The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-03-10

| VI the slh9uMllty OF her position that Es-
ther found herself riding by the side of a
gentleman with whom she had scarcely ex-
changed half dozen words in the course
OF her lite..-The distance, however, was
but short, and she had little time for refiec.
ton. On arriving at her place Of destina-
ton she found the chief part of the busi-
ness accomplished
The furniture, which, by the way, was
new and handsome, had been arranged in
the room after a fashion, but Esther was
able to point out several changes for the
better, with all Of which Dir. Bigelow pro-
fessed himself delighted; he, moreover
asked her advice as to the proper place in
which to hang several fine pictures that he
had picked up In the course of his European
travels This was accorded with some
hesitation.
6lr. Bigclow would not be satisfied with
out showing his new found acquaintance all
over the house, from kitchen to garrct,
When all was completed he overpowered
her with protcstations of gratitude for her
KIND service, and landed her at her own
door just five minutes before her brother
came IN. Esther was rather glad of this,
as she was little suspicious that her BROTH
or would consider her adventure rather a
Quixotic one.
10 avoid comment, she did not even in
form Philip that she had ever met Mr.. Big
Glow. He took frequent opportunities TO
call upon her, on some slight pretext or
another, but it always chanccd to be when
her brother was absent.
~ wonder,' said Philip, carelessly, as
ne sat ny the lire one evening, 'swhether
DIR. Bigclow will not bc looking out for q
wife before long2"
~ don't kncw," said Esther, and in her
embarrassment dropping half a dozen
stitches from the Stocking she held in her
hand.
"Not that l approve of marrlage-at
least in my own CASE" said Philip, not
noticing this demonstration, ''but it may be
different with Mr.. Bigelow. He has no sis
ter to spperintend lis establishment. |
don't know, however, whether there is any,
body likely to suit him in this village. Let
me sec-there is Miss Preston; she might
do"
mo, don't think she would suit him at
oil, - SAID Esther with spirit which con-
slderably surprised her brother. "She
knows very little about housekeeping.
"Why, thought you and Miss Preston
were friends" said Philip, little puzzled.
''Well, so we are" returned Esther in
her usual tone; but IL hardly think she
would suit Alr. Bigelow."
''Perhaps not, he reioined, and 80 the
conversation ended.
From tho conversation which wc bovo
recorded above the reader will obtain some
insight into the character of Esther's ferl-
lngs toward MIR. Bigelow. She would
hardly confess it to herself; but, as a mat
Ter OF TACT. her ideas >of marriage had suf
Iercd material change within brief
pnrioe. Ao.
Meanwhile the gentleman continued his
visits. Oftcntimes he would ask 10 see the
bed of flowers, on which Esther rather prid-
ed herself, and sometimes he would petl-
tion for seed, being very fond of flowers,
as he said, and very anxious to introduce
them in his own garden.
On one Of these occasions Mr.. BigcIow,
after lite visible embarrassment, said,
hesltatingly:
81 would like to ask your advice, Miss
Esther, on rather a delicate subject, and
one OF great Importance to myself. There
is one thing | wish to secure TO make my
establishment complete; but hardly know
in what manner TO ask for it,"
''What is it you refer to2" asked Esther,
unsuspicousy.
"a wife," was the significant reply.
Instantly crimson flushed Esther's
cheeks. She did not trust herself to
speak.
''Need say that you are the one. whom,
of all others, would seek to place in that
position2"
Lie took her unresisting hand and kissed
it with all the gallantry OF young lover.
"But what will my brother say2n. in
4uired Esther, when she had found voice
to speak.
"What should he say9 You arc your
own Mistress surely"
"Ycs, but he is always ridicullng the
idea Of marriage, and l couldn't. venture to
tell him."
'No need Oft Let's run away to New
York and get married. You know" he
added gaily eve arc both young and ro-
mantle, and 1t would be quite in charac-
ter"
Esther at first objected, but when she
came to consider that in this way she would
be relieved OF great Iportion of the en-
barrassmcnt which such step would nat
urally bring with it, she consented and
that day week was appointed for the de-
parturc. She required this time to make
preparations.
|, blcauWnlle, III esther naQ not DCcn so eXi
clusiyely occupied with her own affairs, she
might have noticed that Il change had come
oyer Philip. lie was oftenabsent evenings,
and when at home was more silent and ab-
stractcd than his wont. The former she
readily attributed to the cause which he as
signed-namcly, pressure of business.
'ihe latter she did not observe, her mind
being preoccupicd. We, who are in the
secret, may take the liberty of following
him on one OF his business calls. 1t was 4
neat cottage, from whose front door dang
led an immense knocker, that Philip Ma.
son knocked. The door was opened by the
same Miss Preston, who, some months be-
fore, he thought might do for iIr. Bgc-
low.
"Good evening, Maria" as he entered
After brief conversation about tho wealth
or, the crops, and other standard topics,
which, however trivial they may seem,
could hardly be dispensed with, he began
to show, signs of embarrassment and final
ly cjac'