The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-10-10

the ma iority of cases, been made so by
the companionship of good wives. You
will have to turn some ugly duckling
into swan some day"
''Never! Momsey; I'd rather be a
spinster all my days than take some
callow youth to raise" was the ener-
getic response.
So Jean sent the editor sample copy
Of her wares" which he deemed
worthy of publication. Some CORE
spondence, ostensibly on business, en-
sued and along toward Christmas time
he secured her work on another paper,
which proved good practice if not very
remunerative.
One snowy night mother and daughter
were settled in their CHEEKY little par
lor for quiet evening of pen-scratching
and reading The dOor-bell announced a
caller. Jean, on opening the fiat door,
saw man covered with snow, carrying
a bundle of books. Following out her
first thought that it must be belated
book-agent, she was about to refuse him
admittance when more comprehensive
glance revealed Mr.. Barrows, who
somewhat nervously said: Good even
ing, Miss Elford; l have brought you
some books which need reviewing. How
are you at that kind of work?"
Overcoming her surprise, she asked
him in, said something about his kind
ness in coming such bad night, and,
before they quite realized it, he was
presented to her mother and drying off
before the open fire. Arrangements
were made about the book reviewing,
followed by q few moments of general
conversation, after which he took leave
as suddenly as he had appeared, re-
marking that he was on his way to a
bachelor dinner given monthly by a
dozen friends Of that order of nissan
thropists.
Your new friend seems to partako
somewhat Of the nature of a whirlwind,
jean" said Mrs. Elford after tho door
closed upon the departing surprise.
Eyes, mother; but what is more
astonishing verify believe he is an
old bachelor after what nc said about
the dinner. 1t is fortunate l did not
know that when l went to sec him, for
tho halo of supposititious wife and
family around him softened my horror
of asking favor of strange man."
Between the time Of tho first call and
the summer Mr., Barrows found consid-
erable business attracting him to a
certain quiet uptown fiat. Occasionally
the ladies found themselves at the
theater or opera, followed by dainty
supper with the acquaintance whose
entrance into their lives had been as
abrupt in every particular as the con-
spicuous characteristic of man.
During the winter Mr.. Barrows talked
of going abroad in June. Whenever
the subject was mentioned Jean eX-
perienced an unaccountable emotion of
anticipated regret, for, notwithstand-
ing the disparity in years, they seemed
to be wond erfully congenial.
One fine May day our young literary
lady" as her mother dubbed her, was
standing rapturously gazing into the
windows of florist on Broadway where
"Jacque" roses and violets were piled in
masses of fragrant beauty. A voice
over her shoulder asked: (Which will
you take?" She turned and saw Ed
ward Barrows looking down at her
through glasses which failed to hide the
glow OF admiration in his keen, gray
eyes of omething-she supposed tho
flowers, as she knew his passion for
natures beauty spots.
He insisted upon getting her hand
full of roses, and then walked on down
the street enjoying the blue sky, salt
breeze, and the bright faces of the null
titude en- promenade in their new spring
clothes.
Jean asked her companion how soon
he expected to sail.
lie replied: II am not sure enough
yet to engage my passage"
Then in his abridged fashion, sug-
gestive of the blue pencil, he almost
ierlIed out: Miss Jean, l wish to en-
large my staff"
"Do you?' she innocently asked,
thinking perhaps place would be made
for her.
YES" he replied, you came to me
lastfal for a position, but | had nothing
TO give You. Since then have begun a
new column called Love and Matri-
monial Affairs Will you edit this now
venturc?"
He enjoyed her puzzled look for a
moment then continued in u low. earn
est tone: "rhis is no place to tell you,
Jean, that when you struck out from
the shoulder that day in my Office you
broke down the door of my heart which
had been bolted for years; hut have 30
do things when tho spirit moves in
order to succeed, and success | 81uSt
have or give over the greatest happi-
ness of my life. What do you say,
Jean?"
She had not known herself before,
but the last few moments had taught
her much. She looked at him with q
smile and replied: Il thought editors
only employed old and experienced
hands for regular employment"
"That means that you will under
take the work, dearest?' he asked in a
whisper, as they mounted the stairs TO
the elevated road.
''Ill consider and send you telegram
or postal as to my conclusion; or, per-
haps you will como out tonight for a
verbal reply" she flashed back as she
stepped aboard the train.
Well, Mr.. Barrows' trip abroad was
deferred until October, when his new