The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1868-12-08

didn't hatch out the plan at aIl the
crcdi. Of II all belongs to goa, And,
unless ! ana false prophet, your for
tunes will turn from this very day
bad given heed already to too many
false prophets to be much elated nov
but, nevertheless, there lCds An excite
ment in buying house Nd II really
seemed as though school must -four
ish ii such a neighborhood as that /
felt like laying violent hands on several
little curly pates who were playing
around, and dragging them forcibly to
my temple Of learning.
Mr.. Portman knew Of young mar
ried couple Just from Maine, who would
be glad to occupy the remainder Of my
house; and before long they we're in
stalled there, at rent that covered all
expenses, and left may schoolrent free !
| began TO have quite respect for my
own business qualities. The bride was
just the sweetest little thing ever saw;
aud she would bring her sewing into
the school room, and listen to my style
OF teaching, and declare that she learn
ed SO much herself that she ought to be
regularly entered as pupil, and pay
her tuitlon-fee like the others
took great pride in my new school
room; and TWO new scholars from the
neiguborhood came TO supply the place
of those | had lost Every one proph-
esied brilliant success for me IN the
spring and / looked quite hopefully for
ward.
But my fortune was destined TO come
from another quarter.
had not been long in possession Of
my house when / was informed, one
evening, that gentleman wished TO see
me in the parlor. Now my room look
ed particularly cozy and pleasant, and
was, moreover, writlng-deep in a story
that promised to be great success. -
My hair was somewhat tumbled about
but rather picturesquely 50; and quite
forgetful OF my little apron, | conclud
ed to 60 down just as was. Probably
some pompous looking father OF fam
lily awaited me, with a string of ques
tions about my school; and trying tc
assume proper expression OF dignity
walked quietly into the room.
Rather tall gentleman was bending
over Miss Plidgets photograph album
the grand ornament of the centre-ta
BILE; and although the gas was misera
bly, iow, could see that he was just ther
occupied with my picture, or with tha'
of Miss Plidget herself, which was Just
opposite to it. He Eseemed quite alb
sorbed, and did not hear me when
came in.
The visitor was young and fine-look-
ing, with frank, determined face, tina
would win his way any where. On th,
card that / had received was writer
George Helmwood Surely he coulC
not have any children to place at school
What could he possibly want with me
He looked around surprised when
turned up the gas, and glanced hastil.
from me tc the album a9lin. He bow
ed politely rs he said, j called to SCI
Miss Map.eton i was told that sh
lives mere.
lam Miss Mapleton, | replied, rath
er surprised.
"A lady who has school on Lumba
go Street, he continued, hesitatingly
who owns house there.
pleaded guilty to both of thes
charges, and the gentleman looked boil
amused and embarrassed.
Pardon me, he said, presently, wit
smile. Il expected to see an old
lady. scarcely know how to begin
is it anything about the school 2
asked, by way Of helping him.
No. was the reply; 1T is about tn
house. The truth is, Miss Mapleton,
want to buy the house-or rather m
father does--and he has authorized m
to negotiate for it. Have you any de
sire to sell 1t z
Il have only just bought it, said
scarcely knowing what else to say; AN
my school is there Besides, it is rent
ed for year
will you let my father call and Sc
you about it ? asked my visitor, after
pause. The truth is, II do not III
derstand such business very well. NJ
father is willing to give $4,000 for th
property-he must have it, if possible
Was really il my sober senses 2
Ten thousand dollars! / must hay
looked aud acted in an inexpressibl
silly manner, for Mr. Helmwood 500
took his leave without arriving at an
understanding whatever, except that
was to receive visit from his father.
The next day | rushed down TO Nj
1 Portman for instructions.
Bravo Miss Berenico, said Ii
laughing, when he heard my story, yo
will turn out a woman Of fortune ye
] know the Helmwoods well--very niC
| people indee d--and the son, let me te
you, is particularly nice Father an
son are in business together, and the
large importing warehouse is on I'll
street back Of your premises. By e,
tending their place they will probabl
realize a few hundred thousands frol
increased business; ard they can there
fore well afford to pay you $4,000 {
1 get you out Of the way. Let them q
it, by all means.
Thus fortified / was quite ready 4
I Mr. Helmwood senior, who was r,
markable fne-looking old gentiemal
not unlike his son, aud who stared I
me during the interview as though b
had dim recollection Of having see
me before. He was quite at his cas-
aud / felt much less embarrassed i
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