Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1886-02-11

4
No, don't think she will suit him at
ALL said Esther. with spirit which cen
siderably surprised her brother She
knows very little about housekeeping
Why, thought you and Miss Pres
ton were friends said Philip a little
puzzled.
Well, SO we are returned Esther. in
her usual tone;' but IL hardly think
she would suit Mr.. Bigelow.'
Perhaps not, be replied.
The gentleman continued bis visits.
On one of these occasions Mr.. Bige-
low, after little visible embarrassment,
said:
1 wonld like to ask your advice, Miss
Esther, on rather delicate subject, and
one of great Importance to myself.
There is one thing | wish to secure to
make my establishment complete. but l
hardly know in what manner to ask for
it.
What is it you refer TOP asked Esth-
er unsuspiciously.
A wife, was the signifeagt reply.
Instantly deep crimson flushed Esth-
er'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 position?'
He took her unresisting hand and
kissed it with all the gallantry of a
young lover.
But what will my brother say?' il.
quired Esther. when she found voice to
speak.
What should he say? You are your
own mistress, surelyY
Yes, but be is always ridieuling the
idea of marriage, and 1 couldn't venture
to tell him.
No need of it. Let's run away to New
York and get married. You know lie
added gaily, we are both young and ro~
mantle, and it would be quite in charae-
ter.
After some demur Esther consented,
and that day week was appointed for the
departure.
eanwhile, if Esther had not been so
exclusively occupied with her own afr
fairs, she might have noticed that
change had come over Philip.
He was often absent evenings, and
when at home was silent and abstracted.
The former was readily attributed ta
the cause which he assigned, namely,
pressure of business.
The latter she did not observe, her
mind being preoccupied.
We, who are in the secret, may follow
him on one of his business calls.
It was at neat cottage dangled an
immense knocker, and Philip Manson
knocked.
The door was opened by the same Miss
Preston, who, some months before, be
thought might do for Mr.. Bigelow.
Good evening, Maria was his saluta-
sion as he entered.
After brief conversation about the
weather, the crops, and other standard
topics, he began to show signs of en-
barrassment and finally calculated:
'Maria-Miss Preston-I mean Maria,
what are your opinions about marriage ?
why, said she, 4 hardly know. i
don't think have given much consider
alton to the subject
Because continued Philip, 4 find my
opinions have suffered great change
on this point. There was a time when
1 thought it unwise, but now, if 1 could
get good wife. such as you, for exams
pie, should be inclined to try It.
oh, oh Mr.. Manson said Miss Pres
ton, in perturbation; how you talkP
In five minutes Miss Preston had ae-
cepted.
The only thing l think Of said the
gentleman, after pause, is that my sis
ter Esther is decided enemy to mar
riage, and l hardly dare to tell her that
l am about to marry. If we could only
get away and have the ceremony per-
formed, it would be pleasanter.'
Suppose We go to New York. sug
gested the bride-eleet.
"A good idea. We will go. When can
you be ready?'
Next Monday morning
So next Monday morning was agreed
upon. 1t so happened that Esther was
to start on Monday for the same place,
with the same purpose in view.
The reader will please 60 forward
week.
By this time the respective parties
have reached New York, been united in
the holy bonds Of matrimOny, and are
now legally husband and wife.
On the morning succeeding the two
marriages, for by ssingular chance they
happened on the same day, Mr.. Bigelow
and Esther started out fer walk down
the street.
1t so happened that Philip and his
wife were at the same moment walking
up the street. The two parties met.
Good heavensl my sister, exclaimed
Philip.
'Mereiful goodnessl my brotherr re+
turned Esther.
What brings you here with Mr.. Bigs-
low?'
Nay, how happens it that you are
here with Miss PrsstonY
Miss Preston is now my wife
And Mr.. Bigelow Is now my hus-
band
But thought you were much oppos-
ed to matrimoDy.'
And l supposed you were equally so.
MY friends interposed Mr.. Bigelov,