The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1880-12-12
THE DOUBLE ELOPEMENT,

In a large, square, oli-fashioned
house-such as our fathers used to build
when solidty was more sought after
than utility-liyed Philip Manson and
his sister Esther. Philip had reached
the mature age of forty, and Esther
was close to him. Still, each had pur-
sued solitary pathway through life,
seeking no companionship save that Of
the other, till there was reason to be-
lieve that they would continue to fol-
low the same course till in the fulness
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 they took care to commend an I'M
married life, not only by example but
by precept.
NO" said Philip, when assailed on
this subject by matchmaking 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.turyy by the intro
duction of wife"
"But by-and-by, when YOU grow old.
er, you will feel the need of a wife more
than at present"
NO" said Philip, conclusiycly, 81
have a sister who is devoted to me, and
while she lives | shall need no other"
As for Miss Esther, she often declared
that she never would make slave of
herself for any man living If other
women were foolish enough to give up
their independence, and tie themselves
to man, for no other earthly purposes
than to burden themselves with cares
and toll from morning till night, she
was sure she had no objection. For her
own cart she was wiser. Her brother
and she had always lived together
peaceably and happily, and she did not
think she could make any change for
the better.
OF course, il was insinuatcd by those
whose opinions differed widely from
Miss Esther's, that in adopting this
opinion she was only making q virtue
of necessity, and that it was best to be
contented with ones lot, providing there
was no chance Of improving il, But
Esther did not hear these remarks, and
so vas not disturbed by them. She con-
tinued to live in the old house with her
brother. They kept no domestic, since
Esther rather plumed herself on her
housekeeping qualities and there was
really but little to do. So as her broth
er was usually absent during the day,
she was left TO the companionship Of
her own thoughts, unless some neGhbor
CHANGED to call in thing, by the way,
of rather rare occurrence, since most
of the neighborS had large families of
their own, which necessarily confined
them at home.
Early one afternoon, just after Esther
Manson had completed her task Of
clearing away the dinner dishes, and
storing them away in the cupboard at.
Ter thorough washing, she was startled
by rap at the door.
Somewhat surprised by caller at
this unusual hour, she answered the
summons. She was a little apprchen-
sive that it was neighbor who had Of
late proved very troublesome from her
habit Of borrowing articles, and owing,
il is TO be presumed TO an habtual for
getfuluess, neglecting 10 return them.
II hope she unused, "that II IL Is
Mrs. Bailey, she will be wanting to Dor
row something that have not got"
She opened the door; but no Mrs
Bailey presented herself to her expect
ing gaze-a gentleman Of forty-fve
carefully, nay, elegantly dressed stood
before her.
al beg your pardon for intruding
madam said he, az he noticed Esther
look Of surprise; but can you direc
me TO the house n tie late Mr. Well
ilectp | have bead ii was for SALE an,
from the description have heard Of il
Judge IL will SUI nc
lit Is the next ousc on the left, sir,
answered Esther who had had time
while the gentleman was speaking, {
examine his appearance. which did NJ
fail to impress her fayorably.
Thank you for the Information.
trust you viii pardon the trouble hay
occasioned you" replied the gcntlcma
bowling.
not the least trouble in the world