Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-03-10

had large families OF their own, which
necessarily confined them at home.
Early one afternoon, just after Esther
Manson had completed her task OF clear
ing away the dinner dishes, and stor-
ing thom away in tho cupboard after a
thorough washing, she was startled by
a rap at the door
Somewhat surprised by caller at this
unusual hour, she answered the sum
mons. She was little apprehensivo
that it was.a neighbor who had of late
proved very troublesome from her
! habit of borrowing articles, and owing,
it IL to he presumed, to an habitual for.
getfulness, neglecting to return them.
q hope. she muscd, "that if it is
Mrs Bailey, she will bo wanting to
borrow something | have not got"
She opened the door; but no Mrs.
/ Bailey presented herself to her expect.
ing gazc-a gentleman Of forty-iiyo
years, carefully, nay, elegantly dressed,
stood before her.
"I beg your pardon for intruding,
madam" said he, as he noticed Esther's
look of surprise; "but can you direct
me to the house Of the late Mr. Well
| fleet? / have heard it was for sale,
and from the description 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 speak
ing, to, examine his appearance, which
did not fail to impress her favornbly.
THANK you for the information. |
trust you will pardon the trouble l
occasioned you" replied the gentle
man, bowing.
Not the least trouble in the world
replied Esther, little iuttered by n
| Difference to which she had not been
/ accustomed.
Two days aftcrward Esther heard
that Mr.. Wcllhect's estate had been
purchased by stranger named Bige-
low. She at once conjectured, and
/ rightly, that this was the same with her
visitor. \ few days elapsed, and Esther
/ Manson received another visit from the
| gentleman.
Il have favor to ask OF you, Miss
| Manson he commenced (it seemed he
had ascertained her namel. Il am
aware that our slight acquaintance will
hardly justify it, but l trust time will
remove this obstruction. You must
know" he added, smiling, that am
bachelor, dependent in many respects
upon my housekeeper, who, though a
/ good woman in her way, | am afraid is
not reliable in matters Of taste. As my
| furniture has arrived, but has not been
| arranged, would esteem il real ser
| vice If you would give me your opinion
in some little matters respecting its
proper disposition. Ny carriage is at
the door ready to carry you over"
But" said Esther, little hcsi-
tatingly, Il do not claim to have much
taste. l fear L shall prove no more
reliable in that respect than your house
keeper"
have but to look around me-" said
Mr.. Bigelow, politely, "to bo fully
satisfied upon that point"
Esther's cheek flushed with pleasure
at this compliment, and she made
preparations to comply with her new
visitors request.
1t was not without q little conscious
ness of the singularity OF her position
that Esther found herself riding by tho
side of gentleman with whom she
had scarcely exchanged half a dozen
words in the course Of her life.
The distance, however, was but short,
and she had little time for reflection.
On arriving at her place OF destination
she found the chief part of her business
accomplished. The furniture, which,
by the way, was new and handsome,
had been arranged in the rooms after
fashion, but Esther was able to point
out several changes for the better, with
all Of which Mr.. Bigelow profcssed
himself delighted he, moreover, asked
her advice as to the proper place to
hang several fine pictures that he had
picked up in the course of his European
travels. This was accorded with some
hesitation.
Mr.. Bigelow would not be satisfied
without showing bis new-found acquaint-
ance all over the house, from kitchen
to garret. When all was completed he
overpowered her with protostations 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 brother
would consider her adventure rather n
Quixotic one.