The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-07-05
BRIGHT 60.

IsuiuS I|J uuC iiau just Sot CoHiOTtu-
bly, settled in his new store. The
window Gt had only one, being-welI
not large store) was, after much
thought and experimenting, arranged
to his satisfaction the bright. colorcd
scarfs and cravats and neck-ties form
ing Il sort OF rainbow against the SOM
ber background of black ones; the
packages of kid gloves showing the
tips of their many-hued fingers at the
ends of their gilt and White wrappers
the gaudiest silk handkerchiefs fiying
like jolly young flags above the doze,
or two other articles pertaining 10 the
masculine wardrobe which, in admir- q.
able taste and order, were grouped be-
low them-when his one clerk, who
was also errand-boy and several other
things-ln fact, engaged for general
utility, as they sap in the dramatic
profession-rushed in, with face ev-
cry feature of which said as plainly as
words, ''Important news~
Rufus looked at him a moment
What ia it, Fred p he asked at last.
'Ope hundred and thirty-six is taken
said Fred, pausing to give due effect
to whatever further communication
he had to make.
well ? queried his employer.
Same business as ourn-gents' fur
nishing,' continued Fred.
Don't say 'ourn,' and don't say
gents said Rufus, in his surprise
into his old role of teacher.
Well 'tis,' said Fred, sulkily.
The deuce it ISL exclainem Rufus,
the character Of the man of
business, as he threw down the collars
he had been asserting and walked
to the door.
Before the next store, which had
been vacant for a long time, stood a
cart. Two men were
and carrying in boxes and
cases the same shape and size as those
which had contained his own goods.
A tall, rather rough-looking young
man was experimenting, and a boy
evidently general utility like Fred
was darting hither and thither with a
great pretense of rendering valuable
assistance.
Rutus stepped out on the sidewalk.
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
hslped to his feet by sympathizing
crowd he slowly turned and came in
again, giving as he passed a compre-
lensive glance at the ncighboring es.
Every pane in the window-it also
lad only one window-shown like an
diamond, and in each cor
,er was already placed, on a pretty
walnut stand, a pot of ivy, the dark
green vines climbing the gray-papcred
vail, while tho scarlet flowers of
geranium smiled gayly in
he sunshine.
A sign above the door, beside which
he modest one bearing has name
ooked like a dwarf beside a giant
pore in great gli,tering letters the i'll
"Bright 81 Co."
Going i'll for combining poetry with
business. 'Twon't pay said Rufus,
to the ivy and geranium, as
nc slammed his own door behind him
aud, seating himself at his desk, took
up the morning paper,but not to read.
He had lost all inter est in the political
situation all he did was to gaze va
;antiy at the printed sheet, and think
about his rivals-to-be-"Bri & Co."
This neighborhood won't support
us both, that's sure he said. 1T must
be hand-to- hand fight until one is
left victor. Too bad too bad! Here's
Sister Fan nicely married, and mother
as comfortable and happy as can be in
her little rooms around the corner.and
thought l saw smooth sailing before
me ut last. After teaching school for
live long years away out West, besides
Keeping books for people and copying
aw documents far into the night, to
'ay nothing of living like miser all
Ihe time, on purpose to save money
enough to start into business in nv
native city-to have fellow set up
tight next door in the very same bus
mess, it's too much ; and Rufus shook
his head ut the frow ming face that
looked at him from the mirror that
hung opposite.
A young face. and not disagreea-
Dle one Con the contra rY. quite An