The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-07
III.

When Mr.. Craven did not 60 down town
in the morning he sometimes took his stick and
walked eastward along the street that made a
right angle with the avenue nearest his house.
He did not like to meet his acquaintance, even
ladies, in business hours, but he found it mus
ing to watch the progress of some buildings not
a great distance away. The contrast between
this district and the region of his own home was
very striking, though he found himself by no
means in the most squalid portion Of his
native city. On the contrary, there was
even a sort of thriftiness. John Craven had
more than once co~mplimented the good landlord,
whomever he might be, of one long row of small
brick houses. The occupants were evidently
people of small means, but most respectable ind
orderly, and at the end of the block was a shop
or two-a druggists, and a gay little place which
held out inducements to womankind, Of thread
and needles, neckties, and even flannel and cali
co prints. Good thing, good thing the rich
ex-merchant would say approvingly, IF only the
women don't waste their time, and travel way
down to Stewards for every spool of cotton"
1t happened that John Craven walked slowly
by one morning, just as the owner Of this place Of
business was opening his shutters. He was a
bright,faced young man of two or three and
twenty, and the elderly gentleman hesitated,
then stopped, and said good morning.
The young man looked around cheerfully.
GOOD day, sir" he answered. Can / do any
thing for you in my lines" And Mr.. Craven
smiled benignantly, without committing himself
to any definite reply. You are on time,
l see," he said presently, tapping the
pavement with his cane as the proprie-
tor fastened the shutter back with a
sufficient snap. There was only one window to the
little store, but its contents were most alluringly
arranged. Yes, sir, times money" answered
the admiring owner of the trifing wares. Il
should be glad to have you step inside and,
with a glance along the street toward the
avenue, Mr.. Craven accepted the invitation. It
was still early in the morning, he had not been
sleeping we'll of late. and his luxurious house
hold was hardly astir. His eldest daughter
had come home, with her family, to
keep the house for him after her
mothers death. Her husband was the least
prosperous of the sons or sons-in-law, and,
to tell the truth, John Craven was not at all fond
of him, and never had been.
There was something delightfully."- cordial and
sincere in the younger merchants hospitality.
At any rate it was stronger than his guests
reasons for not accepting it, and MIR. Craven
bowed gravely and went in at the door. He
took no notice of anything in particular. The
cheap goods did not invite his attention in de.
tail, buthe seated himself on one of the two light
high stools which were provided for the comfort
OF possible customers and asked, looking about
him in an interested way, how long the business
had been established.
only q week or two answered the young
man, and a boyish color spread quickly over lis
face. IL hope there's a good chance here. /
don't see why | shouldn't co well. | seem to
have the good will of the neighborhood. so far.
There are some dress makers leay By who do 0