Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-09-17

Senteu more unexcepUOuauie tOast, aH"
no evening lounge was more easy, home
like and cheerful, than on the sofas in the
parlors of Mark Meriden. They also
gave evening parties where all was bril-
liant, tasteful, and well ordered and, in
fine. Notwithstanding his shortcomings,
Mark was set down rs fine openhanded
fellow, after all.
At the end of the year Mark cast up the
account in the little book. and was might
lily astonished at it, for with all his ideas
of the powers of numbers, he had no idea
that the twos and fives, and tens and ones,
which on greater or smaller occasions,
had found their way into their columns,
would amount to sum so considerable.
Mark looked about him-the world was
going well, his business machinery NOV
ing in exact touch and time-his house,
where was there prettier one where n
place more repletc with home drawing
comfort? Had he lost any thing in pleas
urc the year past3 Mark thought not,
aud therefore As he walked homeward,
he stepped into booksellers and ordered
some books of superb engravings for
Mrs. Meriden, and spoke to the gardener
to send some elegant Towering exotics
for which he had heard her express an
admiration some evenings before.
That same evening came in Ben San
ford as he expressed it, in the very depth
of indigor for young gentlemen whose
worldly matters invariably 60 on wrong
end foremost will sometimes be found IN
! this condition, however exuberant may
he their stock of animal spirits.
PRAY. Ben. what is the malter9" said
Mark kindly, as The latter stretched him
self at length in an arm chair grooming
audibly.
oh, bilious attack Mark shoe
makers bills tailor's bills! boarding.
house bills all sent for new years pres
ents hang 'em all,'
Mark was silent for few moments
! and Ben continued 'confound it, Mark
what's the sense of living, il a fellow is to
be so very poor? Here you, Mark, born
| in the same town with me, and younger
than me by some two years, You have a
house as snug as man need ask, wife
like an angel, peace and plenty by the
bushel and all comes of having run OF
good luck in the money line and Ben
kicked his papers against the and-irons
most energetically.
;'What has become Of Emily P"
asked Mark, after pause.
Poor soul" said Ben, there she is yet,
with AL sweetness and patience, waiting
till such luckless scapegrace as can
give her a home and husband. wish
to nv soul for her sake, could afford TO
be married and have home of my own;
besides, to tell the truth, | am tired ofths
rambling, scrambling, out at the elbow,
slipshod life.
Why don't you get married. said
Mark
WHY don't I? to be sure-use my tai
lor's bills for fuel and my board bills for
house rent, ahd shoe bills for bread and
butter hey? Would you recommend a
poor girl to try me. Mark, All things con-
sidered p said Ben, bitterly.
Mark reflected a while in silence, and
then drew out his book. his little book, 10
which we have before alluded.
Just look at this account, Ben, said
he; Il 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 rs
he proceeded, and Mark detected u sort
of whistle of astonishmcnt rs he read the
sum total.
We'll, Mark he exclaimed, what a
very old gentlemanly, considerate trick
of yours, to sit behind your counter so
coolly noting down the cost and come to
of all our little frolics-really it is most
edifying. How much you have enjoyed
your superior discretion and forethought,
and Ben did laugh, but not with his usu-
al glee.
Nay, you mistake, said Mark. Ikeep
4, lv fn u hat | ha
been in the habit Of spending myself, and
as you and have always been hand in
glove in everything, it answers for you.
1t was only yesterday that summed up
the account, and assure you ii surprised
myself: and now, Ben, the sum here set
down. and as much more as you please,
is freely at your disposal, to clear off old
scores for the year, provided you will ac-
cept with it this little book rs new years
gift, and uso it twelve months rs have
done, and if at the end of that time you
arc not ready to introduce me to Mrs.
Sanford, l 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 q man who is
buttoning up new resolution.
When they parted for the night, Mark
said with smile, In cases of bilious at
tacks you know where to send for medi.
cine Ben answered only by ferveni
grasp of the hand, for his throat ielt too
| full to answer.