Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-06-28
A PATENT ELOpEMENT.

- AOoN
Aer table and picked up his hat from
the side Of the chair.
''Who is it, wife?" he asked.
IA young man." she replied.
The farmers lip set tight as he wit
messed a glance which passed between
his wife and his daughter.
II understand" he said, severely,
with a determined look at the anxious
face of the girl. THAT city chap,
Leslie Austin"
Yes, father" she replied.
III settle his business for him." and
Farmer Smith strode into the parlOr,
his heavy boots sounding deathknell
to the faint hopes in the sinking heart
Of pretty, winsome Alice Smith. so
you're here again, eh?"
The brusQue interrogatory did not
young man, who arose and faced the
farmer.
Eyes, Mr.. Smith," was his reply.
"And on the same old errand, sup
pose?"
"Yes, sir; came to ask your con-
sent"
'You can't have it"' interrupted
Farmer Smith, savagely. "Alice amt
going to marry you or any body else,
just yet"
but time"
you've heard me- Mr.. Leslie Austin.
You can't have my daughter"
II love her, Mr.. Smith"
Nonsense! She's too young to know
her own mind. have said my say, and
the harvest hands are waiting. Good
day, sir!'
Under such determined resistance,
Leslie Austin retreated. He bit his lips
angrily, as he walked rapidly down the
road to the village hotel.
It's a shame" decided his friend
Bob Townsend, as he heard the dis,
appointed lovers story.
I'VE think so much of each other"
murmured Leslie. mournfully.
You amt going to give up this way.
are yOu?" asked Bob.
Leslie looked up inquiringly.
what else can l do?" he asked.
"Marry her." said Bob.
Her father won't consent"
Suppose he don't"
Leslie started, but shook bis head
slowly.
Il know what you're hitting at. Bob
an elopcment."
You're right"
"But it could not be-"
"Why not:"
s.RocorSo Alino ic hound to Ohev hor
father, and am. too, for that matter"
Bob scowled impatiently.
'Nonsense.'' he asprated. angrily.
"See here, Leslie. If you were the IT.
responsible chap old Smith thinks you,
I'd hesitate; but you ain't-youre an
honest, well-to-do lawyer, respectfully
connected. and only laboring under Il
prejudice on the farmers part, that be-
cause neighbor Jones girl married
worthless man from the metropolis all
such matches must end similarly"
"Granted."
therefore. being in the right. and
the old farmer in one of his mad
moods. I'd outwit him."
How"
"Run away with Alice" said Bob.
Il can't
"Why not?"
"Her father watches her too closely"
"That's the only reason, is it?''
81 believe so."
"She's willing?"
presumably"
"And your
80. Bob. you're talking nonsense!
might as we'll go back to the city
md wait until Mr.. Smith changes his
mind"
'And let some other fellow have
Alice. You're brave lover."
Leslie was despondent.
Il have a plan. if you're plucky
enough tofollow it out" suggested Bob.
Leslie's face grew expectant at the
hint.
what is it?'' he asked.
"Listen"
What Bob told the discouraged lover
need not be repeated. The subsequent
acts of the conspirators afford suf-
ficient explanation.
IL WIS tHt itNt III IDoD
reconnoitered the ground. and found
that Farmer Smith had indeed taken
due precaution to prevent his daughter
meeting or running away with Leslie.
But Bob managed to get letter to
the fair prisoner-a letter after read
Ing which secretly she manifested her
acquiescence to it's contents by an in
telligent nod. to the messenger.
1t was theSafternoon of the day fol-
lowing Just Farmer Smith had sent
his two boys to the town with a load
ofpotatoes, and was seated, resting for
an hour or two. on the front porch,
with Alice industriously sewing by
his side. that vehicle driven by
single occupant came down the road.
Old Jabez looked in profound amaze
ment as the vehicle came to stop.