The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1869-04-08
= EBENsBURG, PA, THURSDAY. APRIL g., 1867

SLCT. I1OW uuCu ulOlC OOe01N W ---y
feelings the term ''damseP' or Hmalden
would have been! tried to remember
that I was only twenty-four, but spin
ster" sounded like forty, at least A
spinster or not, though, the house was
mine and l, almost a pauper, was aetu-
ally property holder.
"Now," said Mr. Portman, cheerfully,
when the matter was all arranged, Il re-
ally think, Miss Bernice, that this is the
bri ghtest thing you have done for many
day" -.
THAT you have done, you mean" I
murmured.
"No," he replied, stoutly, Tiny noddle
didn't hatch out the plan at all the
credit of it belongs to you. And unless
am false prophet, your fortune wiii-'s'ara
from this very day"
Mr. Portman knew of young married
couple, just from Maine, who would be
glad to occupy the remainder of my
house; and before long they were installed
there, at a rent that covered all expense,
and left my school-room rent free
[ began to have quite respect for my
business qualities. The bride was just the
sweetest little thing [ ever saw, and she
would bring her sewing into the school
room, and listen to my style of teaching,
and declare that she ought to be regularly
entered as pupil, and pay he: tuition fee
like the others.
I took great pride in my new school
room, and two new scholars from the
neighborhood came to supply the place of
those l had lost. Every one prophesied
brilliant success for me in the spring, and
locked forward hopefully.
/ 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 looked particularly
cozy and pleasant, and l was, moreover,
writing-deep in a story that promised to
be great success. My hair was some
what tumbled about, but rather pictu-
resquely, and quite forgetful of my little
apron, concluded to go down just as l
was. Probably some pompous-looking
father of family awaited me, with a
string of questions about my school; and
trying to assume proper expression of
dignity, walked into the room.
Rather a tall gentleman was bending
over Miss Plidget's photograph album
the grand ornament of the center table,
and although the gas was miserably low, /
rnnld see thab ne WAS inst ther..-r%
by ny picture, or with that of Miss Plid-
get herself who was just opposite to it
He seemed quite absorbed, 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
want with me
| He looked around surprised when /
! turned up the gas, and glanced hastily
| from me to the album again He bowed
to me politely as he said, II called to see
| Miss Mapleton-I was told that she lives
here"
II am Miss Mapleton," replied rather
surprised.
"a lady who has school on Lumbagc
street." he confined, hesitatingiy, >'Whc
owns house there"
l pleaded guilty to both these charges
and the gentleman looked both amused and
embarrassed.
pardon me, he said, presently, with 9
|
| | scarcely know how to begin"
"Is it anything about the school ,"
asked, by way of helping him.
"No," was the reply; cit is about the
house. The truth is, Miss Mapleton,
want to buy the house-or rather my
father does-and he has authorized me tc
negotiate for it. Have you any desire tc
sell it ?'
"Ihaye only Just boughtit," !" said scarce
ly knowing what else to say; S'and my
school is there Besides, it is rented fol-
year.
'Will you let my father call and-see you
about it 2" asked my visitor, after pause
''The truth is, II do not understand
such business very well. My father is
willing to give 1000 for the property
he mast have it, if possible"
Was l really in my sober senses? Ten
thousand dollars l must have looked and
acted in an expressibly silly manner, fol-
Mr. Helmwood soon took his leave with
out arriving at any understanding what
ever, except that was to receive visit
from his father.
The next day | rushed down to Mr.
Portman for instructions.
"Bravo! Miss Bernice," said he
laughing, when he had heard my story
"you will turn out woman of fortune
vet. know the Helmwoods well-very
nice people indeed-and the son, let me
tell you, is particularly nice Father and
son are in business together, and their
large importing warehouse is on the street
back of your premises. By extending
their place they win probably realize few
hundred thousand from increased business
and they can therefore we'll afford to pay
YOU $4,000 to get you out of the way
Let them do it, by all means"
Thus fortified was quite ready for Mr.