Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1881-01-01

Meanw bile, if Esther had not been
so exclusively occupied with her
own affairs, she might have noticed
that a change had come over Philip.
He was often absent evenings, ano
when at home was more silent ana
abstracted than was his wont. The
former she readily attributed to the
cause which he assigned, namely,
pressure Of business. TIE latter she
did not observe, her mind being pre-
occupied. We. who are in the secret,
may take the aliberty of following
him on one of his business calls. 1t
wasat a neat cottage, from whose door
dangled an immense knscker, that,
Philip Manson knocked. The door
was opened by the same Miss Pres
ton who, some months before. he
thought "might do" fer Mr.. Bige-
low.
"Good evening, Maria,'' was his
salutatiDn as he entered. After
brief conversation abeut the wealth
er, the crops aud other standard top
les, which. however trivial they may.
seem, could hardly be dispensed
with, he began to show signs OF sm-.
barrasement, and fiually CALCULATED:
maria - Miss Preston-I mean
Maria, what are your opinions about
marrlsgs?"
"Why." said she, 81 hardly knew.
[ don't think have given much con-
sideraiion TO the subject"
"Because," continued Philip, IL
find my opinions have suffered, .,
great change on this point. Thsre.
was time when thought it up-
wise but now, if l could get . gsed
wife, such as you, tor example. I
snoutd be inclined to try it." ~
go Lor', Mr.. Manson." said Miss
Preston in some .perturbatieh, show
you talk" ,s
Five minutes afterward Miss Pres.
ton had accepted the proposal or
Philip, aud the two were to all in
tents aud purposes engaged.
1.-The only thing Think of" said
the gentleman, after brief pause.
"is that my sister Esther is decided
enemy to marriage, aud hardly dare
to tell her am about to marry. II
we could only get away aud have the
ceremony performed, II would be
pleasantsr."
"Suppsse we go to New York."
suggested the bride elect. =. :,
ga good idea. Well 60. When
can you be ready ?'
'sNext Monday morning."
So next Monday morning WAS
agreed upon. 1t SO happened that
Esther was to start on Monday Ag.
tornson for the same .placs, with the
| same purpose in view-but Of the
coincidence neither party were aware.
The reader will please 60 forward
= week. By this time the respective
united in the holy bonds Of wedlock,
aud are now legally husband and
wife. They were located 1t hotels
| situated on the same street, aud 0veN
on the same side OF the way. but were
far from being aware Of the propin-
guilty. .,t.ss sistisl
On the meruing succeeding the two
marriages. fer by singular chance
they happened gu the same day, Mr..
Bigelow and Esther started cut for .
l walk down street. It so happeued
that Philip and his wife were Of the
same moment walking mp street. The
natural consequence " as that the two
parties met.
"Good heavens, my sisteri" ex.
claimed Philip. a
"Msrclful goodness, my brothsr!''
returned Esther.
What brings you here with Mr..
Bigelow?"
"Nay, how happens it that yon are
here with Miss Preston2"
miss Preston is now my wife"
''And Mr.. Bigslow 10 now my has.
band"
'But thought you were opposed
10 matrimony7"
"And l thought you were equally
so.' s s
"My triends," interpcsed Mr.. Big,
Glow. "this Is day Of surprises, bul
trust Of such s'nature that We shal
all be made the happier thereby. NJ
regret, Mr.. Manson. at robbing yot
of your housekseper 10 quite dissi
patsd by the knowledge that. yot
have so soon supplied hcr place."
The sensation excited in the villagl
by the return Of the two birds witt
their respective husbands may be
better imagined than described. L
gives as pleasure to state that Meth
er Philip nor his sister ever had oc
casien to regret tho double slOpe
ment.