River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-12-26

HEADING THE BRIEF But LOVING EPfSTLE.
for 1.-The dance to be held in town that
night. Speckless his clothes, black
mirrors his shoes: he wore a white shirt,
a white collar and a sanguinary cravat.
A year ago he had been in ireland see
ing after some property left his father
and there he had met his cousin, Hanna
Rafferty,.
Hanna nodded and extended plump
hand, which VIII came forward and
shook awkwardly. Then he reiterated
to the fire and covertly surveyed her.
4 round young figure clothed in
dress, skirt rather. of bright blue CASH
mere, which was surmOunted by a snug
ly-fitting jacket of scarlet flannel; dark
hair. parted straightly and brushed
back from a full, fresh-colored girlish
face a face with thick black brows and
brilliant eyes, and a mouth WI ich, if
trifle too large, held firm white teeth
and was quite mirthful and risible.
''S'posin' you take Hanna to the dance,
William" suggested Mrs. Rafferty,.
Can't" lmore CURLY than courteous
ly) I'm engaged and he carried his
fine, erect. handsome young self cOOlly
away. His father followed him out.
The door remained ajar.
William, why ;can't We take her,
too?"
Her in calm scorn, Ito a dance
in Bubble, Why, she amt got
gloves no style to her-a freckle-
faced little thing whose words curl up
at the end like a shoat's tail-nO, sir!'
The women within heard. Hanna Grim
soned.
Don't mind, dear. Set down and
drink this tea. And now. Pat, ask
Hanna if the boy Obeyed you when he
was in Coolathogle.r
4 want to know, Hanna. did William
see Sarah Sheehy's daughter much when
he was homer
Ellis father told him if he spoke to one
of them he'd leave this farm. which we
homesteaded before the Indians were
out Of Nebraska, to some one else"
Should che tell? Hoe he had spoken
Of her, Why not?
lie wasn't ever away from young
Sarah Sheehy while he was in Cool
athogle" she answered. deliberately.
''Ah, now"
The young desaver."
Hes engaged to her"
"WHdfr
Hes a-going to go home next sum
mer and riarry her"
NEVER
Old Rafferty, leaped to his feet. His
wife sank weakly into chair.
A queer. hard look came into the girls
face. She did not hesitate. though.
drew out a letter.
sarah Sheehy gave me this to give
William, She said.
Hand it here-' roared old Rafferty,.
He was fairly furious, stamping, foam
ing. a fit descindint she of Tim
Sheehy-thryin' to inveighle my son
into marryin' her. Hand it here"
He snatched the letter from her. She
sat there white indeed, with painting
breast and glistening eyes. while old
Rafferty, and his wife perused the brief
but loving epistle. When they had
finished they turned 10 Hanna Both
were trembling with excitement -
actually speechless- But suddenly old
Rafferty, jumped up and went spinning
around the kitchen like one possessed.
Il have it, he roared. 20. Ellen
Jane. o. / have it. we'll make him marry
Hanna-faith we will!'
The blood came back with a rush TO
the girls face. She half rose:
%, 70. sOr; .. no.
lie must. still keeping up his frantic
dance OF delight. "Ie must make him.
Hanna Ye1l have the farm one Of
these days. an ye'll live here with the
old woman an me, an well show the
Sheehys they can't cosne any of their
thricks over the Rafertys not by
George Washington an the banshee of
the o'Rourkes, Well show EN-, Hanna.
BE married on Twelfth Day. You an
win can drive up TO Father Kisha-
lender at Hebron an be back by supper.
Not a wurrd, Hanna; we'll show the
Sheehys.
The doy after Chris mas old Rafferty,
told his son he must marry Hanna In
vain the young fellow protested, en-
treated, refused. But his opposition
added TO his fathers anger. II he
wouldn't he must surely be disinherited
and the farm was worth s.. ZOO. On
New Years Day the father had succeed
ed in wringing from him a most reluc-
tant consent A blizzard blew up. The
roads were blocked, almost impossible,
but no excuse would avail with old Raj
ferty. Go 70 Hebron on Twelfth. Day