Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1881-02-23

which to hang several fine pictures that be
had picked up in the course of his European
travels. This was accorded with some
hesitation
MIR. Bigelow would not be satisfied with
out showing his new found acquaintance all
over the house, from kitchen to garrer.
When all was completed he overpowered
her with protestations 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
er would consider her adventure rather a
Quixotic one.
To avoid comment, she did not even in
form Philip that she had ever met Mr.. Big
Glow. he took frequent opportunities 10
call upon her, on some slight pretext or
another, but it always chanced to be when
her brother was absent.
Il WONDER said Philip, carelessly, as
he sat by the fire one evening, whether
Mr.. Bigelow will not be looking out for a
wife before longl''
Il don't knew" said Esther, and in her
embarrassment dropping half a dozen
stitches from the stocking she held in her
hand.
mot that L approve of marrlage-at
least in my own case" said Philip, not
noticing this demonstration, but it may be
different with hir. Bigelow. He has no sis
ter 10 superintend his establishment
don't know, however, whether there is any
body likely to suit him in this village. Let
me see-there is Miss Preston; she might
do
mo, don't think she would suit him at
all, sald Esther with spirit which con-
slderably surprised her brother. ''She
knows very little about housekeeping"
Why, 1 thought you and Miss Preston
were friends" said Phi.ip, little puzzled.
''Well, SO We are" returned Esther in
her usual tone; but II hardly think she
would suit Mr.. Bigelow."
perhaps not, > he rejoined, and SO the
conversation ended.
From the conversation which We have
recorded above the reader will obtain some
insight into the character of Esther's feel
Ings toward MIR. Bigelow. She would
hardly confess it to herself; but, as mat
Ter OF fact, her ideas of marriage had suf-
fered material change within a brief
period.
Meanwhile the gentleman continued his
visits Oftentimes he would ask 20 see the
bed of flowers, on which Esther rather prid-
ed herself, and sometimes he would petI-
lion Tor 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. Bigelow,
after lit visible embarrassment, said,
hesltatingly:
Il would like to ask your advice, Miss
Esther, on rather delicate subject, and
one OF great Importance 10 myself. There
is one thing L wish 10 secure 10 make my
establishment complete; but l hardly know
in what manDer 10 ask for it.
~ hat is it you refer TOT asked Esther,
unsuspicIously.
"a wife," was the significant reply.
@fr-s- r-=r=--==.z===-e-=zs'
cheeks. She did not trust herself to
speak.
Need / say that you are the one whom,
of all others, L would seek to place in that
posItioni'
He took her unresisting hand and kissed
it with all the gallantry OF a young lover.
but whs: will my brother say!" in
1uired Esther, when she had found voice
10 speak.
"what should he saw You are your
own mistress, surely"
"Yes, but he is always ridicullng the
idea of marriage, and | couldn't venture to
tell him."
mo need of it. Let's run away to New
York and get married. You know" he
added gsily 1--WE are both young and ro-
mantle, and 1t would be quite In charac-
ter"
Esther at first objected, but when sht
came 10 consider thai in this way sine would
De relieved OF a great iportion of the EN-
Oarrassment which SUCH a step would nat
urally bring with it, she consented, anC
that day week was appointed for the de
parture. She required tins time TO max,
preparations.
Meanwhile, if Esther had not been so ex
clusively occupied with her own affairs, sht
might have noticed that change had CONF
over Pnlllp. He was often absent evenings
and when al home was more silent and alb
stracted tran his wont. the former sht
readily attrl5utat to the cause which he as
igned-namely, pressure of business
.ne latter she did not observe, her mint
being preoccupied. We, who are In tn
secret, may take the liberty of following
MIN ON one OF his business calls. Ii was |
neat cottage, from whose front door dang
led an immense knocker, that Philip Ma
SON knocked The door was opened Dy tn
same MISS Preston, who, some months be
fore, he thought might do for sir. Blge
low.
Good evening, Maria" as he entered
After brief conversation about the wealth
er, the crops, and other standard topics
which, however trivial they NAV seem
could hardly be dispensed with, he begal
10 show signs of embarrassment, and final
ly ejaculated:
..Maria-Miss Preston-I mean Maria
what arc your opinions about marriage!
"Why," said she. 81 hardly know.
don't think have given much consldera
tion to the subject"
Because" continued Philip. 81 fin'
my opinions have suffered great chang
on this point. There was time when
thought it unwise; but now, if could &c
a coed wife, such as you, for example,
should be inclined TO try it B"
''Oh, Mr.. Mason ," said Miss Preston, Il
some perturbation, show you talk.
Five minutes afterward Miss Preston ma
accepted the proposal of Philip, and th
two were, to all intents and purposes, en-
gagged.
The only thing 1 think OF, )" said tn
gentleman, after brief pause lis that IN.
sister Esther is decided enemy to marriage
and hardly dare to tell her am about
marry. If we could only get away and hav
the ceremony performed 1t would be pleas
anter."
.Suppose we go to New York, sugges'
ed the bride elect.
"A good idea Wen go. When ca
you be readyf
"Next Monday morning.
So next Monday morning was agree
upon. 1t so happened that Esther was
start on Monday afternoon for the san
place, with the same purpose in vlew-b'
OF this coincidence neither party wei