Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-09-25
SrltttrO Storp.
BRIGHT & CO.


Euius Lyude had Just got comfortably
settled in has new store. The window
(it had only one. being-well, not large
store) was, after much thought and eX-
perimen,iug arranged to his satisfaction; {;
the brigbt-colored Scaris and cravats aud
ueck-.ies forming sort OF rainbow
agaius. the somber background OF black
ones; The packages OF kid gloves, show
ing the tips Of their many-hued fingers
at the ends of their gilt and white wrap
pers; the gaudiest silk bandkerchieis
Il ing Ike Jolly young flags about the
dozen or two other articles pertaining to
the masculine wardrobe which, in al
mirabie taste and order, were grouped
below them-when his one clerk, who
was also errand boy and several other
things-;n fact, engaged in general
utility" as they say IN the dramatic psJ-
tession-rushed in, with face every
feature ol which said As plainly Us words,
''Importan, news"
Rufus looked s, him moment. "What
is il. Fred ?' he AsAed, al last.
.Olo hundred and thiriy-siN is taken, -"
said Fred, pau>ing ID eisc due effect to
whatever further communication he had
20 make.
"WeI ?" queried his employer.
Same business as ouru,-genls' fur
nishiug, continued Fred.
Don't say 'ouru,' aud don't say
gents" said Rufus, in his surprise re-
l4p,ing for moment into his Old role OF
teacher
"Weli, ris, " said Fred sulkily.
the deuce il ism exclaimed Rufus.
resuming the character of the man OF
business, as he threw down the collars
be had been asserting. and walked
moodllY to the door.
Before the mex. store, which had been
vacant tor a long time, stood q heavily
lsded cart. Two men were unloading
and carrying il boxes and eases the same
shape and size as those which had con-
tanned his own goods. A tall, rather
rougb-looking young man was snperin-
tending, aud boy-eyidently general
utility" like Fred-was dsrting hither and
thi,her with q great prolense of render
ing valuable assistance.
Rufus stepped out on the sidewalk,
whistling carelesslY. and becoming at
once very much Interested in an over
worked horse that had fallen across the
car track; but as the horse was helped
to his feet 10y sympathizing crowd, he
slowly turned and came in again, giving
as he passed a comprehensive glance at
the neighboring establishment.
Every pane in the window-it also had
only one window-shone like an over
grown diamond, and in each corner was
already placed. on a pretty walnut stand,
a pot of ivy, the dark green vines climb
ing the gray-papered wall, whilo the
scarlet flowers Of hourishing geranium
smiled gayly in the sunshine.
a sign above the door, beside which
the modest one bearing his name looked
Ike dwarf beside giant, bore in great
glittering letters the inscription: Bright
K Co."
Going in for combining poetry with
business. 'Twon't pay" said Ralus. re-
ferring to the ivy and geranium, as he
slammed bis own door behind him, and
seating himself at his desk, took up the
morning paper, but not to read. lie had
lost all interest in the political situation
all he did was to gaze vacantly at the
printed shee. and think about his rival to
be" Bright & Co."
This neighborh)od won't support US
both. that's sure" he said. at must b.
haud-to-hand fight until one is left VIC
tor. Too bad too bsd Here's sister
Fan nicely married, and mother as com
Portable and happy as can be in her little
rooms around the corner, and thought
| saw smooth sailing before me at last.
After teaching school FIVE long years
away out West, besides keeping books
loc people and copying Ia" documents
tar into the night, to say nothing of living
like a miser al The time, on purpose to
save money enough to start in business
in nv native city-to have fellow set
nm riobt next door in the very same