The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-03-29
New York Cor. Cincinnati Commercial
MRS. ASTOR.


Via MTs. AbLor was sturdy, eDer-
getic, cominon-sense woman, who did
her full part toward the accumulation
of the colossal fortune. She possess
ed that wonderful equipose OF mind
which decides positively and correctly.
Besides this she had great practical
knowledge, not only being an excel
lent housewife, but an accountant and
saleswoman. About furs she knew
more than her husband, aid more
often selected cargo for export than
he. In sandal wood, too, the rnonop-
oily of importation of which Mr.. Astor
enjoyed for nearly twenty years. she
was the foremost expert in the trade.
Though the lady, when consider
ably advanced in years. cared moth
ing for society and made no preten-
sions to fashion. yet at her evening
fire. -side-the logs heaped on the
andirons, the wax candles lighted,
apples, nuts. and pitcher of cider on
the table, and her knitting work he
fore her-she was the best of story
tellcrs, and made m hour or two in
finitely attractive, even to young peo-
pie. She was fond of gossip. The
ages of people, ancient love affairs,
early difficulties, failures, 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
a good deal of pathos. For example,
take the following of Helen Brasher,
who had refused six eligible offers
before she was eighteen. Mr.. Chas.
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 year and
then went to Europe. While abroad
he did not write. All this while
there was only one of the beaux
whom the mother liked. The daugh-
ter regarded this favorite of her
mother with dislike-was busy when
he called, avoided him where it was
possible and wondered at his pa
tience and forbearance under her
scorn. One morning he caught her
before she could escape from the
drawing room. Addressing her he
said:
"Helen, why do you fly from me
Why will you never give me an op-
portunity of declaring my attach
ment to you? Let this morning de-
eide my fate"
Every we'll, SIR" replied the lady,
81 do not wish to keep any gentle
man in a state of suspense. 1 can
not encourage your addresses. 1 es-
TEEN you, but I will tell you frankly
that / feel a preference for Mr.. Chas.
Downing, and if he returns enter
tanning for me the same sentiments
he expressed when he left, I shall
probably marry him."
'Are you certainly engaged to Mr..
Downing?" anxiously inquired the
lover,
''No, sir; not in so many words.
not verbally, in fact, but mentally" "
"Then my dear Helen, consent to
be verbally engaged to me, and men,
tally to Mr.. Downing"
"Would you marry any lady under
such circumstances?
Eyes, ] would marry you under
such circumstances, with all my heart
and SOUL"
"And risk your future happiness
by marrying lady who prefers an
other?"
"Miss Helen" replied the devoted
lover, "I will risk anything to obtain
you, and shall be amply compensated
for every risk if you will consent TO
be mine.
"True love don't go unrewaIded,
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 snit, obtained consent, and the
lovely Helen became his wife.