The true northerner., 1889-03-13

probabilities are that he is goody -goody
divinity student, and you know Harry is
something of Robert Elsmere aud has
peculiar views on religion"
But, my dear, YOU are taking il for
granted that the advertiser is a divinity
student. In all probability he is very
different sort OF person. He states he has
the best OF references. Suppose you
write him note and request him to call?"
In few days after the insertion OF the
adverti ement MIR. James Barclay called
at the newspaper Office and received but
two replies. One of them read as follows:
IF the good young man will apply ut
the penitentiary, he may find field for his
edifying conduct, as the present Chaplain
Is oil on a vacation.
Guess that won't sink, 4" said Mr.. James
Barclay, with grim smile. 1T looks
like put-up job; there is a strong re-
semblance IN some of these strokes to
Tom Temples handwriting; but let us
see what we've got here"
The other answer was n dainty missive
in feminine hand, requesting the adver-
tiser TO call at certain residence on
Michigan avenue. II was exceedingly
brief, though courteous.
Turning 10 the clerk with some degree
of anxiety, he demanded TO know if there
were no other replies, and left with an in
credulous look that would make any one
but an advertising clerk feel uncomforta-
BILE.
On this little missiye, therefore, hung
the truth of theory and an expensive
supper. But Mr.. Barclay was a man of
resolve, and after a careful toilet was soon
at the residence on Michigan avenue.
"Jingo, this is sumptuousl" he ejacula-
ted as his wandering eye took in the ele-
CANT surroundings. IF get accommoda-
tIons here, I'll be inclined TO think the
best home I've yet seen is q humbug TO
this place.
His reveries were cut short by the ap-
pearance of two ladies, who smiled when
their unexpected visitor explained the OBJ
ject of his call.
The younger, Miss Susan Bedford, was
lady of convictions. She had conceived
the idea that the writer of such an adj
vertisement must surely be divinity stu
dent, and thus she regarded him.
MIR. Barclay" she said, reading his
card, and then proceeding straightway to
openthe campaign. My mother and |,
the other evening, were discussing the ad-
visibility of having some company in the
house for the benefit of my brother, who
met with a severe accident some time ago,
and has been confined TO the house. We
saw your advertisement, and were prompt
ed to answer it, but must forewarn you
that my brother has led avery active COM
mercial life, has peculiar views on relig-
ion, and dislikes to discuss theological
subjects.
Shade of Henry Ward Beecher! 1
wouldn't be surprised if she took me for q
local preacher" thought Mr.. Barclay,
"but if the interesting invalid who Is to
be improved by my edifying conduct Is a
practical business man Ill soon undeceive
them.
Madam" he replied, while dimpled
smile ran over his rosy, joyial face, saw
ing hard sinners is not my line, though
I'm in the hardware trade. I'm COM
mercial traveller, and as they say in our
circles, pretty we'll posted on current
events.
He gave a hearty laugh-such one as
had not been heard in that house for many
q day.
Here a voice from over the banisters,
much 10 the surprise of the ladies, called
out
I'll bet cool thousand that's Jim Bar
clays laugh. Come up, you burned old
son OF gun; I'm glad to see you!"
WHY, is that you, Harry Bedford?"
cried the astonished Jim. well, de-
clare. Thought you had sold out OF your
fathers business and gone TO Europe!
Well, / am delighted to see You. I've
got whole budget of stories TO tell you.
You'll die laughing to hear how Pete
Welsh got mashed on widow in Duluth
but excuse me, ladies, for being so rude.
l must beg of you to pardon me if l join
my old friend.
Il don't think, my dear, there is much
of the divinity student about that gentle
man, said the mother.
NO, don't think he mortifes the flesh,
but he Will be just the person to put lit
tie life and animation into Harry. And
hope" she added, that he may be our
guest.
Mr.. James Barclay was duly assimilated
into the bosom of the Bedford fam ly,
proved his theory, won his supper, found
good home, cho~red up the spirits of the
young merchant led the young lady in
due course of time to the altar, and was
eventually admitted as partner into his
brother-in-law avs flourishing business.
He says that if there was any way by
advertising to take chance at making the
hereafter secure, he would be the first to
try it.