The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-05-31
WooDsFIELD MONROE COUNTY oH1o MAY 81 1865

luck in the money line;" and Ben kicked
his slippers against tho andiron most en-
crgeticaliy.
"What has become Of Emily P-?"
asked Mark, after pause.
Poor sou:P' said Ben; "there she is
yet; with all sweetness and patience, wait
ing till such luckless scapegrace as can
give her home ard husband. wish
to my soul. for her sake, could afford to
get married, and have home of my own;
besides, to tell the truth, m tired of this
rambling, scrambling, out at-elbow, slip
shod life"
"Why don't you get married." said
Mark. 80
why don't, I to be surel Use my
tailor's bills for fuel, and my board bill
for house rent, and my shoe bill for bread
and butter, hey2 Would you recommend
a poor girl to try me, Mark, all things
considered said Ben, bitterly. ~
Mark reflected a while in aileuce, and
then drew out his book-his little book
to which we have before alluded.
''Just look at this account, Ben," said
he; II know you hate figures, but just
for once.
Ben glanced at it impatiently--laughed
when he read over the first two or three
items, but his face heightened as he pro-
ceeded, and Mark detected sort of whis-
tie of astonishment, as he read the sum
total.
"Well, Mark" he exclaimed, .wha. a
very odd, gentlemanly, considcrate trick
is this Of yours--to sit behind your cur
tain SO coolly noting down the 'cost and
come to- of our little frolies--really it is
most edifyingI How much you must
have enjoyed your superior forethought
and dscretionl' and Ben laughed, but
not with his usual slee.
Nay: you mistake" said Mark. "I
kept this account merely to see what l
hid been in the habit of spending myself;
and as you and have been always hand
and g.ove in everything, it answers equal
ly we'll for you. 1t was only yesterday
that summed up the account, and ! as
sure you the result surprised myself and;
now, Ben, the sum here set down, and rs
much more as you please, is freely at your
disposal; to clear off old scores for the
year; provided you will accept with it
this little book as New Years gift, and
use it ono twelve month as / have done;
aud if at the end OF that time, you are
not ready 10 introduce me to Mrs. Sanford,
am much mistaken"
Ben grasped his friends hand, but just
then the entrance of Mrs. Meriden pre-
vented his reply. Mark however, saw
with satisfaction- that he put the book
carefully in his vest pocket, and buttoned
up his coat with the air of man wlo is
but.oning up new resolution:
When they parted for the night, Mark
said with smile: "In case of 'billious at
tacks,' you know where to send for medi-
eines." Ben answered only by fervent
grasp of the hand, for his throat telt toe
| full for him to answer.
Mark Meriden's book answered The
purpose admirably. In less than two
years Ben Sanford was the most popular
lawyer in ---. and as steady house
holder as you might wish to see; and, il
conclusion, we will just ask our lady
readers their opinion on one point, and !
is this:
If Mrs. Blefideh had been a woman VII,
understood what is called 'catchiug
beau better than securing a husband
if sne had never curled her hair excep
for company, and thought it degreda
ton to know how to keep a house com
Portable, would all these things have hap
pened?