The weekly union record., 1865-08-12
Mark Meriden.

ty house is pretty thing-but hang il one
must have little of life
Mark Meriden stood at his desk, giving a
last look at his books, while Ben Saniord-the
roguish-the merry-the song singing-the
Ben of all Bens. was thus urging on him the
claims OF projected lrolic that evening. Now
Ben was precisely the messenger for such en-
bassy-tbere was fun in the twinkle of his
blue eyes, aud a world of waggery in the turn
of his head. and in pair of roguish dimples
that went merrly dodgiDg in and out of his
cheeks every time he spoke, aud he laid hold
of Marks arm TO drag him away.
But Mark shook of his hand. and finished
summing up column Of 6gures-put the
| blotter into the book. and the book into the
place. wiped his pen-al with an air of great
thong ghtfulness-and. at last. turning 10 Ben,
said" think | won't go this time"
Now why not ?" said Be-, eagerly.
Because-beeause, said Mark, smiling,
because have an odd fancy that should
like Mrs. Meriden's company better this even
| ing"
Hang Mrs Meriden-beg pardon. Mark
hang myself for saying so-but one don't like
TO see 6ue fellow buried alive! come take a
real wake up with U.s."
"Thank you. Ben, but haven't been asleep,
and don't need it. SO will go home aud see
my wife" And thereat Mark turned reso-
lutte step bomeward, as well trained husband
ought.
Now says one Of our readers. who was
Mark Merideu p You would not have asked.
good reader, if you had lived in the town
of - when his name first appeared on the
outside Of one of the most fashionable shops,
/" Mark Meriden." surrounded by those waving
insignia of grace and fashion that young bellies
used to have their eyes turned off from behold
ing. Everything ID the tasteful establishment
told of well arranged business and Mark him
self, the mirror of fashion, fauitless in every
article of costume, quick, attentive, polite, was
every day to be seen there winning golden
opinions from all sorts of people" Mark Is
shop became the resort of the high ton of
beauty and wealth who came there to be en-
lightened as to the ways and means of dsposng
of their surplus revenne-to see aud be seen.
So attentive, polite and considerate was Mark,
so profound bis bows so bright bis eyes, so
unexceptionable bis whiskers, that it might
have proved dangerous resort for the ladies'
had not neat, tasteful house, going up 10
the neighborhood, been currently reported as
the future residence of an already elected Mrs
Meriden, and ID few months, the house neat
ly flushed and tastefully furnished, received
very pretty lady, who called herself to that
effect. She was as truly refined and lovely a
woman as ever formed the center flower in
domestic bouquet, and Mark might justly be
pardoned for having as good again an opinion
of himself for having been fortunate enough to
secnre her.
Mark had an extensive circle o. business
and pleasure acquaintances, for he had been
one OF the social, companionable sort, whose
money generally found its way out of his
pocket in very fair proportion to the rate it
came 10.
In short, be was given to clubs, oyster sup
pers, and now and then wine party. aud va
rious other social privileges, for elevating ones
spirits and depressing ones cash, that abound
among enlightened communities.
But nevertheless, at the bottom of Marks
head, there was very substantial stratum OF
certain quality called common sense, a trait
which, though it was never set down 10 any
chart of phreuology, may very justly be called
faculty. and one, too, which makes q very
striking difference among people as the world
goes. In consequence of beiug thus constitu-
ted, Mark, when he found himself in love with,
and engaged to pretty girl, began to reflect
with more than ordinary seriousness on bis
accurate survey of bis business, formed ar
average estimate of his future income on the
soberest probabilities, aud determined 10 live
little even within that. He also provided
| himself with small account book, with which
be intended to live in habits of very close ac-
quaintauce, aud in bis book be designed to
note down all savings consequent upon the re
trenching Of little extras, before alluded to, in
! II; ob bn bol ba bah of
! ly ndulging himself.
| Upon the present occasion it had cost him
something of an effort to say mo- for Mark
was one of the easy fellows TO whom the
enunciation of this little syllable caused as
much trouble as all the gutturals of the Ger
man. However, when be came in sight of his
parlor windows through which bright fire
was shining, when be entered and found the
clean, glowing hearth, the easy chair drawn up
in front, and a pair Of embroidered slippers
waiting for bin at their leisure. and above all,
when be read the quick glance OF ever bright
eyes, Mark forgot all about Ben Sanford, and
all bachelor friends and allurements what.
soever, and thought himself the happiest fellow
on earth.
The evening passed of rapidly by the help
OF music, reading and little small talk of
which married people generally 6ud a supply,
and the next morning saw Mark at early busi-
ness hours with as steady hand and as cool
head as if there had been no such thing as
bachelor frolics in existence.
Late in the afternoon, Ben Sanford lounged
in to ogle few of The ladies, and, above all,
10 rally Mark on losing the glorious fun OF the
evening before.
Upon my word, Mark" he began, " We
must have you put up for selectmaD, you are
becoming so extremity ancient aud venerable
in your ways-however, you are to be ex-
cused," be added, circumstances considered,
family Influence ah . well, its fue affair
this MARRIAGE
Better try it, Mr.. Sanford" said q bright,
saucy girl, who with her laughing companions
was standing By while Ben was speaking.
Ah, madame, the wherewithal y said Ben,
rolling up his eyes with tragic expression.
- Ii some clever old fellow would be so obhg
ing as 10 die now, aud leave few thousands-
then, ladies, you would see."
But speaking of money, said Mark. when
be saw the ladies busy over some lsces he had
Just thrown down Oh the counter, what did