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

quite at his ease, and felt much less en-
barassed in discussing business with him
than with his son there was, moreover,
a warmth and urbanity in his manner
that quite charmed me.
''Now, my dear young lady" said he,
in quick, earnest way, "the facts OF the
case are just these 1 do not wish to be
regarded by you in the light ofa fillibus-
ter, nor as coveting what is legally and
rightfully yours; 4; but have had my eye
on this little property for sometime past;
and it was only lately, while in neigh
boring city on matter of business, that |
was informed that it was for sale. / inn
mediately wrote TO George to secure it
at once; but he wrote me back that it
had been bought by a single lady for
school (And here / 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 up
on YOU in some sort of an imposter.) /
then marched George Immediately of to
see this elderly maiden of our imagina-
tons to see if she could be prevailed up
on to sell at an advance. The young man.
however, returned in an unsettled state
of mind, having evidently failed to bring
you to terms, and coolly requested me
to finish the business myself. l believe,
Miss Mapleton, that you paid $4,000 for
the house. will double that amount"
Ibit my lip to keep from smiling. Tru-
ly the son was unbusiness like. 81 did
no, buy the house to sell again" replied
very quietly.
II know it. You bought IL, Of course,
for your school, and suppose it just suits
you, but. unfortunately. it just suits me,
too. Would 80, 900 tempt YOU"
Iremained silent, fearful that if | spoke
should laugh.
"Now," said Mr.. Hclmwood, rising in
his carnestness. 81 must have the place
and. rather than lose it, will give you
$4,000 for it," .
That is Just what your son offered me
at first" replied, without raising my
eye lashes.
The young idiotm exclaimed his faith
er, laughing PRAY, how did he word
his offer, If YOU can recall itp"
"To the best of my recollection he said: F.:
NY father is willing to give $4,000 for
the property-he must have it. If possi'
Bile"
And you have been quietly laughing
at me in your sleeve all the time ?" said
nv visitor. Il am willing 10 give $4,000
for the property, but preferred it for
5000, which is considerably above its
value to any one but myself. It's bar.
gain. then at $40, ,000?"
..Mr. Helmwo ood," said /, rs felt the
color rising in my face. lone thing You
will please remember in this matter-l
did not offer my property for sale, no.
had any idea of disposing of it; but
much to my surprise. l was solicited by
YOU to part with it. / am not sharp
woman'-a character that | particularly
detest--as have lost nearly all the little
possessed in foolish ventures and alter
your sons visit TO me, went, much per-
picked. to consult my friend. Mr.. Port.
man. through whose assistance Twas en-
bled TO buy the house. He advised me
to accept Mr.. George Helmwoods ofier'
and explained to me that you would be
an immense gamer by purchasing my lit
tie property, even al this extravagant
price. / have a great horror OF taking
the advantage of any one, and l was
afraid that it might not be quite right TO
receive so much more for thing that l
had given so little for"
"My dear Miss Mapleton, replied Mr.
Helmwood, with manner OF great re-
spect, | should never think of fastening
upon you the term OF sharp woman !;
YOU will not object, hope, to my regard
ing YOU as remarkable clever young la
dy. You are quite right in saying that
the property is worth more than SIC, 900
to me and give it the more cheerfully
since have seen the owner. Butt shall
certainly have good laugh at George
for his style Of doing business. Perhaps,
however, had been his age instead Of
mine, should not have acquitted myself
any better"
This was rather embarrassing, and /
fastened to say; Mr.. George Helmwood
could not have mentioned to you that l
have rented the premises for year?'
"Oh, yes: he did say something of the
kind. But will undertake to reconcile
the inmates to change of residence,pro
vided have your consent to proceed in
the matter"
Finally gave it; it seemed to me the
best thing could do; and just as he was
leaving, Mr.. Helmwood scrutinized me
closely as he asked:
"Will you allow me to enquire, Miss
Mapleton, if Mr.. Sylvester Willingaeet
was relative of yours ?"
"IIe was my grandfather" | replied.
81 am very glad to hear it." he ex-
claimed warmly. "He was one OF the
oldest merchants of this city, and valued
friend of mine. Many a pleasant hour
have passed in his hospitable mansion,
where, besides entertaining his equals,
osnoo;.l table set for the poor