Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-04-12

| OaQ gOO-en, wynn!
You are usually fortunats, sir an
swersd Wynn, little bitterly.
| i 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, anG
l am called upon to send some one tC
| fill his place. It's rather good posi-
tiOn, and We want some one we Cal
trust. | have been rather pleased with
the way you've done your duties lately
and I've been thinking-heml-in short
I've made up my mind to give you the
place.
But, SIR began WYNN, in desperation
oh, no thanks. know you appreci.
ate it, and all that, of course, and | am
sure we shall be satisfied with you
Could you be ready to go next month 2
Il will think it over. l suppose it is
not necessary to give you my answer
for day or twoP'
No, certainly not,' replied the mer-
chant, little surprised at Wynn's way
of receiving such piece of good for
tune.
Then followed an announcement
which for an instant caused the book
keeper to turn hot and cold with light
ming rapidity. ......
Perhaps you will he interested in u
piece of family news which has given
me the greatest satisfaction, Wynn. Ny
daughter is to be married
Impossible! mean, sir, l had heard
nothing of it, stammered poor Wynn.
'Ehp exclaimed che merchant, staring
IN, .soi,,
| suppose not. The fact of the matter
is, Miss Blair doesn't know Of it her
self; but she will, of course, be- n. pleas
ed as 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 he was smitten
with the sly little puss. He is coming
to US on a visit next week. Now,
haven't l cause for rejoicing to-day.
Wynn
pray accept my congratulations, sir,
replied the book-keeper, lugsbriously.
BY the way, Wynn the merchant
went on, after moments pause devO-
ted to golden anticipstions. it has struck
me that you have been rather down in
the mouth lately. Are you out of
healthY
'Oh, no, sir, thank you-not at allP
the young man hurriedly,
rather disconnected by this unusual soli-
citude in his behalf.
The delight with which the merchant
had that day heard of the success of
business schemes likely to make an i'm
portant addition to the banking account
of the firm, and especially snticipations
of the brilliant marriage to be made by
his daughter, had filled his heart with 4
sort of comfortable, condescending be-
nevolence and good will to all the
world, which descended even to the af-
fairs of so unimportant parsonage as
his book keeper.
Have you had any bad news?'
No, sir
Perhaps you are in debt. Don't be
afraid to tell me the truth, Wynn. i
feel quite fatherly interest in you. /
assure you. shouldn't at all mind ad
vancing hundred pounds or so.'
Il 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 no words
to reply, while the merchant stared at
him for q moment and then laughed up
reariously, rubbing his hands with glee
as he exclaimed:
There, have it at lastl Come out
with it, young man; what's the trouble
Won't she have youY
Yes, sir stammered Wynn, in an ag
ony; but she is rich and am poor. Her
father would never consent
Pooh, pooh! Is that all? You sure
ly ought to be able to manage that some
how. Is 1t indiscreet to ask Who the
young lady is? Do know the family ?
L am afraid-it wouldn't do to men
ton her name said poor Wynn, look
ing wildly about for some means of es-
cape.
well. do 1 know the fatherP'
Yes, SIR
The merchant reflected for a moment
then brought his fist down upon the ia
Die with a vehemence which made the
wine glasses rattle. Il have it now
Wynn turned fairly cold.
You needn't say J es' or no. nor COM
nit yourself in any way; but | think
I've got your secret. It's old Brooks's
laughter; I've seen you twice with the
young woman lately. Old Brooks got |
The better of me in business transaction
he other day. I'd like to be even with |
him. Anyway, whoever the girl is, I'm
disposed to help yon.'
How, sir2' gasped Wynn.
'Why-heml if the old fellow won't give
his consent, why shouldn't you do with
,ut it? What do yOa think of elopihg
With her?'
what, sirr cried Wynn, hardly be-
ieving his own ears. You really ad-
Use me to do thatY
'Yes-Why notP What's more, I'll
live you the price of the license for
or wedding present and lend you my
,arriage any night you'd like to be of,
besides throwing in my blessing into the
bargain! l know a clergyman q few
niles from here who would do the job
or you willingly, especially if l give
'ou a note to him. l did him a favor
'nces'
And you positively will give US your
)lCoStllS dHO AooloIohOC, hO AhSbsCA "hO
he Young lady may be?' exclaimed the
'ook- k-keeper, almost invOluntarily.
Positively replied his employer, firm
n the conviction that here was de
ightful opportunity of becoming re-
enged upon man whe had assailed
i'm in his weakest point-his pocket.
will help you without asking any
uestions. We must teach the grasping
Id sinner that his daughters affections
re not an article of merchandise. No
ody need be ashamed of you fer SON
n-law. Wynn, nay boy
Thank you, SIR responded the young
nan, family.
Just consult the young woman. and,
I all's right in that quarter, let me
now the day and the carriage and the
rice of the license shall not be want
1g. 1 shall not go back from my PROM
,e.'
Wynn did not fail to keep his ap-
N; 49, tD,apt az Richmond on the f0llOW-