Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-10-07
BROWNS MARRIAGE.

Concerning Brown, it was said that
he never saw u pretty face without fall
ing in love with it. He certainly was
of susceptible nature, but he had SO
much time on his hands and so much
money which he considered it incum-
bent on him to spend, that he had to do
something. As he had neither wit nor
industry enough to take to trade or
sport, he took to falling in love, and in
his drowsy and easy going way did his
best to do his self-imposed vocation
justice.
One day, after he had carried his fas-
cinating employment on ten years or SO
and wasted fortune on bonbons and
opera boxes, diamonds and lap dogs,
lawn parties and midnight banquets.
according to the social and moral quail
ties of his impartial inamoratas, his
friend Robinson suggested it was about
time he got married. Brown had a
great regard for Robinson for several
reasons. One was that they belonged
to the same club, and perhaps still more
because Robinson owed him money.
Robinson had the tastes of prince and
the income of parasite. Browns
ready good nature and plethoric bank
account represented all of this income
but couple of thousand dollars year.
the rent of house an eccentric old
aunt had left her pet nephew in trust,
for fear he would squander the principal
if it was given to him. Robinson had
reason to bless the foresight of his ven
erable benefactor after he finished his
share of Robinson seniors estate. 1t
provided him, at any rate, with club
dues and pocket money, and chance
and ready wit supplied the rest-that is
to say, they supplied him with Brown,
and for ten years Brown fulfilled the
rest of the contract.
so you think ought to get married,
eh?" said Brown.
"You ought" returned Robinson, de-
cisiyelv; tits too bad. You're fritter-
ing yourself away like raw member,
and I'll swear there are grey hairs in
your mustache. ..
well" said Brown, perhaps you're
right But who is sheP"
Didn't you meet my sister when you
were at Naples last winterP" demanded
Robinson.
"Ohw retorted his friend. "She---"
"She's the best and purest girl alive, "
cried Robinson, with sudden animation,
dealing the table blow with his open
palm.
"Wel, whothe deuce said she wasn't?
asked Brown, calmly. Il was going to
say she wouldn't have mt"
MY dear boy" said Robinson, draw
ing his chair closer. and patting his
knee in friendly confidence. you're
wrong" .t
NO" said Brown incrcdulously.
II tell you yes," insisted Robinson.
'The poor girl adores you. She has
written to me dozen times, and made
! me promise never to give it away to
you. am breaking my word, but
can't help it. Friendship, dear boy
Bobby" said Brown, getting up
"you're a good fellow, Thank you. I'll
think of it."
They went out together. As they
parted at the first corner Robinson
having some special business and Brown
an engagement at the stage door of the
Casino, the former borrowed a spare
fifty from his friend. While Brown was
bowling uptown in hanson Robin
son was in the office of the Commercial
Gable company writing the following
dispatch, which he paid for out of thu
clean, crisp note which had not grown
warm in his hand: a.
Miss Louise Robinson, Hotel Rdgossu
Parts, France: Come home at once
Brown and wedding bells are ready
FRED.
1t was grey morning when Brown
J cat-footed valet pulled his masters boot
off. Invested in his night-robe Brown
dismissed his attendant. His head wa
hot and the bed looked warm. HI
opened the window and looked into tn,
mist. Then he closed it and lighted
cigar from stand on the mantel, wen
to his desk, and from one Of its com
partments produced little account
book in cover of aromatic leather
This book was headed, page for page:
F. Robinson, DR.. +. Robinson, CIR.
The pages under '.F. Robinson, Dr.,
were full Of dates and figures. Thos
under IF. Robinson, Cr., were blank
For half an hour Brown totted VI
column after column of figures, putin!
his cigar calmly and with as impassiv
face as if he had been counting grain
of sand instead of gold.
''Gadr' he said, when he had matle
total. "He's too greedy"
And he closed his book, threw hi
cigar and the balance-sheet, into tn
| rrota rinsad his mouth ont and wen