The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-09-20
Mrs. Aston.

Old Mrs. AstOr, John Jacob AstOr's
wife, was a sturdy, energetic, common
sense woman, who did her full part to-
wards the accumulation of their collOs-
sal fortune. She possessed that wonder
ful equipOise of mind which decided
positively and correctly. Besides this
she had great practical knowledge, not
only being an excellent housewife, but
an accountant and saleswoman. About
furs she knew more than her husband
and more often selected a cargo for
export than he. In sandal wood, too,
/ the monopoly of expectation of which
/ Mr.. AstOr enjoyed for nearly twenty
years, she was the foremost expert in
the trade.
Though the lady when considerable
advanced in years cared nothing for So
ciety and made no pretentiOns to fash
/ ion, yet at her evening firseide-the
/ logs heaped on the andirons, the wax
candles lighted, apples, nuts, and a
pitcher of cider on the table, and her
knitting work before her-she was the
best OF story tellers, and made an hour
or two infinitely attractive, even 10
young people. She was fond of gossip.
The ages of people, ancient love affairs,
early difficulties, reasons why certain
folks should not hold their heads so
high, family feuds, and one knows not
what else, were at her tongues end.
She told her stories graphically, and
at times with good deal of pathos.
For example. Take the following of
Helen Brasher, who had refused six
eligible offers before she was eighteen.
Mr.. Chales Downing, who had just left
the cOunting-rOom of an eminent firm
where he had served seven years, then
began to pay his addresses to her. He
courted her a year, then went to Europe
While abroad he did not write. All
this whilethere was only one ofthe beauX
whom the mother liked. The daughter
regarded this favorite of her mother with
dislike,-was busy whenever he called,
avoided him where it was possible and
wondered at his patience and forbear-
ance under her scorn. One morning he
caught her before she could escape from
the drawing-rOom. Addressing her he
said:
''Helen, why do you always fly from
me? Why will you never give me an
opportunity of declaring my attach
ment for YOU? let this morning decide
my fate"
livery well, sir" replied the lady, "I
do not wish to keep any gentleman in a
state of suspense. | cannot encourage
your addresses. / esteem you, but
will tell You frankly that | feel a pre-
I ference for Mr.. Chas. Downing, and if
he returns, entertaining for me the same
sentiments he expressed when he left,
| shall probably marry him"
"Are' you certainly engaged TO Mr..
/ Downing" anXiously inquired the
lover.
sNo, sir, not in so many words, not
verbally, in fact, but mentally
"Then, my dear Helen, consent to be
/ verbally engaged TO me, and mentally
/ to Mr. Downing
"Would you marry any lady under
such circumstances 81
"Yes, | would marry you under such
circumstances, with all my heart and
souln
"And risk your future happiness by
marrying a lady who prefers another -
'Aliss Helen" replied the devoted
lover, II will risk anything 10 obtain
you, and shall be amply compensated
. for every risk if you will consent to be
mine.n
''True love don't go unrewarded," 4"
said Mrs. Astor, as she took a pinch OF
snuff
Mr. Downing did not come back from
London for many years. The New York
/ lover was here, pressed his suit, obtained
/ consent, and the lovely Helen became
his wife.