The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1884-06-12
MRS. FENTON'S MYSTERY.

DaVld fentOn stood behind his cOun-
ter plunged in thought. From the lines
upon his face it seemed that his reflec-
tons were not of a pleasant nature.
This was really the case. The fact was,
business had been very dull for some
time past, and in consequence of an over
supply probably, dry goods had fallen.
1t unfortunately happened that Mr..
Fenton had laid in a large supply,
bought on ninety days, anticipating a
brisk demand and remunerative prices.
But all his calculations were put out by
the prevailing dullness and the depreci-
alton, so that he would not only meet
with loss, but it seemed very doubtful
whether he could meet the payment now
due.
He had been in business for half a
dozen years, and met with moderate
SUCCESS: Indeed he considered himself
worth ten thousand dollars: But if he
should be unable to meet his engage
ment, and his creditor should levy upon
his stock at the present time, the sac
rifice would be such that little or moth
ing would pr obably be left.
It is not remarkable that under the
circumstances he should feel a little ir-
fitable. His bill of goods must he paid
In three days, and he had only eight
hundred dollars towards the necessary
three thousand, and saw no way to OBJ
tain the balance. He had already APP
piled to several business acquaintance,
but was in each case assured that money
was tight, and as much as they would
like to accommodate him, they were quite
unable. To this he could say nothing.
Money was tight. If it had not been he
would not have been borrower.
While he was rather despondently
considering what he could do, he saw
entering the door of his shop the spare
form and vinegar visage of Miss Vincent,
i maiden lady noted for the very scant
supply ofpersonal attractions with (which
nature had supplied her, and no less for
the disposition to pry into the affairs of
her neighbours; and pick up all the small
bits of floating scandal and give them
the largest amount of publicity in her
power:
Mr.. Fenton was not particularly glad
L.
well that her purchases were generally
very small. and not likely to help HIM
materially towards raising the two thou
sand dollars odd which he needed to
make up his payment. Still she was a
customer probably, and his face assumed
the customary BRIDESMAIDS smile, as he
said, Good morning, Miss Vincent;
what shall show you?"
well, I'm not wanting much. Mr..
Fenton," said the spinster in voice of
high pitch, though I believe I make
most of my purchases of dry goods of
yon."
"Then you must be wonderfully spar.
ing in your wants." thought the shop
keeper, but he only said, II am glad to
hear it. We are ready to sell anything
from q silk dress pattern to a spool of
cotton
"That is just what I came in for" said
Miss Vincent.
%. 1.-The silk dress s., pattern? What shade
mo don't mean that. It's q spool
of cotton I want"
II think I can supply YOU
Miss Vincent after a while found a
spool to suit her, and paid for it, man
aging to be one penny short.
It'll bring the other penny next time,"
she said.
"1t's of no consequence, Miss Vincent, ;:
said the merchant, Knowing that she
would take care never to think of it
again.
20 yes it is. am very particular
about such matters. just remind me
next time am in"
IF I should, ten to one she wouldn't
have the money" thought Mr.. Fenton.
mo. think I'll leave it to you to
remember if you really insist upon it. "
This was what he said, 50 differently IN
many cases are our thoughts from our
words.
GLOW is Mrs. Fenton ?" inquired Miss
Vincent, as she deposited the spool in
the pocket of her dress.
"She is quite we'll, thank YOU"
II am glad to hear it. Health is a
great blessing. I was afraid she might
be in poor health"
I'm poor health! What made YOU
think 500" demanded Mr.. Fenton sur
prised. "Do you think she looks ill ?:
NO." said Miss Vincent. hesitatingly.
II cont think she looks i'll. Quite the
contrary indeed, think I have never
seen her looking better, or more cheer
full"
$50 think. Why, then, should you
fear that she was in poor health? con
TESS I am puzzled to make out your
meaning"
''Mr. Fenton, You must excuse my
explaining myself. I really would
rather not do 3d." and Miss Vincent
lowered her head, and spoke in depre-
cation.
Excuse your explaining yourself!
You don't mean to say there is a mystery
in the NATTER" said Mr.. Fenton, his
voice tinged in the slightest degree by
uneasiness.
"Oh, dear, no, of course not" said
Miss Vincent, appearing confused. "Not
the least mystery. fear I have been
talking very foolishly. What fine day
it isl"
There was something about Miss Vim
cents manner which seemed to indicate
that there was something concealed,
and this conclusion Mr.. Fenton drew.
Miss Vincent, he said, you evident.
~ had some reason for saying what you
did say, whether it was foolish or other
wise. AS my wife's health is matter
of serious Importance to me, must in
sist that you tell me your reason for
speaking Is you did"
Don't think Of i for = moment, NJ.