The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-07-25

IMdnSon nau completed her task OF clear
ing away the dinner dishes, and STORM
them away in the cupboard after thor
ough washing, she was startled by hearin
q rap at the door.
i Somewhat surprised by caller at thi
unusual hour, she answered the summons
She was little apprehensive that it wa
neighbor who had of late proved rathe
troublesome from her habit of borrowing
articles; and owing, it is presumed, t
habitual forgetfulness, neglecting to retur
them.
Il hope,' she mused to herself, that
it is Mrs. Bailey, she will want to borro,
something have not got
| She opened the door, but no Mrs. Bal
Hey presented herself to her expectin.
Igaze-a gentleman of forty-fv carefully
nay elegantly dressed, stood before her.
Il beg your pardon for intruding, mad
am said he, as he noticed Esther's lool
or surprise; but can you direct me to tn,
late Mr.. Willaeet's? have heard he ha
Ia house for sale, which, from the descrip
ton have of it, Judge will suit me-
1T is the next house on the left, sir,
answered Esther, who had time, while the
gentleman was speaking, to examine his
appearance, which did not fail to impress
her favorably.
Thank you for the information.
trust you will pardon the trouble have
occasioned you,' replied the gentleman
bowling.
Not the least trouble in the world, re-
piled Esther, a little fustercd by defer
|ence to which she had not been accus-
toned.
Two days after, Esther heard that Mr.
Willfeet's estate had been purchased by
q stranger, named Bigelow She at once
|conjectured, and rightly, that this was the
same with her visitor. A few days elapsed,
and Esther Manson received another visit
from the same gentleman.
/ have favor to ask of you, Miss
Manson, he commenced, Gt seems he had
ascertained her nancy l am aware that
our slight acquaintance will hardly justify
it; but trust time will remove this OBJ
lection. You must know, he added smi-
lingly, that am bachelor, dependent
in many respects upon my housekeeper,
who, though a good woman in her way, /
am afraid has not yet properly arranged
my house. / would esteem it real service
if you would give me your opinion in some
little matters respecting putting it into
proper disposition. My carriage is at the
door ready to carry you over
But, said Esther, little hesitating, Il
do moi. claim to have much taste. / fear
that / should prove no more reliable in
that respect than your housekeeper.'
Have but to look around me-, said Mr..
Bigelow politely, to be fully satisfied up
on that point.
sEsther's cheek flushed with pleasure at
this compliment, and she made prepara-
tions to comply with her new visitors re-
quest.
It was not without little conscious
ness Of the singularity of her position,
that Esther found herself riding by the
side of a gentleman with whom she had
scarcely exchanged half a dozen words in
her life. The distance, however, was but
short, and she had but little time for re-
flection. =
On arriving at her destination, she
found the chief part of business accom-
plished. The furniture, which by the way,
was new and handsome, had been ar
ranged In the rooms of fashions, but Es-
ther was able to point out several changes
for the better, with all of which Mr.. Big
Glow protested himself delighted. He
asked her advice as to the proper
place in which to hang several fine pic
lures that he had picked up in the course
Of his European travels. This was ac-
corded with some hesitation.
Mr.. Bigelow would not be satisfied
without showing. his new-found acquant-
ance aH'oyer the house; from kitchen to-
garrett. When all was completed, he
overpowered her with protestations of
gratitude for her kind service, and landed
,er at hersown door, just five minutes be-
ore her brother came in. Esther was
'ather glad of this, as she was little sus-
oicious that her brother would consider
ler adventure as rather Quixotic one.
To avoid comment she did not even
inform Philip that she had ever met Mr..
Bigelow. He took frequent opportunities
Q call upon her pn come slight pretext,, |
out it always Glanced to be at the time
Ter brother was absent.
Il wonder said Philip, carelessly, as
he sat by the FIRE one evening, whether
Ar. Bigelow viii not'be looking out for a |
wife before long.'
IL don't know, said Esther in her
Embarrassment, dropping half a dozen
titches from the stocking which she held
n. her hand. -
Not that / approve of marriage-at
east, in my own case, said Philip, no.
icing this little demonstration, but it
nay be different with Mr.. Bigelow. He
as no sister to superintend his establish
aent. / don't know, however, whether.
here is anybody likely to suit him in this
lliage. Let me see-there is Miss Pres
ON; she might do
& NOsI don't think sha ponld emit hin,