The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-06-29

"You are usually fortunate, sill"
answered Wynn, little bitterly.
81 have something else to say which
will interest you more nearly, my boy.
We have just heard of the death of
Jones, our Secretary at Hong Kong,
and | am called upon to send some one
to fill his place. It's rather good
position and we need some one we can
trust I've been rather pleased with
the way you've done your duties late
ly, and I've been thinking-hem--in
short, I've made up my mind to give
you the place"
"But sir began Wyrn, in despera-
ton.
"Oh, no, thanks! know you ap-
preciate it and all that, of course, and
I'm sure we will be satisfied with you.
Could you be ready to go next
month ?"
81 will think il over, sir. / suppose
it is not necessary to give you my an
swer for day or twol'
"No, certainly not" replied the
merchant, little surprised at Wynn's
way of receiving such piece of good
fortune.
Then followed an announcement
which, for an instant, caused the book
keeper to turn hot and cold with light.
ming rapidity.
"Perhaps you will be interested in
piece of family news which has given
me the greatest satisfaction, Wynn.
My daughter is to be married.
"Impossible l mean, sir, l heard
nothing of it," stammered poor
Wynn.
"Eh p exclaimed the merchant,
staring at his companion in astonish-
ment. "No, l suppose not. The fact
of the matter is, Miss Blair doesn't
know of it herself yet; but she will,
of course, be as pleased az | am The
letter only came to day from an old
friend of mine who has made millions
millions, my boy-in sugar, and
writes proposing marriage between his
only son and my daughter. The
young man has seen my Dora some
where, it seems, and was quite smitten
with the sly little puss. lie is coming
to us on visit next week. Now
haven't l cause for rejoicing to-day,
Wynn?'
pray accept my congratulations,
sir" replied the book keeper, lugubri
ously.
"By the way, Wynn" the merchant
went on, after moments pause de-
voted to golden anticipations, "it has
struck me that you have been rather
down in the mouth lately. Are you
out of health 2
son, no, sir thank you--not at all, v
responded the young man hurredly,
rather disconnected by this unusual
solicitude in his behalf
The delight with which the mer-
chant had that day heard of the sue,
cess of business schemes likely to make
an important addition to the banking
account of the firm, and especially an
tcipations of the brilliant marriage to
be made by his daughter, had filled
his heart with a sort of comfortable
condescending benevolence and good
, will to all the world, which descended
even to the affairs of 50 unimportant a
parsonage as his book keeper.
'Have you had any bad news 7?
: ''No, sir"
: "Perhaps you are in debt. Don't
: be afraid to tell me the truth, Wynn
| feel quite a fatherly interest in you
, | assure you, and might do some
thing to help you. shouldn't at al
mind advancing you hundred pounds
: or so.
81 thank you most gratefully, Mr.
Blair, but | have no debts
= "Then there is nothing else for it
boy-you certainly are in love-"
Wynn started, blushing to the very
) roots of his hair, but could find nj
words to reply, while the merchant
3 stared at him for moment, and thel
laughed uproariously, rubbing hi
4 hands for glee as he exclaimed:
8 There, have it at last Come, on
with it, youg man what's the trouble
, Won't she have you ?"
, "Yes, SIR" stammered Wynn, in al
agony; ''but she is rich and an
poor Her father would never con
sent
= pooh, pooh ! Is that all Yo
+ surely ought TO be able to manag
T. that somehow. Is it indiscreet to as
e who the young lady is' DO l kno'
5 the family? ?"
n 81 am afraid-it wouldn't dot
mention her name said poor Wynn
;, looking wildly about for some mean
a of escape.
5 "Well, do l know the father?'
5 "Yes, sir"
J, The merchant reflected for a m,
Il ment, then brought his fist down upo
n the table with a yehemence whic
made the wine glasses rattle.
Il Il have it now.'
y Wynn turned fairly cold.
+ "You needn't say yes' or no NJ
It commit yourself in any way; but
u think I've got your secret. It's o.
n Brooks daughter I've seen you twi,
d with the young woman lately. o.
is Brooks got the better of me in bus
n ness transaction the other day, and /
e like to be even with him. Any wa
whoever the girl is, I'm disposed
o help you
n "How, sir 2" gasped Wynn.
n "Why-hem-if the old fello
won't give his consent, why shouldr
! you do without it What do you thin
d of eloping with her2"
e "What, sir?' cried Wynn, hard
h believing his ears. "You really a
u wise me to do that p
'e "Yes-why not 7 What's more,
'r give you the price of the license fol
a wedding present and lend you my CT
riage any night you like to be @
y, beside throwing in my blessing in
he the bargain. l know clergyman
few miles from here who would do I
+ job for you willingly, especially il
IL give You note to him. l did hin
h. favor once.
h, "And you positively will give
your blessing and assistance, no m
aH | 4. H., L, l. h. 81