The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-03-03
HOW BROWN WAS Sold.

Well, well, we won't discuss the
matter longer, sir. As l told you the
other day, my mind once made up it is
not to be changed, and were you to bore
me all day as you have the last half hour
it would do no good not the least in the
world, sir. Bless me! nearly twelve
o'clock! ahem! excuse the apparent rude
ness, my boy, but | must ask you to let
the gentleman outside take your place.
He comes on business of far more I'M
portance than your nonsense, pardon
mew
But, M Grown, one moment, sir!
If you knew me better, Pm quite sure
you would reconsider my request, and
and"
" Pooh! pooh! 1 know you well
enough \ very nice young fellow.
A good son, no doubt, clever and
all that, and as a friend in our fami-
ly you are always welcome, since Josie
likes you, but beyond friendship, sir,
you must not advance one step. Josie
is too young for such foolishness as love
and lovers, and you are-ahem! well,
your business affairs are rather unsettled,
you must admit, and | should rather
Josie, when she marries, marry rich
man. Good morning, sir!"
Mr.. Brown inclined his stately, gray
head as he spoke, and Archer Langdon
knew his dismissal was indeed complete
so, with Il grave face, the young man
passed through the outer office, and from
thence into the street, where he was inn
mediately Joined by Mr.. Browns son,
h.,
ton, passed part of each day in his
fathers private office. He had known
the reason Of ArChers call upon his
father in his private office, and judged,
by the downcast expression of his friends
face as he passed again into the street,
that the call had resulted unhappily.
Never mind, dear old fellow" said
Rob, as he joined his fricnd the gov.
ernor is a bear sometimes, and we get
used to little growing. But keep up
courage, Archer; between Joe and you
and myself Wen try and head father off,
can't we? He didn't forbid your coming
to the house, did hep
"No, no." replied Archer, "but what's
the use, Bob? A fellow can't keep on
being only friend to a girl when he's
head over heels in love with her. Ican't,
anyhow, and if Josie is kind enough to
miss my visits, just please tell her why
I keep away; that's good fellow. No,
I'll go myself tonight for the last time
and then I'm off somewhere-I don't care
wherem
Bob felt sorry for his friend and prom
ised anything in the way of assistance.
cpl even coax Joe to elope with you,
Arch, and make the ladder of ropes my
self, only don't look SO down in the
mouth"
The young men parted soon after,
Archer going to his widowed mother
home, only coy little house, plainly
furnished, but rich in the blessings of
love and contentment, with but little re-
gret for the days of wealth long past,
save that, as Mrs. Langdon thought oc-
casionally, it would be an advantage for
Archer just now as far as his love for
Josie Brown was concerned.
Robert went to his stately home, where
the fair Josie reigned queen next to the
sweet head of the household herself, the
gentle mother to whom even the pom
pous lord and master occasionally yielded
a cherished opinion. And to her went
Josie, after listening Indignantly to hel
brothers recital of Archers woes.
"To think Of papa's snubbing poor
Archer so unkindly" she exclaimed
standing with flashing eyes before hel
mother and bursting into tears upon that
mothers shoulder the next moment. &C.
shall never care for anybody else as
care for Archer Langdon, mamma" SHE
sobbed, and if papa is not willing t.
receive Archer ne shall never have ;
son-in-lawl III die an old maid anC
shame HIM And then, what do you
think he said beside? Why, that | wa.
too young TO know anything about love
and lovers. The idea~ and Josie's small
foot tapped the ground angrily. "rn
seventeen years old, nearly eighteen, il
fact, and"-here a dimple appeared il
Josies cheek, and smile gathered in tn,
corners of her teardimmed eyes" I've
had three offers already, if papa did bu
know it,"
Mrs. Brown couldn't help laughing a
her daughters expression.
Now, mamma, don't you turn on thu
enemy's side. I've only you and Rob t,
take my part, and-and-O dear!
wish papa would remember when he wa
young and wanted you, he wouldn't b.
so unjust to me, l know. You will asl
him, mamma, won't you, to listen t,
reason, and I'm sure he'll oblige you
he always does"
Mamma promised, but in her hear
dreaded the task imposed upon her. 70
herself she felt really attached to poo
Archer. His mother she valued as a wis
and sincere friend. Archie and JOSH
had been .playmates when both wer
school children, and Mr.. Brown ha
many a time patted the boys head wit
kind compliment on his gentleman.
behavior. lie had liked to see the cS'
dren, his own two and Archie, toger
and had himself gotten for the