Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-06-11

soul, however. received severe shock
in the wording of the document. wherein
was stigmatized as 'Bernice Mapleton,
'spinsterr How much more agreeable to
my feelings the word 'damsef or maiden
would have been! tried to remember
that was twenty FOUR but 'spinster'
sounded like forty at least. Spinster, or
not, though the house was mine and
almost paupcr. was actually property
holder!
"Now,n said Mr.. Portman. cheerfully.
when all was arranged, 81 really think
Miss Bernice. this is the brightest thing
YOU have done for many day"
THAT you have done. you mean."
NO" he replied stoutly; "my noddle
did not hatch out the plan at all the cred
it of il belongs to you And unless am
false prophet, your fortunes will turn
from this very day,
Mr.. Portman knew ofa young married
couple, just from Maine, who would be
glad to occupy the remainder ofmy house !;
and before long they were installed there.
at a rent that covered all expense, and
left my schoolroom rent free! began
to have quite respect for my business
qualities. The bride was just the sweet
est little thing that ever saw; and she
would bring her sewing into my school
room and listen to my style of teaching.
and declare that she ought to be regular
ly entered as apupi, and pay her tuition
like the others.
took great pride in my new school.
room; and two new scholars from the
neighborhood came to supply the places
OF those had lost. Every one prophe-
sled brilliant success for me in the spring.
aud looked quite hopefully forward. l
had not long been in possession of my
house when | was informed one evening
that gentleman wished to see me in the
parlor. Now my room looked particular
ly coy and pleasant, and was. morco-
yer, writing-deep in story that prom.
ised 10 nc 4 great success. My hair was
somewhat tumbled about, but rather pic.
turesquely so; and quite forge,ful of my
little apron. / concluded to 90 down just
as was. Possibly some pompous look
ing father OF q family awaited me. with \
string of questions about my school and
trying to assume proper impression OF
dignity. walked quietly into the room.
Rather tall gentleman was bending
over Miss Plidgets photograph album
the grand ornament of the center table ;
and although the gas was miseraoly low,
could see that he was just then occupied
with my picture, or with that of Miss
Plidget herself. which was just opposite
to it. He seemed quite absorbed, and did
not notice me when came in.
The visitor was young and fine looking,
with frank, determined face, that would
win its way any where. On the card re-
ceived was written, George Helmwood.' y
Sure he could not have children 10 place
at school' What could he possibly want
of me'
He looked around surprised when |
turned up the gas, and glanced hastily
from me to the album again. He bowed
politely rs he said, Il called TO see Miss
Mapleton-s.I was told that she lives
here"
Il am Miss Mapleton," Ireplied rather
surprised.
a lady who has a school on Lumbago
street" he continued. hesitatingly "who
owns a house shere."
Iplcaded guilty to both charges, and
the gentleman looked both amused and
embarrassed.
Pardon me- he said presently. with
a smile. IL expected to see an older
lady. scarcely know how to begin"
''Is it anything about the school?" l
asked, by way of helping him.
"No," was the reply; lit is about the
house. The truth is, Miss Mapleton, |
want to buy the house-orrather my faith
er does-and he has authorized me to ne
gotiate for it. Have you any desire to
sell tp-
Il have only Just bought it," said l.,
scarcely knowing what else to say; land
my school is here. Besides il is rented
for year"
"Will you let my father call and see
you about ?" asked my visitor after a
pause. The truth is, II do not under
stand such business very well. Ny faith
Ell is willing to give $40, 600 for tho prop
erty-he must have it if possible"
Was really in my proper senses ? Ten
thousand dollars! l must have looked
and acted in an inexpressibly silly man
ner, for Mr.. Helmwood soon took his
leave, without coming to any understand
ing whatever, except that was to receive
visit from his father.
The nextIday rushed down to MIR. Port
man for instructions.
bravo! Miss Bernice, said he, laugh
ing, when he had heard my story, ''you
will turn out woman of fortune yet.
know the Helmwoods well-very nicep peo-
pie indecd-and the son, let me tell you,
is particularly nice. Father and son are
in business together, and their large i'm
porting warehouse is on the street back
of your premises. BY extending their
place they will probably realize few hun
dred thousand from increased business,