Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-08-10
It Happened So.

was Dulldlng would nave supposed even
for moment, that he ever expected to
die. Some friend had ventured to re-
monstrate with him upon such seeming
ly uncalled for extravaganza at so late
period in life, but Stephen had. silenc-
ed all remarks by saying quietly:
1.-The cage will be nice one, and
old as | am / may yet snare a bird to
put in it, if / cannot catch one.'
And with carved work and gliding
was finished what had been begun, and
the Jews mansion stood without rival
in the village.
Yes, Stephen Dinghy was Jew. and
had JEWS talent for money making,
and also Jews talent for money keep
ing. The best store in the village was
his, the best house in the village was
his, and, aside from the wealth contain
ed in these. it was well known that he
owned much real estate and had great
deal of money. Mammas had smiled
approvingly, and daughters had sighed
sentimentally at him for thirty years
but he still remained bachelor Evi-
IDENTIFY there would now be change for
he certainly could not intend to live
alone in that grand house, nor would he
be liable to let 1t stand untenanted and
board out. Mrs Grimshaw, the widow,
reflected. s'Who knows who it may be,
she said suggestively, and bought her
daughter Mehitable new dress, and
herself a new bonnet. But Stephen
Dinghy did not call. Sally Porter, a
staid maiden lady reflected. '.It is not
impossible" said suggestively. and she
arranged her false teeth and false hair
to perfection, and fixed over her silver
grey bombazine and wore it every even
ing. But Stephen Dinghy did not call
In every family in town where there
were marriageble daughters the most
perfect order, neatness and decorum pre-
vailed for six weeks, but Stephen Ding
by did not call. Meantime people talk
ed and wondered and gossiped again.
In little brown farm house far out
of the village dwelt Mrs. Grandson and
her daughter Martha When Martha S
father died there had been heavy bills
to pay, and Mrs. Grandson had been
obliged to mortgage her little farm to
Stephen Dinghy in order to procure
money. Stephen had waited long. and
Mrs. Grandson had many times won
dered at his forbearance, for he was call
ed a hard-hearted. exacting man, and
frequently she had been unable to meet
her payments when due. though both
herself and Martha sold and picked ber-
ries and took in sewing to add to their
little hoard of money The explanation
unlocked for as it was surprising, came
at last. One beautiful autumn day,
while Mrs. Grandson had gone to picR
blue berries in the three acre lot, and
Martha sat at home sewing in the little
sitting room, Stephen Dingby's carriage
stopped at the door, and from it Stepher
himself alighted Martha quietly KEEP
her seat until she heard his knock a
the door, then she arose and opened it.
81 am very sorry, sir, she said in re
ply to his inquiry for Mrs. Grandson
'.but mother is away, and will not return
before noon.
1T is just as well so" he answered
for after all, Martha, my business relate
entirely to yourself, and perhaps it
better that [ should speak my mind t
you alone
Martha blushed and trembled at tn
earnestness of his tone, for she coul,
not guess what it foreboded. Perhap
Jacob was in trouble,-but she had N
time for further supposition. for her Wis
itor at her invitation had already enter
ed the house, and was seated In the chai
opposite the one occupied by herself
Sewing, eh, Martha ?'' he questioned
4 '.Do you like to sew for living ?''
''Oh no. sir, not at the price we ge
4 here, and | often think if it were nc
t for leaving mother alone, would 90 t
0 some large city and seek profitable en-
1 ployment until our debts to you al
4 paid"
"Ahem. ahem," said Dir. Dinghy
Have you seen my new house, Martha ?
e mo, sir, was the reply, '.but l hav
heard of Its beauty; they say it is IA
: the finest house in town"
"They say rightly, then, for so it
and l intend that she who is to be mi,
{ tress of it shall be the finest lady
town."
Then you are to be married. M
Dingby?"
Il hope so. if she whom l intend
: ask viii marry me-"
1--WE no doubt but that she win, ST
should suppose that the richest an
by no means the worst man in tow
: might readily find lady who would |
Q willing to be the mistress of the elegar
L mansion
e "HOw would you ike the position
Martha go
> s.Mep' exclaimed Martha, bewildere
y surely, sir. you are jesting. You mea