The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1869-06-29

misses, turning ont the lights IN the
ball, seated themselves upon the stairs
10 The dark, whore they bad fall yiew
of The cosy little couple. and we're
within easy eAr.shot Of all that was
said
The house was still. The General
soon acknowledged himself vanquished
at backgammon, and gave itup. After
sitting few moment Is he evidently
thought il was best to put a elincher on
The financial part Of his abilities 80
he drew from his pocket policy Of in
surance, and handing it 10 Liyinia, he
asked her II she knew what 1t was
Examining il she replied, ut is an
insurance policy. | see ron keep your
property insured. "
But the beauty Of 1t is, il is not my
property" replied the General, "and
vet get the benefit Of the insurance
in case of fire. You will see, he con-
tinued, unfolding the policy, "this is
the property Of Mr.. Williams, but here,
you viii observe, it reads, loss, II any,
payable to Charles S. Stratton, as his
interest may appear The fact is, l
loaned Mr., Williams three thousand
dollars, took mortgage on his house
and made him insure ii for my benefit
In this way, You perceive, get my in
terest and he has to pay the taxes.
"That is very wise way, | should
think" remarked Lavinia.
"Tbat is the way / do all my busi-
ness, replied TIE General, compliment
", as he returned the huge insurance
policy to his pocket You see" he
continued, Il never lend any Of my
money without taking bond and mort
gage security, then have no trouble
with taxes my principal is secure, and
receive my interest regularly"
The explanation seemed satisfactory
to Lavinia, and the Generals courage
began to rise. Drawing his chair lt-
Tie nearer to hers, he said
$50 you are going to Europe soon :?
"Yes, replied Lavinia, "Mr. Barnum
intends to take me over in a couple OF
months.
"You viii find it very pleasant" re-
marked the General, Il have been there
twice in fact / have spent six years
abroad and l like the old country very
much"
81 hope / shall like the trip, and
expect | shall, responded bayinia, "fcr
Mr.. Barnum says / shall visit all the
principal cities, and he has no doubt
will be invited to appear before the
Queen of England, the Emperor and
Empress OF France, the King of Prus'
sia, the Emperor Of Austria, and at the
courts of any other countries which We
may visit Oh / shall like that, it viii
be 80 now to me-"
Yes, it will be very intere. ting, in
deed. have visited most of the crown
cd heads, remarked the General, with
an evident feeling Of self-coDgratula'
ton. But are you not afraid you vii
be lonesome in strange country ?
asked the General.
mo, / think there is no danger 0
that, for friends will accompany me,
was the reply
Il wish that / was going over, for
know all about the different countries
and could explain them all to you" re
marked Tom Thumb.
"That would be very nice, said La
yina
do you think so 7" said the General
moving his chair still closer To Law
MAS.
"Of course, replied Lavinia, ccolly
"for l being stranger to all the habit
and customs of the people, as well a
to the country, ii would be pleasant L
have some person along who could an
swer all my foolish questions"
Il should like it first rate, il MI
Barnum would engage me" said th
General
Il thought ycu remarked the othe
day that you had money enough, an
vas tired Of travelling" eaid LAWNS
with a slight miscbieyous look fror
one corner Of her eye.
That depends upon my compan
while travelling" replied the Genera
"You might not find my compan
very agreeable
Il would be glad to risk il.
| "Well, perhaps Mr.. Barnum woul
engage you if you asked him" sal
LaVInia.
Would you really like to have M
go?' asked the General. quietly insinu
ating bis arm around her waist, bu
hardly close enough TO touch her.
"Of course l would" was the repl,
The little Generals arm clasped th
waist closer as be turned his face ncal
er TO hers. and said
Don't you tank it would be pleai
anter II We went as man and wife r
| The little fairy quickly disengage