The Forrest City times., 1894-06-15


 ited the Woodlands, had seen the pie lures and WIS led in to dinner by very handsome young gentleman from vir- ginia, described by Miss Beckey in her curt speech as Jimmy Jessamy from the Tidewater," named Francis Dula- ney. The dress of this gentleman would surprise nineteenth century belle, al- though it was de regle one hundred years ago. A canary waistcoat sprigged coat with deep cuffs, laced steel but tons big as toy saucers, claret brooches and stockings, buckled shoes and steenkirk erava.. smartiy laced
 Mir. Dulaney made himself very agreeable. He told of his life in Lon- don when he had been student; of his lonely plantation in Virginia; his widowed mother and sister who had married in England. and Polly, to her surprise, felt as if they had been friends for long time, and then Beck ey carried her off, warning Master Frank that he must not go philander- ing about Third and Walnut, as it would make trouble. On the road home the girls had long talk, and Polly made up her mind that the first era in girls life had opened for her. She had lover, and, as is always the result, such knowledge gave her, with sense of responsibility, new feeling of self-confidence and respect.
 It was fact. MT. Francis Dulaney was in love with the beautiful Quaker ess. and Beckey Hamilton took charge of the courtship with characteristic energy.
 After three months spent in alter nate hopes and fears, Francis Dulaney proposed and was accepted by Mary Pennell, and Frank at once announced his intention of calling on her father.
 Next morning that gentleman found himself standing in front of an utter stranger, handsome and we'll dressed, who announced himself as suitor for the hand of his daughter. The old sailor had never been so taken aback, but after many earnest words and en- treaties declared himself as firmly and unalterably opposed to such union, and his visitor departed.
 And now the hardest was to come to see and reproach his daughter for infraction of duty and respect to her parent. He sent for her. Never had she seemed so beautiful. but there was something matured, quiet firmness in her eyes he had not noticed before. and to his amazement he learned that she had pledged her faith and would keep it. He had bent refractory men to his will, but knew that he was pow erless here, but resolved to try.
 He had a maiden sister in New York. and he at once sent for her. Aunt Pa tience was not bad woman according to her lights, but looked on a love af- fair as device of the evil one-to be met and baffied at any and all risk. Her niece met her with firmness. and refused to give any pledge of renuncia- tion whatever, and, with her hand on her lover's last letter, declared her fidelity to him while life lasted.
 She was forbidden to leave the house nnless attended by her aunt, who had begun to rule like she Torquemada, and made everyone, including her brother, weary of life.
 But an arrangement for action was made. Mir. Pennell had never yielded in his life, and moreover believed he was promoting his daughters temporal and spiritual welfare in hindering her marriage with a worldly person, and he had resolved to take passage for Eng land accompanied by Polly, and this arrangement he supposed to be entire ly secret
 In the early part of October, 1900, he left the house on some business errand, while Miss Patience, after giving every one a blowing up, retired to her room to arrange it. She had no sooner en- tered than the watchful Creeshy locked it on the outside. Gid, Mir. Pencils s own black servant, crusty old fellow, was sent into the cellar and secured by the paddock; and then Polly, looking charming. but rather pale. came downstairs, paused a mo- ment on the threshold, and then bade farewell to her old home.
 Followed by her maid she crossed into Third street, and there under the big buttonwood that was standing at the corner of Willing's alley until 1851, was the Hamilton Tilbury, and in d moment her hands were clasped by her lover and Miss Hamilton.
 "Drive like the deuce, Solomon" was the command, and in half an hour they reached the Woodlands. It was a joyous marty. Beckey and her two sisters ordered everything done at once. John Inskeep, who had been inaugurated mayor of Philadelphia a few days before. performed the mar riage ceremony. Andrew Hamilton gave away the bride, and all were happy.