The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1880-12-17

In large. square, old-fashioned house
such As our fathers ueSd to build when
$olidity was more sought after than util-
ity-livcd Philip Manson and his sister
Esther. Philip had reached the mature
age OF 40, aud Esther was close to him.
Still, each had pursued q solitary pathway
through life, seeking no compaIionship
save that OF the other till there was reason
TO believe that they would continue to
follow the same course till in the full
ness of time they were gathered into the
family tomb-the receptacle of many gen.
erations OF the Manson family. There was
more reason to think so, since they took
care to commend an unmarried life, not
only by example, but by precept.
NO" said Philip, when assaiied on
this subject By match making ia.!y
marrying may be very good for some peo-
pie. bar ..s....d not bear 40 nave my lIahiis
b: oks., Is. upo,i. ari.i nay w.,oie i,"tse susn-
ed to.s.v- t.,-vr ,.v ti,c i.tro.tnctist of a
wifz
..l;,.say srei-oy sls-n .o:: gre~ ..ti,r.
you wi rc,.l tI.e need q ,Sjfe atafr than
at preseni.''
No said Philip. conciuSiveiy, have
a sister who Is devoted to me, and whilst
she lives shall need no otller.''
As for Miss Esther, she often declared
that she would never make y slave OF her.
self for any man living. II other women
were foolish enough to give up their indie
pentlence, and ife themselves to a man, for
no other earthly purpose than to burden
the1sefves with cares AMI tolls from mor,,-
ingEiit night. she had no objection. Her
brother and she had always lived together
peaeAab.y and happily, and she did not
think she epuld not make any change for
the batter.
OF course, 1t was insinuated by those
whose opinions differed Videly from Miss
Esther's that in adopting this opinion she
was only making q virtue of necessity, and
that 1t was best TO be contented with ones
lot, provided there was no ei,at.ce Of i'm
proving it. But Esther did not near 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 plumel herself on her house
keeping qualities, and there was really but
little to do. So. AS her brother was usually
absent during tle dag, she was left for
own thoughts, unless some neigI.bor CHANG
ed to call ina thing. by the way, OF rather
lare occurrence. since most of the neigh
borS bad large families of their own, which
necessarily eosiflnetl them at home.
Early one afternoon just after Esther
Manson had completed her task of clear
ing away the dinner dishes, ard storing
them away in the cupboard after thorough
washing. she was startled by rap at the
door.
Somewhat surprised by = caller at this
unusual hour SHE answered the snlnmons.
She was a little apprehensive that itEwas
= neighbor who had Of late proved very
troublesome from her habit OF borrowing
articles, and owing, It is 10 be presumed.
TO habitual Eorgettulness, negiecting to
return them.
81 hope. '' she unused, s'that If 1t Is Mrs.
Bailey, she viii be wanting to borrow
something that have not got.''
She opened the door but no Bfrs. Bal
ley presented herself to her expectant gaze
Ia gentleman of45, carefully, nay elegant.
ly dressed, stood before her.
81 beg your pardon for lntruding ma
dame,' . said he, As he noticed Esther'e
look OF surprise '.but can you direct ms
70 the house of the late Mr.. Weilaeetg
have heard it was for sale, and from tbs
description have heard Of II, judge II viii
suis me.
III II tie next house on the left. cir. :
apswen.d Esther, wlso l,ad time. while TIN
gentleman was speaking. 90 examine hi
appearance. which 1jd nos fali 10 impress
her favorahIy
.eThanl. you sar The information.
trlsst yon win pardon me Ior the troubl'
/ have orcasioned you, . replied the gen
slemau. bowiuk
sNok else h.asE trouble Ia TIE world, = &c
piled Esther, NttDe autteFsd By defer