The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-10-24
g But we voted you in unanimously.

- +NNr-NN ~ F'Ns@ EiStNNhe
smile aud said
Boys, | think | understand you My
carriage is around at the blacksmith S,
where have left it to have tire tight
encd There is room for you three to ride.
VIII you go with me out to my place and
lunehY If you will do so, | win try and
convince you that | am innocent Of the
charge you bring against me. If, when
you have heard my defense, you do not
exoncrate me, ! win agree to subscribe FIVE
hundred dollars to your club. Win you
como
They had nothing particular to do, and,
moreover, they were really curious to see
his place upon the inside SO they told
him they would go with him.
The ride was not long one. Only n
short distance into the country, and they
turned from the highway into winding
carriage path, Aanked with magnificent
shade trees, and soon drew up before a
cottage of exceeding grace and architoc-
ural beauty. A fountain set up its silyery
jet of sparkling water upon the lawn, and
its adornmcnts were two marble nymphs.
Vortcll spoke of the fountain, and Tom
and George declared it was beautiful.
81 think it helps the general effect Of
the picture said Paul. at cost me a
goodly SUN, but | believe / draw a fair
interest from the investment in comfort
and satisfaction. VIII you walk in ?"
He led them into the house. 10 the
hall they left their hats, and were then
conducted into an apartment where were
eases filled with books; cases containing
stuffed birds and rare specimens of miner
ais; chaste aud beautiful statuettes in
marble and in parian; and choice old
paintings in handsome frames, upon the
walls. There was writing and reading
table, and casy-chairs.
"This is my snuggey," Paul said /;
"and here | take solid comfort. The EN-
bellishments which you see about you cost
a great deal Of money but | deem money
well aud proftably spent that serves to
make home cheerful and pleasant -
1t was certainly cheerful and pleasant
place, and the visitors did not suppress
their appreciation aud admiration.
Paul led them next into an apartment
where there were more pictures and more
choice bits of sculpture, and where also
was an open pinnoforte, with violin lying
upon it.
=" This, gentlemen, is our music-room.
All"
A door opened, and lady entered.
/" My wife, gentlemen"
They knew the beautiful woman, for
they had been introduced before. After
a little conversation, Tom Gardiner ven
tured to ask for music.
"Will you play, Mary ?"
Mrs. Britnall, with ready smile of ac-
quiescence, took her seat at the pianoforte,
and Paul took the violin.
Half au hour passed in listening to the
music, and to the visitors il did not seem
that half that time had flown at all. As
Paul laid down his violin, he said
"While Mary prepares our lunch, sup
pose we take turn in the garden"
So into the garden they went, and here
they found everything tasteful and pleas
ant, There were flowers and fruits and
vegetables of many kinds.
Here said the host, II find my
healthy exercise. OF course, my man
Friday does the heavier work but take
care of the fruiting-trees and vines, and
Mary looks to the flowers"
When they returned to the house lunch
was ready, and Mrs. Britnall presided at
the well.filled board, There was fruit Of
pears and peaches, all raised upon the
place, and the other ediblcs were of Mary's
preparation.
By.and-by the guests were ready to
depart, but they fingered in the hall, aud
upon the broad piazza, as though they
knew not how to get honorbly away.
Paul saw their trouble, and helped them
out
" Before you leave me- he said, smil-
ing, II have word 10 say. ! remember,
u few weeks since, that one Of you said in
my hearing--it was you, Tom--that |
used to love fun aud enjoyment as vol as
anybody, and you intimated pretty plainly
that only parsimony kept me from it now.
think you were mistaken. / not only
love enjoyment as well as ever, but | seek
IL TO the full extent of my ability. As
for fan, il is an empty, cphemeral thing.
True enjoyment is lasting, Since my en-
trance into business and my marriage, l
have been led to seek enjoyments that
might be solid and substantial, and health
full in their influence, According to my
means / have purchased them. On the
day, Tom, that you asked me to subscribe
toward your club, | Lad just subscribed
one thousand dollars toward y new depart
ment Of art, for our Atheneum. we
have valuable and beautiful collection
there, aud when any Of You are inclined to
spend few hours pleasantly and profta-
big, win give you passes thereto. Aud
for all time you are welcome here. shall
enjoy your society whenever you may
favor me, and know that my wife viii
do her best to entertain you. And now,
my friends, answer me honesily-will you
claim subscription From me toward your