The Delta independent., 1889-08-06
The Test Of Character.
BY HoRATIo ALGER, JR.

Uncle Henry" said Julia Denham,
''may see you in the library a mo-
ment this morning?"
''Certainly, my dear. I 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, 81 have received an
otfcr"
''Whew!" exclaimed her uncle, "that
is coming to the point with ven
gcance."
'"And l wish to consult you as to ac-
cepting it or not"
"A very sensible resolution. May 1
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 himp"
mot desperately" answered Julia,
smiling. '.At the same time confess
that am strongly prepossessed in his
favor"
''And this prepossession is likely to
become warm sentiment Well, my
little niece, as you have requested my
advice, will give it. do not object
to this lover of yours. Indeed know
nothing against him. But then, l
know too little of him at any rate to be
able to form u deliberate opinion of
his character. II mistake not, this
is also your case. Now, it is my theo-
ry that no woman ought to marry un-
less she is sufficiently we'll acquainted
with her intended husband to have
pretty confident assurance of leading
IL happy life with him. l therefore
counsel you to delay giving your ans
wer for month, and in that time l
will contrive to become better ac-
quainted 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
al that we can DESIRE"
Edward Fitzroy was. in business In
ahe neighboring city. He had en-
parked a small property Inherited
from his father in a dry goods estab-
lishment on Washington street, and
having IL good business tact, was driv-
ing a fiourishing trade. His acquaint-
ance with our heroine had commenced
during summer residence at the vii
lage which she made her home. 1t
was not strange that he should have
been attracted by Julia. Her gaiety,
vivacity, 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 Henry's plans succeeded.
He first made cautious inquiries rel
atlve 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 would disguise him suf-
ficiently for his purpose. Thus attired
he lounged into the store, and inquired
for some trifling article. He was pur-
posely very slow in being suited. Mean
while, he watched with some attention
the bearing of Fitzroy, who was trad
ing with a fashionably-attired lady at
little distance. Nothing could be
more polite and obsequious than the
conduct of the young tradesman. With
unwearied Issiduity he took down from
the shelve and displayed a large stock
of merchandise, until the fastidious
taste of the lady was at length suited.
''He is attentive to his customers"
thought Uncle Henry. "That is good
sign. But perhaps it may be simply
because she is rich and fashionable.
Here is customer OF n different kind.
Let me see how he treats her."
At this moment Il woman very poor
ly dressed, with worn and weary ex-
preston, as If she were better acquaint-
ed with the dark than the bright sida
OF life, entered the street door and ad-
vanced to the counter. The affablc
smile which Fitzroy had worn in his
interview with his last customer disap-
peared, and in its place was seen a SUI
percilious glance.
~ would like to look at some cali
Goes" said the customer.
Here are some.n said Fitzroy curt
ly, pointing to pile which lay upon
the counter.
He did not stir from his position, but
gazed at the WON IN with an air that
seemed to Indicate how utterly indiffer-
ent he was to her patronage.
.'Will you show me some OF them?"
asked the woman, mildly.
There they arc maam; you can see
them for yourself"
What is the price Of this?" she in
quired, looking at the one W which lay at
the top.
''Ninepcnce Il yard"
II don't altogether like the figure, !"
she said. after u pause.
Don't you?' returned Fitzroy, In
differently.
The customer began TO examine some
OF the other prints or course. in do
ing 80, she was obliged TO disarrango
them somewhat
'Don't pull them all TO pieces" said
Fitzroy, iudely. There isn't much
difference in them. You'd better take