The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-12-02
TWO ELOPEMENTS.

ity-lived Philip Manson ana his sister
Esther. Philip had reached the mature
age of 40, and Esther was close to him.
Still, each had pursued solitary path
way through life, seeking no companion
ship save that of the other till there was
reason to believe that they would con-
tinue to follow the same course till in
the fullness of time they were gathered
into the family tomb-the receptacle of
many generations of the Manson family.
There was more reason to think so, since
thew took care to commend an unmarried
life, not only by example, but by pre-
cept.
No" said Philip, when assailed on
this subject by match making lady;
marrying may be very good for some
people, but could not bear to have my
habits broken in upon, and my whole
house turned topsy-turvy by the intro
ductiOn OF wife y
but by-andby, when you grow older,
YOU will feel the need of a wife more than
at present"
mo" said Philip, conclusively," I
have sister who is devoted to me, and
whilst she lives l shall need no other
As for Miss Esther, she often declared
that she would never make a slave OF her
self for any man living. If other women
were foolish enough to give up their in
dependence, and tie themselves to man,
for no other earthly purpose than to bur-
den themselves with cares aud tolls from
morning till night. she had no objection.
Her brother and she had always lived to-
gether peaceably and happily, and she
did not think she could not make any
change for the better.
Of course, it was insinuated by those
whose opinions differed widely from Miss
Esther's, that in adopting this opinion
she was only making virtue OF necessity,
and that it was best to be contented with
ones lot, provided there was no chance
of improving it. But Esther did not hear
these remarks, and so was not disturbed
by them She continued to live in the old
house with her brother. They kept no
domestic, since Esther rather plumed her
self on her housekeeping qualities, and
there was really but little to do. So, as
her brother was usually absent during
the day. she was left for the most part to
the companionship of her own thoughts.
unless some neighbor CHANGED to call in
a thing, by the way, of rather rare occur
renee. since most of the neighbors had
large families of their own, which neces-
sarily confined them at home.
Early one afternoon Just after Esther
Manson had completed her task OF clear
ing away the dinner dishes, and storing
them away in the cupboard after a
thorough washing, she was startled by
rap at the door 49,.
Somewhat surprised by a caller at this
unusual hour she answered the summons.
She was little apprehensive that 1t was
a neighbor who had of late proved very
troublesome from her habit of borrowing
articles, and owing, it is to be presumed,
to IA habitual forgetfulness, neglectinS to
return them.
"Ihope. she unused, "that if il is Mrs.
Bailey, she will be wanting to borrow
something that have not got
She opened the door; but no Mrs. Bal
lev presented herself to her expecting
gaze-a gentleman of 40. carefully, nay
elegantly dressed, stood before her.
II beg your pardon for intruding'
madame" said he, as ho noticed Esther ;
look of surprise; but can You direct me
to the house of the late Mr. Welltieet? |
have heard it was for sale, and from the
description shave heard of it. Judge 1t
will SUIT me.
1T is the next house on the left, sir, v
answered Esther, who had had time,
while the gentleman was speaking, to
examine his appearance. which dld not
fail to impress her favorably.
THANK You for the information. l
trust you will pardon me for the trouble
have accustomed you," replied the gen
tleman, bowling.
"Not the least trouble in the world. y
replied Esther. little iluttered by de-
ference to which she had not been ac-
customed.
Two days after, Esther heard that Mr..
Wellfleet's estate had been purchased by
a stranger named Bigeiow. She at once
coniectured, and rightly, that this was
the same with her visitor. a few days
elapsed, and Esther Manson received an
other visit from the gentleman.
Il have favor to ask of you. Miss
Manson" ne began lit seems that he had
ascertaiped her name) Il am aware
that our slight acquaintance will hardly
Justify it, but l trust time Will remove
this objection. You must know, he
added, smiling, "that l am a bachelor, de-
pendent in many respects upon my
housekceper, who. though good woman
in her way, am afraid is not reliable III
matters of taste. As my furniture has
arrived, but has not yet been arranged, l
would esteem it n great service If you
would give me your opinion IN some lit
tie matters respecting its proper DISPOSE
ton. NV carriage is at the door ready to
carry you over.