Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1892-12-10
BIFFeS ELoPEAlENT,

- "Blff." for Blatchford, chung with
embarrassing tenacity, began paying
tjs addresses to Miss Charlotte Wade,
5onghter of Joseph Wade, the contractor
and builder. everybody, with one ex-
rapton pronmced them Wen matched;
for Miss Charlotte, though an amiable
and meIitorious young lady, was rs
much of an enigma and as hopelessly
eLddv as her lover. The exception al
T,dpd to was none other than the
,,;rIs father Old Joe Wade, close
nouthed man, stern of feature, but up
ripbt i'm all his dealings, whose yes or
mo when you have succeeded in get
Emo II. is law, had never been heard to
cav privately or otherwise, what he
thought Of the young gentleman or Of
Ids wooing In eight of ten mouths
- courting. Biff's resolute endeavOr
Ind been to cultivate the acquaintance
If Mr. Wade, that he might ascertain
his attitude with respect to their pros
nncriye relationship. He was rewarded
nv that obdurate parsonage with moth
inv more encouraging than a loudly
snoken. How are your which only
served TO nonplus the youth and drive
him nearly distracted. IIaffectual eff
f,rrs TO screw his courage up to the
Interrogation point were made by the
Iattpr but the struggle was abandoned
with the mental resolution that mas
much as he held the fortress, such
INITIATIVE obstacles as parapets must
take care Of themselves.
Darling said Biff, one moonlight
night. as he gazed hard at the floor of
the porch. Enthusiastically decorated with
grapeyine shadows, Il can't understand
YOUR father. You are afraid to speak
to him about our marriage, and I'm
sure If l asked him he'd thunder NO"
and then knock me down. What do you
say to running OFF,
And getting married.
Sure
"Oh. that would be ever so nicew OK
claimed the romantic miss, oyerjoyed
at the prospect of an affair exactly suit
ed to her disposition But you don't
mean tonight, Biffy?"
NO; hardly so soon, sweetness. Sup
pose we say week from next Thurs
day.
Thursday would be agreeable to me,
Bify, dear, but Tuesday is lodge night
with papa, you know, and l was think
ing"
why. certainly" assented the bliss
full YOUTH wen make it a week from
Tuesday night The old gentleman
gets in late, tired out, and he'll sleep
ike a brick, and I'll have a horse and
buggy here at--let me see-yess at l
o'clock to take you away. You viii have
your things all packed, and-and-who
shall we get to marry usY'
"Iu never consent to have anybody
but q minister" said Charlotte.
Whats the matter with a justice of
the peace?" queered Biff, rougishly
"Oh, / just won't have him." ejacu-
lated his companion, bringing her foot
forcibly down on weak, struggling
monbeam "The idea of being married
by a.
We'll. then. that's settled" said Bitf,
with ready acqWescence. But will it
be safe 10 try any of the ministers here
in town.
I'm afraid not, said Charlotte mus
mgly suppose we have Mr.. OliDhant
perform the ceremony at Adrian. II
is only twenty-one miles from here"
"A great idea cried Biff, rapturouSly.
"A splendid scheme. Ohiphant is Just
the man-kind-heartcd, knows US wei,
and win do the right thing by us. Oh.
Charlotte, you're an angel"'
So. with few minor matters discuss
ed, the aIopment-the bona tide elop-
ment, with ladder, midnight ride and
all, was on; and Mr.. Wade, unsuspect-
Ing old man. would soon be bound to
congratulate them or-whistle. Meet
ing his friend, Charlie Strong, on the
street shortly afterward, Biff, in strict
confidence, opened his heart TO him.
Charlie he said with gravity, I'm
driven to desperation"
What's the trouble, Biff?" Strong
was looking serious.
Well, the fact is, ] love Charlotte
Wade, and l must have her or die. Her
old man bitterly opposes our marriage
stubborn as a mule-won't listen to ar
gument or anything. Now, then, I've
made up my mind. / propose to
Say. Biff, if 1 were you l wouldn't
Wouldn' what?"
Wouldn't do anything rash. Don't
IN yourself"
My dear boy" said Bif, leaning ON
aaS friends shoulder and giving vent
70 q hearty laugh, 1T isn't half 50 bad
as that We've merely planned an elop-
maut Tuesday night a week settles
tha question See" And Bif punched
ulm 10 the ribs, lest he wouldn't see.
Charlie had another friend and his
friend had a friend
Sunday night preceding the fated
Tuesday came round and found the
lovers together. with something to talk
about
Darling" inquired Charlotte, ia tend
crest accents and with that sweet, resi-
ful confidence one is apt - repose in
the judgment of their fn re husband,
shall I try to pack all my things in q