then,
seizing the SOULS, with stroke or two she
put several yards between us, and burst
into fit of laughter that fortunately pre-.
vented her from going any further. swan
up and climbed into the boat Jenkins
said to myself, revenge, revenge I"
disguised my feelings. laughed-hideons
mockery of mirth-I laughed. pulled up to
the bank, went to the house and changed
my clothes. When 1 appeared at the din
ner-table perceived that every one had
been informed of the ducking. Universal
laughter greeted me. During dinner Fanny
repeatedly whispered to her neighbor and
glanced at me. Smothered laughter invaria-
bly, followed.
Jenkins" said I, revenge revenge y
The opportunity soon offered. There was
TO be balloon ascent from the lawn, and
Fanny had tormented her father into letting
her ascend with the aeronaut. / instantly
took my plans; bribed the aeronaut to
plead illness at the moment when the ma
chine should have risen; learned from him
the management of the balloon, though
understood that pretty well before, and
calmly awaited the result. The day came.
The weather was fine. The balloon WINS in
fiated. Fanny was in the car. Everything
was ready, when the aeronaut suddenly
tainted. He was carried into the house, and
Sir George accompanied him. Fanny was
in despair.
Am I to lose my air expedition ?" she
exclaimed, looking over the sides of the
car; some one understands the manage
ment Of this thing, surely? Nobody
Tom !" she called to me, you understand
it, don't you ?"
Come along, then" she cried; "be
quick, before papa comes back"
The company in general endeavored to
iissuade her from her project, but of course
in vain. After decent show of hesitation,
climbed into the car. The balloon was
cast off, and rapidly sailed heavenward.
There was scarcely breath of wind, and
we rose almost straight up. We rose above
the house, and she laughed and said, " How
jolly!"
We were higher than the highest trees,
and she smiled and said it was very kind OF
me to come with her. We were 80 high that
The people below looked mere specks, and
she hoped that thoroughly understood the
management Of the balloon. Now was my
time.
II understand the going up part" an
swered, g to come down is not 80 easy :"
and whistled.
What do you mean ?" she cried.
Why, when you want to go up faster,
you throw some sand overheard" replied,
,uiting the action to the word.
| Don't be foolish, Tom," she said, try.
ing to appear appear quite calm and indif-
ferent, but trembling uncommonly.
Fooiishi" said 30 dear, no; but
whether 1 go along the ground or up in the
air I like to go the pace, and SO do you,
Fanny, know. Go it, you cripples! !" and
over went another sand-bag.
Why, you're mad, surely" she whis-
pered, in inter terror, and tried to reach the
bags; but kept her back.
Only with love, my dear" answered
smiling pleasantly; only with love foi
you. o, Fannie, adore you'll Say you
will be my wife p
gave you an answer the other day.
she replied; lone which think you would
have remembered" she added, laughing a
little, Notwithstanding her terror.
:" I remember 1t perfectly" answered
"bnt intend to have different reply from
that. You see those five sand-bags. shall
ask you five times to become my wife.
Every time you refuse shall throw over a
sand-bag $50, lady fair, as the cab-man
would say, reconsider your decision, and
consent to become Mrs. Jenkins"
81 won't, abe said never will and
let me tell you that you are acting in very
ungentlemanly way to press me thus"
You acted in very lady-like way the
other day, did You not rejoined, = when
you knocked me out Of the boat7"
She laughed again, for she was o plucky
girl, and no mistake-a very plucky girl.