The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1899-04-08
A Peculiar Marriage
By J. A. Bolles

THE Smith brothers were all pecul-
lar. and Justin Smith was far more
peculiar than any of the Others. He
Lived on a good farm of his own in
Duchess county. \. Y.
He was widower, and the man
agement Of his house was entrusted to
Flora Floringer, the stepdaughter of
his deceased, brother. Edwin.
Flora was II years old, pretty and
efficient, and Mr. Smith, in hispeculiar
way. was very fond of her
Justin's chief assistant in farm work
was his only son John. % years old.
John was as sturdy as his father. but
was more sensible and generous-heart-
ed ..,
1t was rainy day. and John Smith
was industriously repairing broken
harness.
He sat on a log in a she'd The gen
tie patter of rain on the roof seemed
to have soothing effect on the young
man. and he alternately whistled and
sang snatches of song. But hiswork
became monotonous. and he was feel
ing Il bit lonesome. when Flora entered
the shed and stood beside him. She
smiled in a roguish way, and kept one
hand behind her back. as if she held
something she wished to conceal
What favor do you want now.
Flora?" asked John. good-naturedly.
Il want you to fill the box in the
kitchen with wood
But am / to have no reward? |
rather suspect from your attitude that
YOU have something for me-"
Il must have your promise that you
will bring in the wood before will tell
you"
Nonsense. You know I'll do any
thing for you"
IF you're sure you'll be rewarded,
you should add"
IN add il. then. just to please you"
retorted John. with Il laugh.
YOU'RE so good I'll not keep you
waiting longer
Flora produced rose. and, as a
Slight blush swept over her fair cheeks,
she slipped the flower into button
hole of his vest. John caught her
hands as she was about to step back.
and his handsome eyes were full of
arGor.
This cannot be all of my reward"
he said. III low voice, tremulous with
feeling.
''Of course it is. Let me 60"
The alarmed girl began to struggle
and to blush violently. but the hands
that could hold pillow firmly for hours
behind pair of strong horses were
fully equal 10 the present emergency.
This is the only way to thank you
properly" cried John, as he suddenly
drew the girl toward him and imprint
ed kiss.
II think you're real mean, John
Smith" said Flora. in as indignant a
tone as she could summon.
II know / am, but | can't help it.
he rejoined,
longer" she cried, as he reluctantly
released her.
"Then III stay with you" And he
ran by her side.
I'm sorry gave you the rose. You'll
never have another chance to get the
best of me.
Then I'll take the last chance.
Flora, be mine and I'll be yours"
mo. | thank you"
"You don't mean it," cried the young
man. as he caught her and best owed
another kiss.
You are my prisoner" he muir
INJURED. tenderly.
''IIow can obtain my release
"Only by promising to become my
wife"
II promise"
whats all this kissing and fooling
mean" cried n rough voice.
The young man looked up in a
startled way. He knew he had been
caught by his father In his haste and
rapture as lover John had thrown
caution to the winds and had forgotten
that he might be observed in his act
Of ardent wooing.
''II means that Flora has promised
to become my wife," said John frank
~ and fearlessly.
"Well. I'm sorry to hear 1t. for I'm
afraid it may be necessary for me to
make you seek another situation than
the one on this farm" repeated Justin,
glumly.
81 think know what is in your
mind" said his son.
you probably do. you think I'm
going to give up my hold on the Edwin
Smith farm in a hurry, you've made
the big mistake of your life. The will,
as neither you nor Flora can have for
gotten, left Edwins farm to be under
my control during my life, after which
1t will become Flora's property. 1t is
provided that the only way she can
receive il sooner is for her to marry be-
fore she is 81 years old. II she marries
,befors that age she is 10 obtain the