Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-07-26

bed-Qullt which always surrounded
the mysterious stock in trade. al
ways objected to this female, but it
wasn't of the slightest use, as l was
convinced after short argument that
my objections being based upon a Lro-
found ignorance of the whole subject,
were frivolous and unreasonable. In
fact / was so completely subdued that
short time subsequent to my igno-
minious defeat, found myself wear
ing some execrabie socks, once por-
ton of the contents OF the white
bundle, which like Pilgrims seemed
constantly glued to the old woman's
back. 1t is my opirion she slept on
it.
There was ono class of these wander
ing venders from whose inhiction |
considered myself safe. 1 felt conf
dent that Alice would never exhibit
that almost universal weakness of her
sex, shown in disposition to be
fascinated by the tempting bargains
offered by dealers in vases, cut. glass
bottles, ETC., those peripatetic vaga-
bonds who don't want money but do
want old clothes. My confidence in
this respect was based upon the fact
that l myself was supposed to under
stand the value of such merchandise.
The history of sieges shows, however,
that it is the unguarded strong point
which often falls before the attack of
an insidious foe. Some irreverent
Frenchman has traced an appropriate
parallel between woman and for
tress. / shall not quote the pithy
apothegm which precdes his fanciful
comparison, for the best of all possible
reasons, I have forgotten It's exact
phrase, and all who are ignorant of
the French language will no doubt
lift up their hands in thankfulness. 1
shall content myself with the state
ment, however, that the parallel have
referred to was suddenly brought to
my mind in the most unexpected man.
ner, only to convince me of its solemn
truth.
was sitting one morning near the
door of my establishment, reading the
morning paper, when was conscious
of shadow darkenlng the doorway.
Looking up, I saw standing on the
threshold Jew vender of Bohemian
glassware and distorted statues. His
keen eye had detected flaw in two
small red vases exhibited in the shop
window, which he had instantly deter
mined to purchase for the ultimate
benefit of some unsusplcIous mortal of
the gentle sex. l sold them for
tri1e; the Jew placed them in his
basket, went on his way, and I saw no
more of him forever. l regret to say
that l heard of him afterward.
On returning home to dinner, the
first object that met my eye and filed
my soul with misgivings, was pair
Of red vases, ! stood at distance
and glared at them with something of
the same feeling Of the tragedian who
doubts the evidence of the senses
when he beholds the dagger in the
air. By a strong effort managed to
approach the fireplace. The illusion
vanished at the sense of touch. On
the mantle piece stoically stood the
two bloodred vases I had parted with
to the Jew and knew In my inmost
heart that if the cost of an article was
an evidence of its worth, 1 was then
gazing at most expensive chattles.
was aroused from this mental in
ventory of my suddenly acquired
wealth by the opening of the door,
when a gleam of sunshine irradiated
the room by the entrance of golden
hair. Alice was elated; joy beamed
in her eye; laugh, which seemed to
be the precursor of some delightful
intelligence, rang through the room,
and my imagination beheld the Wis
ionary almshouse demolished as if a
whirlwlnd had scattered it forever.
''Are they not pretty?' said she,
taking down the diabolical vases, and
holding them up for critical examina.
ton.
"Veryp' l calculated, and having,
by wonderful effort controlled my
equanimity, | asked, in a business
like way, what the lovely articles had
cost.
'Oh, nothing at all, my dear, or al
most nothing; and this is the most
wonderful part of the whole bargain.
| could not conceive that such beauti-
full articles could be bought with old,
worn-out clothing. You know the
box of old boots in the woodshed2"
eyes"
We'll, 1 gave them, and an old
shawl of mine, which was almost
spoiled, you know, Harry, and my
black delaine dress, which l have long
thought / shouldn't wear any more,
and two pair of your old black panta,
looms, and two old vests, and, l be-
lieve that ia all. But bless me, Har-
ry, you know what l gave for the
vases was mere rubbish, and l was so
glad to get it out of the house.
OF course, Alice I returned, the
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