Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-08-09
The Test OF Character.
BY HoRArIo ALGER, JR.

Uncle Henry" said Julia Denham,
"may | see you in the library mo-
ment this morning."
Certainly, my dear. am at your
command now" and he led the way
into the room.
He handed his niece to an arm chair,
and took a seat opposite her.
Uncle" said Julia. with little be-
coming confusion, IL have received an
offer"
"Whewm excl lined her uncle, THAT
is coming TO the point with VEN
geance."
land wish to consult you as to ac-
cepting it or not"
"A very sensible resolution. May |
know my dear, from whom the offer
has been received?
Edward Fitzroy."
"You haven't known him very
long"
"Not-very," said Julia slowly.
''But you think you know all about
him, | dare say. Are you very much
in love with him?"
Not desperately" answered Julia,
smiling. AT the same time | confess
that | am strongly propossessed in his
favor"
land this prepossession is likely to
become a warm sentiment Wen, my
little niece, as you have requested my
advice, will give it. do not object
to this lover OF yours. Indeed know
nothing az inst him. But then, |
know too lite OF MIN at any rate to be
able TO form Il deliberate opinion OF
his chararter. If | mistake not. this
is also your case. Now. it is my theo-
ry that 40 woman ought to marry UNI
less she il sufficiently well acquainted
with her intended Husband to have a
pretty confident assurance OF leading
a happy lie with him. therefore
counsel you to delay giving your ans
wer for month, and in that time |
will contrive 10 become better ac-
luainted with him"
"Your advice is good" said Julia,
''and | will follow it
Thank you" said her uncle, kindly,
''for the confidence you have reposed
in my judgment. | sincerely hope
that the young man will prove to be
all that we can desire"
Edward Fitzroy was in business in
the neighboring city. He had en-
barked small property Inherited
from his father in Il dry goods estab-
lishment Oh Washington street, and
having good business tact was driv-
ing fourishing trade. His acquaint-
ance with our heroine had commenced
during summer res dence at the viii
lage which she made her home. L.
was not strange that he should have
been attracted by Julia. Her gaiety,
vfvacity, and beauty made her gener-
ally admired, and had anything else
been requisite, the reputation Of being
her uncle's heiress would have pro-
cured her suitors. But it is not neces-
sary TO dwell farther on this point of
our story. We are interested to learn
how Uncle lIenry's plans succeeded.
DE first m de cautious inquiries rel
alive TO the young mans business
standing, all OF which were answered
satisfactorily. But this did not satisfy
him. He wanted to see for himself
Accordingly he purchased suit of
clothes so different from that which he
was accustomed TO wear, that with a
pair OF green goggles superadded, he
felt convinced wouid disguise HIM suf-
ficiently for his purpose. Thus attired
he lounged into the store, and inquired
for some tritling article. He was pur-
posely very slow in being suited. Mean.
while, he watched with some attention
the be ring OF Fitzroy, who was trad
ing with u fashionably-attired lady at
little distance Nothing could be
more polite and obsequious than the
conduct OF the young tradesman. " it'll
unwearied assiduity he took down from
the shelves and displayed large stock
OF merchandise, until the fastidions
taste of the lady was at length suited.
"Ee Is attentive 10 his customers,
thought Uncle Henry. That is n good
sign. But perhaps it may be simply
because she is rich and fashionable.
Here is customer OF different kind.
Let me see how he treats her."
AT this moment a woman very poor
ly dressed, with worn and weary ex-
preston. as If she were better cquaint-
ed with the dark than the bright side
OF life, entered the street door and adj
vaDced 20 the counter. The affable
smile which Fitzroy had worn in his
interview with his last customer disap-
peared. and in its place was seen a SUI
percilious glance.
al would like % look TT some cali
Goes" said the customer
Here are some SAID Fitzroy curt
", pointing TO pile which lay upon
the counter.
He did not stir from his position, but
paZed at the wom n with an air that
seemed TO indicate how utterly indi fer
ent he to her patronage.
.'Will you show me some OF themp"
asked the woman, mildly.