The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-01-31
MRS. BRIGGS ENEMY.

Mr.. r. Perry was an old bachelor, AN,
: Miss Briggs was an old maid. He live,
in the brick house on the hill and sh
lived In the cottage opposite, and the,
were mortal enemies. He despised he
because she kept canary and two cats
and she hated him for his affection fol
a huge mastiff and knock .kneed horse
"Why ON earth the man don't get :
decent horse is more than can imag
ineW she would say, as he plodded VI
to the door. 81 believe he is too NEAR
and misery to buy one"
Miss Briggs would hardly have fell
lpleased had she known that Mr.. Perry
rode back and forward on this old, worn,
out piece of horse-fesh, merely for the
purpose of annoying her.
They never spoke, but managed to
keep up perfect warfare by disagreea
BILE manners and wrathful glances
| She sat by the hour beneath the cana
Try bird in the window with her cats
lperched upon the sill, and her knitting
In her hand, throwing glances of scorn
to the opposite side, where be, with a
cigar and newspaper, and boots few
llnches higher than his head, received
and paid them back with interest.
| The detestable dog came over and ran
through her garden, destroying all her
beautiful tulips and hyacinths, and she
gave him hot bath, which sent him
bowling to his master; and when said
master demonstrated, sent word that she
would treat him worse next time.
Her little red COW broke through his
enclosure and devoured his turnips and
cabbage, and he led her home and in
formed Miss Briggs that second Of
fense would give her e comfortable pas
ture in the pond.
For two years they lived and fought,
and no one could bring about peace be-
tween them. at was pity" the neigh
bors sll said, "for Miss Briggs was
dear little soul, and there was not finer
man in the country than Mr.. Perry.''
s'Julia, my love-" said Mrs. Perkins,
one afternoon, as she entered the cosy
parlor, "I-am going to have party, and
| want you to come down in the after
noon for tea, and remain during the eve
ming. Every one will be there.o
"Wlll that old bachelor over the way
be there ?"
"Mr Perry? Oh, yes! We couldn't
get along without him."
'sThen that settles the matter. l shan't
go"
.'Now, Julia, don't be so foolish. If|
you remain at home, he will think that
you are afraid of him.
Miss Briggs thought the matter over.
Well, it would look a little like it, and
she would rot have him think so for the
world-the conceited wretch!
Mrs. Perkins went home, and it was
arranged that Miss Briggs was to spend
the afternoon, and remain for the party.
She was pretty little woman, and it
was always puzzle to every one why
she never married. She had round,
rosy face, clear brown eyes, beautiful
hair .and a sweet mouth, and although
past thirty, there was not smarter wo-
man in town.
She stood before the gilt-framed mir
ror in the little chamber, and fastened
her lace collar over the neck of her ma.
roon-colored dress with plain gold
brooch, and began to think she looked
very well. There was bright. healthy
flush upon her cheek, and her eyes we're
full of light and beauty.
Sho uol1yod into Mrc parly,nos c,tt:ncr
room, and found that lady awaiting her
with smiling face. She thought she
must be in very good humor, but said
nothing, allowing the good lady to smile
as long and pleasantly as she wished.
She understood it all when supper
time came and Mrs. Perkins entered, fol
lowed by Mr.. Perry This was well
laid plan to make the two become
friends.
Miss Briggs bit her lips, and inwardly |
vowed that nothing should tempt her to
give 'sthat man. her hand in friendship
She hated him.
He was placed directly opposite her at
the table, and many times forced to pass
the biscuit, cakes or preserves, and Miss
Briggs accepted them, although she de-
clared to Mrs. Perkins after supper that
they nearly choked her.
Before evening they were both per.
suaded to overlook the horse and COW
difficulty. and be civil, and Miss Briggs
was frightened when she found herselfl
talking to him with case ane pleasant "a
miliarity.
The party was success, and although
the sports were generally monopolized
by the younger portion, they found room
for the old maid and her enemy and sey-
eral times she found herself doing the
most ridiculous things in the way Of
paying forfeits.
AT the end of the evening Miss Briggs
was at the door ready to depart, when
Mr.. Perry called:
"Miss Briggs, am going right up
your way. Win you ride?
Would she ride? and behind that old
horse, and beside that detestable man? |.
She was wondering whether she would
or not, when Mrs Perkins came and tri-
ninpaantiy leu uer out, anu packed nef
into the carriage, II
1t was dark as pitch, and they had to
let the horse 60 his own way, and find it
The best he could. He did very well un |
til they reached the cottage, and then he
was bewildered
Mr.. Perry spoke. jerked the reins, but
to no purpose Then he took out the
whip Whether his natural dislike Of
the article, or the memories Of the indy.
mites he had suffered from the hands of
The owner Of The cottage overcome him,
it is hard to decide, but at all events he
kicked up his heels, ran few rods and
fell, overturning the buggy and its pre-
cious contents. !
Miss Briggs was up in moment, un
harmed, but Mr.. Perry was silent as the
grave She ran shouting through the