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


spirit and depressing ones cash. that
abound among enlightened communi.
ties.
But nevertheless, at the bottom of his
head, there was very substatial stratum
ola certain quality called common sense,
trait which, though it was never set
down in any chart of phrenology. may
very justly be called a faculty, and one.
too. which makes very stirring differ
ence among people as the world goes.
In consequence of being thus constitut-
ed, Mark. when he found himself engaged
to a very pretty girl, began toreaect with
more than ordinary seriousness on his
habits, ways and manners OF life. He
also took an accurate survey of his
business, formed an average estimate OF
his future income on the sobercst proba-
bilities, and determined to live little
even within that. He also provided him
self with small account book, with
which he intended TO live in habits OF
very close acquaintance, and in this book
he designed to note down all the savings
consequent upon the retTenchmcnt oil
certain little extras, before alluded to. in
which he had been in the habit of pretty
freely indulging himself,
Upon he present occasion it had cost
him something of an effort 10 say "no,"
for Mark was one of our easy, "clcver
fellows" to whom the enunciation of this
little syllable causes AS much trouble as
the gutterals of the German. However,
when he came in sight OF his parlor
windows through which q bright fire was
shiDing-when he entered and found the
clean glowing hearth. easy chair drawn
up in front and pair of embroidered
slippers waiting for him quite at their
leisure, and above all, when no read the
quick glances of welcome in pair of
very bright eyes, Mark forgot all about
Ben Sanford, and all bacheloririends and
alluremeuts whatsoever, and thought him
self the happiest fellow on earth.
The evening passed off rapidly by the
help of music, reading, and the little
small talk of which newlymarried people
generally find supply, and the next
morning found Mark at early business
hours with as steady hand and as cool
a head as ii there had been no such thing
as bachelors frolics in existence.
Late in the forenoon, Ben Sanford
lounged in to ogle a few OF the ladies,
and above all to rally Mark on losing the
glorious fun the evening before.
Upon my word, Mark, he began, 1--WE
must have you put up for Selcctman, you
are becoming so extremity ancient and
venerable in your ways-however, you
are to be excused he added, "circum-
stances onsidered-female influence! all /.
well, it's u fine affair this marriage"
Better try it. Mr.. Sanford, said
bright saucy girl, who with her laughing
companions, were standing by while Ben
was speaking.
"Ah, madam the wherewithal - said
Ben, rolling up his eyes with tragic
expression. "If some clever old fellow
would be so obliging as to die now, and
leave me few thousand-then ladies',
YOU should see.
But speaking of money" said Mark,
when the ladies were busy over some
laces he had just thrown on TO the counter
-"what did your glorious fun costyou'"
Pooh nothing only ten dollar bill
nothing in my purse, you know
Nothing in your purse? not an uncom-
mon incident after these occasions" said
Mark, laughing.
"Ah, hang it all :" said Ben, ''too true
| can Get no remedy Tor this consumption
of the purse. as old Falstaff says: how
ever. the world owes me living. so good
morning
Ben Sanford was just one OF that class
OF young men and women, common re-
port goes, that they can do anything they
please, and who consider this point so
well established, that they do not think it
necessary to illustrate it by doing any
thing at all. He was lawyer OF good
talents, and would have had an extensive
run of business, bad he not been one OF
the class OF people never to be found when
wanted. His law books and law Office
saw far less of him than certain fashiona-
ble places of resort, where his handsome
person and various social accomplish
ments always secured to him welcome
reception. Ben had some little property
left him by his father, just enough he used
laughingly to quote, to keep him in
gloves and cologne water and for the
rest, he seemed vastly contented with his
old maxim, the world owes me aliving,'
forgetting that the world can sometimes
prove as poor paymaster as the most
fashionable young gentleman going.
But TO return 10 Mark When he had
settled his accounts at night, he took
from pigeon hole in his desk the little
book aforenamed, and entered as follows:
to one real wakeup Sl0,' which being
done he locked his desk, and returned
once more to Mrs. Meriden
Days flew on, and the shop of Mark be-
came increasingly popular. and still from
time to time he was assailed by the kind
of temptation we have described. Now