Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1889-01-25
WHAT is THE MATTER?
BY T. C. wALBRmGE.

Miss Anders was a saleswoman in one
of the largest retail houses of a Western
city. She was very attractive and her ad-
mirers We're many. In the employ of the
same firm was Mr.. Walker, a commercial
traveller representing the Wholesale de-
partment He had been acquainted with
the young lady for several years, and felt
something more than a stealthy regard for
her welfare. He had noticed on several
occasions that Mr.. BOleE, partner in the
firm, had been unusually attentive to Miss
AnderS, and as Mr.. BOlen's reputation
was not of puritanical character he de-
termined to be on guard. Miss Anders,
however, fascinated by his soft, crossing
ways, elegant manners, and deferential
tone On all occasions, was not disposed 10
entertain any aspersions on the character
of her admirer, whom she regarded as a
perfect gentleman" He complained of
the want of cOngeniaIity between himself
and his wife. 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 a neighbOring town and call on
several of their lady customers. This she
did While waiting for the train, Mr..
BOlen turned up with his team and buggy,
and OF course, she accepted the agreeable
planned this expedition for her, as 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
interest IN poor, humble saleswOman?"
Because l love you. Excuse me for
allow ne my feelings to get the better of
my judgment IN telling You what l had
not intended to reveal. Are you angry
with me?"
"Mr. BOlen. how can be angry with
you, when my own foolish question drew
the facts from YOU. 1 cannot but have
the deepest gratitude for your continued
and many acts of kindness"
Excuse me, my dear girl. Don't you
think If 1 were a single man you could
find some move suitable word than graft
tude? No, that is unfair. Will not exact
an answer, and for your sake viii try and
change the subject"
On her return she pOndered over the
matter and felt more pity for her aristo-
cratic admirer. Mr.. Walker called on her
but their relations were constrained, and
the same old cordial feelings did not exist.
She mentioned that she was going to
form an excursion party 10 a grove a short
distance from a very pretty little city
some forty miles from her home, Mr.
BOlen having asked her to 90.
She quieted her conscience by promis-
ing that this should be the last time she
would permit his mountaineering, and
before they returned she would tell him
so. Before bidding Mr.. Walker good
night she felt that she loved him, and
would show him she had thrown of the
infatuatiOn begOtten by Mr.. Bolen's willy
ways.
Mr.. Walker went to the place where the
excursion was being held later In the day
Upon going to the hotel he was told Mr..
BOlen had been there, and had gone to
the grove after his wife.
Mr.. Walker took a position from which
ne could see the ladies' entrance without
his being seen by any one coming in.
Mr.. BOlen drove up, and helping Miss
Anders out Of the buggy, escorted her to
the parlor. Then he came to the Office
and registered; remarking he had some
business to attend to that would probably
eccapy his time for an hour, possibly he
might be detained longer, he wished to
have q good room reserved.
Mr.. Walker looked over the register and
read, a Z. BOlen and wife. Trying to
assume a careless air, he inquired Of the
clerk if he was acquainted with Mrs.
Bolen, who replied; i am not; the only
time I ever saw her was in the parlor,
where she now Is
Mr.. Walker went directly to the parlor.
Miss Anders, who appeared surprised and
somewhat embarrassed, met him very
cordially. saving: Il was out riding with
Mr.. Bolen; we were gone so long We have
missed our train, and must remain here
until morning
Annie, my dear girl, viii you allow me
20 ask you several rather pointed ques-
fions. and answer me wthort getting an
grYs'