West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1889-01-03
WHAT is THE NATTER?
ny F. q. wALpRIDGE.

Miss Anders was q saleswoman in one
ef the largest retail honses Of a Western
city. She was very attractive and her ad-
mirers were mnny. In tho employ of the
same iifm Was Mr.. Walker. G commercial
traveller representing the Wholesale de-
partment. To bad been acquainted with
the young lady fos several years, and felt
something, mo1s that q ~ caltns 10y 40. T;5s-
her welfare. JIo hasi noticed on sovos.ll
occasions that Mr.. Bolon, : partner in the
tirm, bad boon unusually attentive TO Miss
Anders, and ms Mr. BoIens reputation
was not OF puritanicai character no do
termined to be on guard. Miss Andcrg
howevor, fascinated by his Goft. caressino
ways, elegant manners, and deferentiai
tone on oil occasions, was not disposed 10
entertain any aspersions on tho character
OF her ndinirer, whom she regarded as n
perfect gentleman. He complained of
the want Of congeninlity between himself
and bis wifo and by soft insinuations she
was gradually ledto pity him.
God help the woman who shows pity
for any man who is disloyal to his wife
in thought, word, or deed.
One day the firm requested her to take
trip to n neighhoring town and call on
several of their lady customers This she
did. While waiting for tho train, Mr..
Bolen turned up with his team and buggy.
and, of course, she accepted the agreeable
ii0c AOAubs no COuAGhhGu InnI no had
planned this expedition for her, rs he
thought she looked pale, and a trip TO
towns in the vicinity would put more
color into her fair face After thanking
him, she asked:
Why, Mr. Bolen, do you take such an
intorcst in poor, humble saleswoman2"
Because ] love you. Excuse inc for
allowing my feelings 20 got the better Of
my Judgment IN telling you what had
not intended to reveal. Are You angry
with me7"
Mr.. Bolon. how can be angry with
YOU, when my own foolish question drew
the facts from you. I cannot but beyo
the deepest gratitude for your continued
and many acts OF kindness"
Excuse me, my dear girl. Don't you
think II ] were a single man you could
find some more suitable word than graft
tudor No, that Is unfair. will not exact
an answer, and for your sake will try and
change the subject.
On her return she pondere1 over tho
matter and felt more pity for her aristo-
cratic admiror. Mr.. Walker called on her,
but their relations were constrained and
the Same old cordial FEELINGS did not exist.
She mentionel that she was going to
form m excursion party 10 n grove n short
distance from very pretty little city
somo forty miles from her home, Mr..
bOl0u haNlnn asked nof 70 20.
She quieted her conscience By promis-
ing that this should be tho last time sho
would permit his acquaintanceship. and
before they returned she would tell him
so. Before bidding Mr. Walker good
night she felt that sho loved him md
would show him she had thrown of the
infatuation begotten by Mr. Bolen's willy
ways.
Mr. Walker went 10 the place whore tho
excursion was being held later In tho day.
Upon going 10 the hotel he was told Mr..
holen had been there, and had gone o.
the grove after bis wife.
Mr.. Walker took n position from which
he could see the ladies' entrance without
his being seen BY any one coming in.
Mr Boien drove mp, and helping Miss
Andors ont Of the buggy, escorted her 70
the pnrlor Then he came 70 the oflco
and registered. remarkinQ no had somo
business To attend 20 that would probably
occupy his time for on hour, possibly no
might De detained longer. ho wished 10
have rood room reserved.
Mr. Wolbor looked over tho register and
read. a u Bolen and wife Trying 90
assume careless air, he inquired Of tho
clerk Y he was acquainted with Mrs
Bolon. who replied. an not. the only
time ] ever saw hor was in the paflor.
where she now 81.
Mr Walkef went directly 10 tho parior
Miss Andsrs, who appeared surprised and
somewhat embarrassed. met him very
cordially saying: "I was oct riding with
Mr. Bolen; we we're gone so long We hayo
missed our train, and must remain here
until morning
Annie. my dear girl, win yoa allow roe
10 ask you several rather pointed Quos-
iions. ond answer me without goting on.
pyi'