The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1890-01-24

aughing-laughing at him, too Perhaps
he could lead conversation back to the de-
sired tone; but no, for just at that instant
Margie flew into the room, exclaiming, be-
fore she fairly entered:
"Oh, Lu, isn't it awfula just went across
the room for something, and my dress caught
the table cover, and over went an ink stand
on my very, veriest white Why, Phil, /
didn't know you were here"
II wish knew what would take ink stains
from very, veriest white"-
"Oh, SO do |. What shall / do, Luz Do
tell me at once"
perhaps" suggested Phil, with CLEAN of
hope for Margie and several for himself, ''your
laundress can tell"
The very thing" said Margie "What
blessing you arel l wish you were always
here" Then she flew out of the room, but
#. not until she had flung a meaning look at her
sister and another at Phil. Both blushed, and
Phil felt uncomfortable, but as he stole look
at Lucia he mentally blessed Margie, for Lucia
was no longer laughing, and she was looking
unusually pretty; her eyes, slightly down
cast, seemed more heavenly blue than ever.
"The reason have your fathers goodness
on my mind tonight" said Phil, breaking
the silence to abate the awkwardness of the
me his partner in business-his own equal"
"Oh Phil" exclaimed Lucia, her whole face
suddenly aglow and her eyes looking full into
his. I'm SO glad-so glad for you-for him,
mean; for both of you. What 1 meant to
say was Oh, how did it happens"
"Oh, CHANGED to get an order which he
was kind enough to think the greatest stroke
of business that any firm has made this sea-
N ba ,.,o a,I I
was wondering what to say he made me the
offer"
"Just like his dear, noble heart" said
Lucia.
''Yes," said Phil, rising, and pacing to and
fro in front of the piano, and fixing his eyes
OH the floor; Sand all the nobler it seemed on
account of the sordid, grasping way in which
took it. / wasn't satisfied with that, but
wanted more. l hope he'll never have cause
to think unkindly of me for it."
"More?" said Lucia, wonderingly, and
somewhat soberly. "What more could you
want than to be prominent merchant?"
Gas we say in the country, guess" said
Phil, approaching the piano stool and OPEN
ing his arms.
Lucia guessed.
What deal he had to say to her while
still they stood therel He knew it was not
polite to keep lady standing, but while he
was supporting her so strongly, though ten
derby, it did not seem that Lucia would weary
of the position; nor did she. And what lot
of questions each asked and answered! -ques-
tions and answers that would seem as silly
to any one else as they were interesting to
those they concerned. Perhaps there came
occasional moments when neither was speak,
ing, but during these Phil could look down at
the golden tangle just about at the level of
his lips and think how much more precious
it was than all the gold that railroad iron
could be changed into by the alchemy of en-
deavor.
How long they might have stood there, If
undisturbed, they never knew, for they were
so needless of all that might be going on
about them that they did not note the en-
trance of Margie, who was returning from
an interview with the laundress i'm the base
ment. That young lady was quick to discern
the situation, and was about to depart
quietly and with celebrity; but, acting upon
the promptings Of her second thoughts, she
threw her arms around the couple
and exclaimed:
"Oh, isn't this splendid"
There was rapid separation of the trio,
and then Margie attempted to whirl Lucia
younger sisters most natural method of ex-
pressing joy. But, somehow, Lucia did not
feel like waltzing. On the contrary, she
kissed her sister several times, hid her own
face great deal, and finally made a great
effort to he calm as she pointed at Phil and
said with sprightly toss of her head:
"Papa's partner. Tramlay 81 Hayn is to
be the sign over the store hereafter"
Moroiaic ayas opanad in o,,o 1ap,o,,t fn, N
then it was Phils turn to be whirled
about the room--an operation in which he |
the astounding awlwardness pc
culiar to young men who cannot dance Sud
denly she paused, and said:
mamma must know at once. The idea of |
there being some one Within reach to tell it |
to, and wasting all this time"
"Margie!" exclaimed Lucia, as the girls |
dress rustled up the stair, "Margie, COME |
bach moment, do" Then there was some |
rapid whispering, and Margie reascended,
saying, in very resigned tones:
Every WELL"
"Isuspect, said Phil when Lucia returned, |
that you've suggested that am the proper
person to break the news"
Isn't it betterp asked Lucia, timidly.
Infinitely"
Mamma is not always easy to speak to, Oh |
some subjects" Lucia suggested.
mo task could be hard to me tonight"
Phil
Yet in moment or two when Mrs. Tram.
ay was heard approaching, the young mans
ooks belied his brave words. Lucia pitied
nim; she pressed closely to his side, as If to
assist him, but when her mothers footstep
was heard in the hall the girls courage de-
'erted her, and she fled, and left the young
nan to whatever fate might DO impending.
"Margie tells me you have some great
news" said Mrs. Tramlay to Phil.
''Bess Margie!" said Phil to himself; then,
instead of at once addressing himself to the
luty before him, he gave Mrs. Tramlay as
ull report of the rise, progress and result
If the Lake and Outside operation as If she,
instead of her husband, were the head of the
ron house.
"And you have told Mr.. Tramlay, think
'ou said" ths lady remarked.
Eyes; looked him out at the club for the
"He was pleased, of courser
"Greatly, am happy to say"
Mrs. Tramlay looked thoughtful. Phil was
,uzzled by her manner Did she know or
are so little about business as not to estimate
It its true value the Importance of the Lake
,,,d CuIfcida order9 Sha uoc q, IN In, ol,ot,t |