The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-01-06

"Well, Wynn, began the merchant, when
the two men were left alone, as he walked
up and down the room, evidently SATISFIED
with himself and all the world, 81 have to
tell you that there is excellent news from
America We have closed the contract
with that firm in New York of which you
have heard me speak, and the transaction
will bring us in something like f2O,OO0.
Not at all bad job, eh, Wynn ?
"You are usually fortunate, sir, ans
wered Wynn, little bitterly. -,
II have something else to say which will
interest you more nearly, my boy. We
have lust 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
", and I've been thinking-hem in
short, I've made up my mind to give you
the place.
"But, sir," began Wynn, in desperation.
.sOh, no thanks know you appre-
ciate it and all that, of course, and I'm sure
we shall be satisfied with you. Could you
be ready to 90 next month?
II will think it over, sir. L suppose 1t
is not necessary to give you my answer for
day or two?'
NO, certainly not, replied the merchant,
little surprised at Wynn's way of recelv-
ing such piece of good fortune.
Then followed an announcement which,
for an instant, caused the book-keeper to
turn hot and cold with lightning rapidity.
"Perhaps you will be interested in
piece of family news which has given me
the greatest satisfaction, Wynn. My daugh-
ter is to be married.
.Impossible! | mean, sir, [ had heard
nothing of it, stammered poor Wynn.
sEh ?" exclaimed the merchant, staring
at his companion in astonishment. "No,
I 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 as l
am. The letter only came to-day from an
old friend of mine who has made millions
millions, my boy-in sugar, and writes pro-
posing a marriage between his only son and
my daughter. The young man has seen
my Dora somewhere it seems, and was quite
smitten with the sly little puss. He is
coming to us on visit next week. Now,
haven cause for rejoicing to-day, Wynn"
''Pray accept my congratulations, sir,
replied the book-keeper lugubriously.
"By-the-way, Wynn" the merchant went
on, after moments pause devoted to gold
en- anticipations, ''it has struck me that you
have been rather down in the mouth lately.
Are you out of health? p
"Oh no, sir, thank you-not at all J!
responded the young man hurrledly, rather
disconnected by this unusual solicitude in
his behalf.
The delight with which the merchant had
that day heard of the success of business
schemes likely to make an important addi-
ton to the banking account of the firm, and
especially anticipations of the brilliant mar
riage to be made by his daughter, had filled
his heart with sort of comfortable con-
descending benevolence and goodwill to all
the world, which descended even to the
affairs of 50 unimportant apersonage as his
book keeper.
Have you had any bad news p
"No, sir"
"Perhaps you are in debt. Don't be
afraid to tell me the truth, Wynn. feel
quite fatherly interest in you, and might
do something to help you. l shouldn't at
all mind advancing hundred pounds or
SO"
q 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 re-
ply, while the merchant stared at him for
a moment, and then laughed uproariously,
rubbing his hands with glee as he exclaim-
! ed
There, have it at last. Come, out
with it, young man; what's the trouble ?
Won't she have your
eyes, sir" stammered Wynn, in an ag-
ony; "but she is rich and l am poor. Her
father would never consent"
"Pooh, pooh Is that all ? You surely
ought to be able to manage that somehow.
Is it indiscreet to ask who the young lady
is? Do l know the family %
II am afraid-it wouldn't do-to men
ton her name," said poor Wynn, looking
wildly about for some means of escape.
"Well, do | know the father?'
Eyes, sir.
The merchant reflected for a moment,
then brought his fist down upon the table
with vehemence which made the wine
glasses rattle.
II have it nowr
Wynn turned fairly cold.
"You needn't say eyes" or 'No," nor
commit yourself in anyway; but l think
I've got your secret. It's old Brooks
daughter! I've seen you twice with the
young woman lately Old Brooks got the
better of me in business transaction the
other day, and I'd like to be even with
him. Any way, whoever the girl is, I'm
disposed to help you"
"How sir" grasped Wynn.
Why-hem If the old fellow won't
give his consent, why shouldn't you do
without it? What do you think of elop-
ing with herr"
"What, sir?'' cried Wynn, hardly be-
lieving his ears. ''You really advise me to
do that?'
"Yes-why not? What's more, I'll give
you the price of the license for wedding
present, and lend you my carriage any
night you would like to be off, besides
throwing in my blessing in the bargain l
know clergyman few miles from here
who would do the job for you willingly,
especially if l give you note to him. l
did him favor once
"And you positively will give us your
blessing and assistance, no matter who the
young lady may be?" exclaimed the book
keeper, almost involuntarily.
Positively replied his employer, firm
in the conviction that here was delight
full opportunity of becoming revenged upon
man who assailed him in his weakest
point-his pocket. II will help you with
out asking any questions We must teach
the grasping old sinner that his daughter S
| aAraot;ons ora NOT an article of marohaudisa