The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-11-13
Select Storg.
TWO ELOPEMENTS.

TWO ELOPEMENTS
In large, square, old fashioned house
such as our fathers used to build when
solidity was more sought after than utility,
lived Philip Manson and his sister Esther
Philip had reached the mature age of 40.
and Esther was close to him. Still, each
had pursued solitary pathway through
life, seeking no companionship save that of
the other, till there was reason to believe
that they would continue to follow the
same course ill in the fulness of time they
we're gathered into the family tomb-the
receptacle of many generations of the Man.
son family. There was more reason to
think so, since they took care to commend
an unmarried life, not only by example but
by precept.
mo, said Philip, when assailed on this
subjectby 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
turvy by the introduction Of a wife"
but by-and-by, when you grow older,
you will feel the need of a wife more than
at present
"No," said Philip, conelusivly, al 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 would never make a slave of her.
self for any man living, If other women
were foolish enough to give up their indie.
pendence, and tie themselves TO a man, for
no other earthly purpose than to burden
themselves with cares and toll from morn.
ing till night, she was sure she had NO OBJ.
lection. For her own part she was wiser.
Her brother aud she had always lived to-
gether peaceably and happily, and size did
not think she could make any change for
Az t-st--.
Or course, IL was insinuated by those
whose opinions differed widely from Miss
Esthers, that in adopting this opinion she
was only making virtue Of necessity, and
that it was best to be conteuted with ones
lot providing there was no chance Of i'm.
proving 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 domes.
tic, since Esther rather plumed herself on
her housekeeping qualities, and there was
really but little to do. So, as her brother
was usually absent during the day, she was
leit Tor the most part to the companionship
OF her own thoughts, unless some neighbor
CHANGED to call ina 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 after thorough
washing, she was startled by rap at the
door.
Somewhat surprised by caller at this
unusual hour, she answered tho summons
She was little apprehensive that it was
ueighbor who had of late proved very
troublesome from her habit of borrowing
articles, and owing, it is to be presumed
to an habitual forgctfulness, negiecting to
return them
81 hope, she unused, "that if il is Mrs.
Bally, she will be wanting to borrow some
thing that have not got"
She opened the door but no Mrs. Bailey
presented herself to her expecting gaze
gentleman of 45, carefully, nay elegant.
y dressed, stood before her.
II beg your pardon for intruding mad.
am, he said, as he noticed Esthers look
Of surprise "but can you direct me to the
house of the late Mr.. Wellaeet2 have
heard i was for sale, and from the descrip.
tion have heard of it, judge it will suit
me-"
at is the next house on the left, sir"
answered Esther, who had had time, while
the gentleman was speaking, to examine
his appearance, which did not fail to i'm
press her favorably.
"Thank you for the information, | trust
you will pardon me for the trouble have
occasioned you" replied the gentleman,
bowling.
"Not the least trouble ia the world, re-
piled Esther, little futtered by defer
enee to which she had not been accus-
toned
Two days afterwards Esther heard that
Mr.. Welltieets estate had been purchased
by stranger named Bigclow. She at once
conjectured, aud rightly, that this was the
name with her visitor A few days elaps-
cd, and Esther Manson received another
VISIT rom the gentleman.
nave favor to ask OF you, Miss Man.
son, ne began u seems he had ascertain
ca her name)' u am aware that our