Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-06-05

.ARUNAWAYM MATCH
But Not the Kind of Runaway
Usual In Such Cases.
,sa,aasaaaaa,s


John Asley. -Jr., was tall young
man about %, and as he gazed wrath.
fully at his father the old man almost
quailed before him.
Old John Asley was of the "old
school" whatever that may mean, and
young John Asley was of the new
school," very new in fact, went in
heavily for athletics, ran up n big bill
at-cullege for dad to pay and then
skipped overEto the continent, and
there. being up to date, fell in love
with very pretty girl and of course
wanted to marry her.
Now, old John AsIey not only had nc
sympathy with his sons matrimonial
schemes, but he rather regarded the
young man aud all his likes and am.
bitions as altogether unheard of and
therefore dangerous and to be frown-
ed on.
1t was natural that he should plan
for John to enter his Office and learn
the ways of business. The old man
felt sure it was rank hercsy and recll-
less foolishuess to let the boy marry
till he had grounded himself In bust.
ness and its methods. Now the boy
wanted to marry Miss Bennett at once
and learn the rudiments of business
afterward
This did not suit the old man. he
admitted that lie would not be so
averse to the marriage if the young
lady had any money. They discussed
the matter some time
Old John Asley knew that his son
had his own stubborn and unresisting
temperament. and he changed his tac
tics. He suggested that John have his
aunt ask the girl to dinner pnrty
Johns aunt presided at the few enter
tainments the old man gave. This was
arranged and the Invitation dispatched
to Miss Grace Bennett, Madison
avenue. New York"
This was the address she had given
john and told him it was a friends
house where she should, spend the win
ter. Her acceptance came by return
post.
The evening of the dinner arrived
and the splendid house was decorated
and ablaze. Johns eyes sparkled when
he led Miss Bennett up to introduce
her to his father.
"Father, this is Miss Bennett" he
said.
He saw his father give the girl a
puzzling look and heard him stitle an
exclamation of surprise. Then he no.
ticed that the girl was blushing and
seemed in some way i'll at ease.
'How do you do. Miss Grace?' said
his father, with the easy familiarity of
an old man. 1--WE are very glad to see
you here" Then some one else came
up, and the girl hurried away.
Several times at dinner John saw his
father glance at the girl and then shake
with silent laughter. His hot blood de.
cided that his father was ridiculing the
girl of his choice, and he determined to
call him to account for it.
He drove Miss Bennett to the station
to catch the late New York train, and
when he got back he found his father
still up. The old man became silent
and refused him any explanation All
he would say was that If Miss Bennett
only had as much money as Alice Coop
er he would withdraw all his objections
and make John liberal allowance.
Miss Cooper was n daughter of an
ex-resident, who. dying, had left his
only child, Alice, large fortune. John
had never seen the girl and thought
then that he neyer-wanted to.
In the middle of September young
John announced that he was going to
New York and would like some funds
The money was forthcoming, and the
old man even chuckled as he handed
John the notes in a way that only
made matters worse.
John went to New York. taking his
nag Midnight with him. He was too
much attached to the horse to leave
him behind and looked forward to
some delightful gaIlops with Miss Ben
nett
For two days he hung about the no,
tel. fuming and trying to make up his
mind TO call on Miss Bennett. One
morning he decided to take a ride in
the park before breakfast.
Midnight was handful and-needed
all his attention for some time After
a good gallop he quieted down and
began to act like a rational horse
again.
John was walking him along the
bride path and came on little crowd
of persons, including some of the park
workmen and a mounted policeman.
Standing near the group was hand
some Kentucky saddler, trembling all
over and showing unmistakable signs
of having run away The sidesaddIe
on him was hanging on his flank, and
his mouth dripped blood from an in.
side cut. There was blood on the po.
Mceman's arm. His horse was quietly
watching the proceedings with mild,
steady eyes. He had seen so many
similar accidents that it was really
quite bore to him.
John drew Midnight up and tried te
get look at the person they seemed