The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1881-03-31
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 forty, and Esther
was close to him. Still, each had pur-
sued solitary pathway through life,
seeking no companionship save that of
the other, till there was reason to
believe that they would continue to fol-
low the same course till in the fullness of
time they were gathered into the family
tomb-the recepticle of many genera
tions Of the Manson family. There was
more reason to think so, since they
took care to commend an unmarried
life, not only by example but by pre-
cept.
mo-" said Philip, when assailed on
this subject by a match making 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 wife
more than at present.
NO" said Philip, conclusively, 81
have sister who is devoted to me and
while she lives shall need no other"
AS for Miss Esther, she often declared
that she never would make slave of
herself for any man living. If other
women were foolish enough to give up
their independence, and tie themselves
to man, for no other earthly purposes
than to burden themselves with cares
and toll from morning till night, she
was sure she had no objection. For her
own part she was wiser. Her brother
and she had always lived together
peaceably and happily, and did not
think she could make any change for
the better.
Of course, it 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
contented with ones lot, provided there
was no chance of improving it. But
Esther did not hear these remarks, and
50 was not disturbed by them. She
continued to live in the old house with
hef brother. They kept no domestic,
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 left for the most part to
the companionship of her own thoughts,
unless some nei ghbor chanced to call in
thlng, by the way, of rather rare oc-
eurrence, since most of the neighbors
mad 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 storing
.nem away in the cupboard after a
thorough washing, she was startled by
arap at the door.
somewhat surprised by a caller at this
unusual hour, she answered the sum
mons: She was a little apprehensive
'nat II was neighbor who had of late
proved very troublesome from her habit
oi borrowing articles, and owing, it is
70 De- presumed, to an habitual forget
iulneSs, neglected to return them.
=, i hope," she mused, "that if it is
mrs Bailey, she will be wanting to bor-
row v, something that have not got.''
one opened the door; but no Mrs.
!naiiey presented herself to her expect
ins gaze-a gentlemen of forty-tive,
SSateiuiiy, nay elegantly dressed, stood
before her. -
MI, neg your pardon for intruding,
t, mauam, said he, as he noticed Es-
dnef look of surprise; ''but can you
u.rsct MI &c. me to the house of the late MIR.
neulieet? | have heard it was for sale,
aaa lrom the description have heard
vi II, Judge it will suit me.''
III IS the next house on the left, sir.''
''i answered Esther, who had had time,
ahiie The gentleman was speaking. to
examine s.a his appearance, which did not
'aii TO impress her favorablv.
1nank You for the information. |
o .rust You will pardon tie trouble 1 have
oscasioned you," replied the gentle
man. bowling.
MOI the least trouble in the world -
tdepheu Esther, a little fluttered by a
aelerence to which she had not been
accustomed. ''O' ~ Ni'
h awo days afterwards Esther heard
vi e,lat MI Wellfeet's estate had been pur-
Sba a'eu oy a stranger, named Bigelow.
ns th". at once conjectured, and rightly,
a. = this was the same with her visitor.
CO.. q ieW days elapsed. and Esther Man
tlan, n received another visit from the gen.
M.nin nave favor to ask of you, Miss
baa bason' he commenced Git seems he
swa u aseertained her name.) Il am
bara baale tnat our Slight acquaintance will
uy rea'y Justify it, but l trust time will
h. hlaove M this objection. You must know" !"
- aaaed' smiling. "that / am a bach