Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-02-12
gave when she mentioned her fatheFs
Ill. II,

name duu Sdius -.
Now, Charlie, you needn't be fright
ened he isn't the cross old bear that
people think he is, nor does he lore
money as much as people say he doT
He loves me better than anything sn
earth, and Pm sure if you haven't much
money that will be no obstacle
Charlie promised to ask the old gen.
tleman, and the next morning, about
the time he thought Mr.. D. would be IN
his counting-room, called on him, nos
without many mlsgivings, however, i9F
he had determined to tell the old ge@
tleman the whole truth.
One of the parties showed Charlie
to Mr.. DIS private office, back OF
counting-room, and after being invite
to take seat, he stated the object 81
his visit in a brief but manly manner.
BotI don't know you, SIR
well, I'll tell you who am, withno
concealment, if you will give me iew
minutes of your valuable time.' -
The old man nodded 20 Charlie to 60
ahead, and then he related the story o.
his life in a truthful manner, not omit
ting the gambling part.
The old fellow looked astonished, bui
gave him no answer. The only en-
couracement he received was instruc
tions to come again in three weeks, anC
in the meantime not to speak or write
to his daughter. Charlie went away
his heart nearly down in his boots bu
at the appointed time was on hant
again.
Mr.. D. rather grufly, told him to take
a seat. and said: i have written tc
your native town and found that yot
told me the truth regarding your family
but sir, my daughter shall never marry
a gambler, particularly a professional.
Charles pondered few minutes, ant
then, looking up, said: L will quit
gambling if can find something else tc
do
well, como up to my house tonight.
Nellie will be glad to see you, and well
see what can be done.'
1t is needless to say Charlie vent
Nellie was wonderfully pleased, aDc
when her father entered the parlor he
found them sitting hand in hand, talk
ing in low earnest tones.
Well, this is a desperate case see
and will require a desperate remedy
Then turning to Charlie, he said, young
man, how would you like situation in
my counling-room as assistant bool;
keeper 2
Charlie replied that he should like ii
above all things, said he didn't know
much about book keeping but was GER
tain he could learn.
'Of course you can,' said Mr.. D.
'and If you will promise me that you
will give up gambling for six months
and be attentive to business, III see
about this matter between you and
Nellie
Nellie hugged and kissed her father
and cried, and Charlie thanked the old
gentleman from the bottom of his heart.
AS Mr.. D. went out Of the room be
turned and said, Be down early, sir,
make it an invariable rule that my
clerks shall be early at the store
Charlie was promptly on hand and
entered upon his duties, and made such
rapid progress that by the time the SIX
months had expired he had not only be-
come proficient in book keeping but
had made himself acquainted with every
branch of the business, IN which he took
very deep interest. At the close OF
the six months he again asked Mr.. D.
for his daughters hand.
Mr.. D. replied: Charlie, you have
been honest and faithful, and know as
much about the business as l do but |
tell you, when l was younger 1 was
considerable Of a sport myself and |
know by my own observation, that
where a gambling man is playing for a
big stake, he will wait and watch pa
:iently, for months, if necessary, in or
der that he may win in the end. Now,
don't think YOU are playing a game OF
this kind, but Nellie is young and so arc
you, and if you will still keep on for six
months more as you have for the past
six months, I'll give my free consent
that the wedding shall take place
meantime 1 Will advance your salary at
the rate of $500 per annam.'
Although Charles hopes were con-
siderably dashed, he accepted the terms,
the six months, long as they seemed
eventually rolled by and old Mr.. D
was as good as his word. There was =
nice quiet wedding, a short bridal tour
and when they returned Charlie foun(
himself proprietor of one-third interes
in the store, and il was but few years
until the old gentleman gave The entire
management Of the establishment int
the hands Of his son-ln-law. Mr.. ID
lives with his daughter and enjoys him
self greatly in romping and playing wiz
his grandchildren.
Soon after Charlie's marriage he haC
the curiosity to inquire Of his father-in
| law how he came to get the idea int
his head of taking him INTO the store al
book keeper.
why, haven't you heard how tha
was o, that Nellie is sly puss. l
was all her doing. l supposed she ha'
told vou all about it,