Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-03-24

and quite foregetfuf Of my little apron, l
concluded to go down just as l was Proba
bly, some pompous- looking father of fami-
ly awaited me, with string of questions
about my school; and trying to assume a
proper expression of dignity, walked quiet
ly into the room.
Rather tall gentleman was bending over
Miss Plidget's photograph album-the grand
ornament of the center table, and although
be was just then occupied by my picture, or
| with that of Miss lidget herself which was
just opposite to it. He seemed quite ab-
sorbed, and did not hear me when came
in
The visitor was young and fine looking,
with frank, determined face, that would
win its way anywhere On the card that |
received was written Geo Helmwood. :"
Surely he could not have any children to
place at school? What could he,possibly
with want me?
He looked around surprised when turn
edfup the gas, and glanced hastily from me
to the album again. He bowed to me po-
litely as he said, Il called to see Miss Maple
toni was told that she lives here
Il am Miss Mapleton," replied rather
surprised.
"a lady who has school on Lumbago
street," he continued, hesitatingly, "who
owns house there
pleaded guilty to both these charges,
and the gentleman looked both amused and
embarrassed.
Pardon me, he said, presently, with a
smile, II expected to see an older lady.
scarcely know how to begin
rs it anything about the school % 1
asked, by way of helping him.
mo" was the reply; sit is about the
house The truth is, Miss Mapleton, L want
and he has authorized me to negotiate
for it. Have you any desire to sell it p
81 have only just bought it" said 1
scarcely knowing what else to say; land
my school Is there. Besides, it is rented
for year"
''Will you let my father call and see you
| about it p asked my visi tor, after pause.
THE truth is, II do not understand such
business very well. My father is willing to
give $4,000 for the proprety-he must
have it, if possible. -
Was l really in my sober senses? Ten
thousand dollarsl l Imust have looked and
acted in an expressibly silly manner, for
Mr.. Helmwood soon took his leave without
| arriving at any understanding whatever, ex
cept that was to receive a visit from his
father.
The next day I rushed down to Mr.. Port
| man for instructions.
''Bravol Miss Bernice," said he, laugh
ing, when he had heard my story, you will
turn out woman of fortune yet l know
the Helmwoods well-very nice people in
| deed-and the son, let me tell you is partic-
ularly nice. Father and son are in business
together, and their large importing ware
| house is on the street back of your premi
ses By extending their place they will
| probably realize few hundred thousand
| from increased business and they can there
fore well afford to pay you $4,000 to get
you out of the way. Let them do it, by ali
means"
| Thus fortified I was quite ready for Mr..
Helmwood, senior, wno was remarkably
fine looking old gentleman, not unlike MS
son, and who stared at me during the inter-
view as though he had dim recollection of
having seen me before. He was quite at
his ease, and felt much less embarrassed in
discussing business matters with him than
with his son; there was, moreover, a warmth
and urbanity in his manner that quite char
med me.
Now, my dear young lady ~ said he, in
quick, earnest way, ''the facts of the case
are just these: do not wish to be regarded
by you in the light of filibuster, nor as
coveting what is legally and properly yours;
but have had my eye on that property for
some time past; and it was only lately, while
in neighboring city on matter of business
that l was informed it was for sale. i'm
mediatey wrote to George to secure it at
once but he wrote back that it had been
bought by single lady for a school. land
here l may as well say in parenthesis that
you do not at all answer the idea we had
formed of the single lady in question, and
cannot help looking on you in some sort as
an imposter) l then marched George i'm
mediately off to this elderly maiden of our
imaginations to see if she could be prevail
| ed upon to sell at an advance. The young
man, however, returned in an unsettled
tate Of mind, having evidently failed to
bring you to terms, and coolly requested me
to finish the business myself. | believe
Miss Mapleton that you paid $4,000 for
the house. will double that amount.
bit my lip to keep from smiling. Truly
the son ,ods unbusiness-fke. Il did not
buy the house to sell again. replied, very
quietly.
II know It. You bought it, of course,
for your school, and l suppose it just suits
you but, unfortunately, it just suits me too
Would S., 900 tempt you?''
remained silent, fearful that if 1 spoke,
I should laugh.
Now" said Mr.. Helmwood, rising in
his earnestness, Il must have the place !!
and, rather than lose it, will give you $l0,-