Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-12-03

not go earlier, as [ did not wish to miss
any chance of seeing my unknown beau
ty. All day my spirits were very high
at the thought of really meeting Mr..
Towner, though how an introduction
merely for business purposes was to
be the foundation of friendship did
not know. / was not q bad-looking fell
low, but still not SO. attractive as to
cause anyone to fall in love with me at
first sight still, / was hopeful. Ten the
next morning found us on our way to
No. 3 Hancock Street. A very small
clerk sat behind the desk in the outer
office. We asked if Mr.. Towner was in
and if we could see him. The clerk
went to inquire, and in few minutes
we were ushered into the presence Of
Mr.. Towner, stout, jolly-looking old
gentlemen of about 60. His white hair
stood up straight ali over his head, as
ii it defied brush or comb. His sharp,
black eyes twinkled with fun and
shrewdness. His watch-chain and studs
were very massive, and, and together
with his black broadcloth clothes, gave
him general air of sff1uence and COM
fort. Mr.. Towner rose as we entered
and shook hands cordially with my
agent, who then turned to me and said !:
ALLOW me to introduce my friend Mr.
Smartchild." Mr.. Towner smiled and
said he was happy to meet me. [ felt
rather embarrassed, although neither of
my companions thought I had any OBJ
iect in view except business. 1t was
soon settled about my iron railing, and,
as could think of no excuse for stay
ing longer, was preparing to leave the
room when Mr.. Towner stopped me to
if had not some relations in Machias,
ask Me. replied that I had. He went on
to say that he had known a Frank
Smartchild in his youth who after
wards became quitea prominent lawyer
in Portland, but that for the last ten
years he had not heard of or from him.
He finished by saving: "Your name is
so peculiar that I supposed he was some
relation of yours" I answered: "He is
my uncle and am his namesake.' Mr..
Towner seemed delighted to hear this,
and kept plying me with questions
about my uncle. After I had answered
all Mr.. Towner's questions concerning
my uncle I started again to leave the
Office. When Mr.. Towner saw that I
was really going he said: "This must
not be the end of our acquaintance with
one another. You must come to the
house to see us. Suppose you come
next Sunday to dinner. shall be very
glad to have my family know the
nephew of such good friend as your
uncle was to me-" I accepted the invi-
tation with warmth but calmness. It
really seemed too good to be true.
AS we walked away from Mr.. Town
er's office, my agent congratulated him
sell on being the means of bringing
Mr.. Towner and me together. Little
did he know how had schemed and
planned to become acquainted with the
Towner family. Perhaps sometime /
would tell him my story if all pro-
crossed as well as it now promised.
All day my thoughts were occupied
with my prospective visit. That evening
[ went TO take short walk. I was
buried deep in thought, and as some
one in passing pushed me a little |
came back to the present, and on look
ing to see where had wandered found
myself in Concord Avenue. [ was con-
WINGED my thoughts must have been
much more occupied with my lovely
unknown friend than had supposed if
in walking had strayed
to where she lived. After this occur
renee I did not allow myself to think of
my visit except when I met the sup
posed Miss Towner each morning on
my way downtown.
She seemed to grow more beautiful
each time saw her. Saturday morning
as she passed me handkerchief fell
from her jacket pocket. She did not
notice anything had dropped. ] stooped
and picked up the handkerchief to re-
turn it to it's owner. AS handed it to
her she raised her beautiful eyes and
smiled with inefable sweetness as she
said, "Many thanks" In moment it
was over but how delightful to have
heard her voice-it certainly did Justice
to her face and figure. Sunday was a
lovely autumn day. / started early and
walked slowly toward Concord Avenue
AS [ walked up the steps I saw Mr.
Towner sitting reading at the 'front.'
window, but he did not see me. rang
the bell. A white capped and aproned
maid opened the door; she ushered me
into the broad hall taking my hat and
cane, (having asked my name) drew
back the heavy red portieres and an
nounced Mr.. Smartchild." On hearing
my name Mr.. Towner looked up con-
fusedly from his book. In minute he
seemed to realize who was and stepped
forward. with a pleasant good-day.
After this greeting looked around the
room expecting to see other persons.
but Mr.. Towner and l were
its only occupants. Mr.. Towner
said nothing about the family being alb
sent, and did not feel at liberty to
open the subject, but sat down and re-
commenced talking about my uncle. In
the pauses in the conversation I glanced
at clock I saw standing on the mantel
it said quarter-past 2. Mr.. Towner had
invited me to dinner at 2, but he made
no apology for either being late or for
the nonappearance of the family. Final
~ about haf-past 2 I heard several
persons come up the front steps and
oy,4o,. IoH o,ol