Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-01-17

offer
Just like his dear. noble heart" said
Lucia.
Yes, sail Phil, rising, ami pacing to aud
fro in front II the piano, and fixing his ey Is
on the floor: "and all the nobler it seemed on
account Of the sordd, graspiug way in which
took it wasn't satisfied with that, but
wanted more. | hope he'll never have causo
to think unkindly of me for It."
I "MorcE" said Lucia, wondcrnGly, and
somewhat soberly "What more coulI you
want than TO he a prominent merchant"
AS we say in the country, guess" said
Phil, approaching the piano stool and open
ing bis arms.
Lucia guessed.
What 4 deal lie had TO say to her while
still they stood there. He knew it was not
polite to keep a lady standing, but while he
was supporting her so strongly, though ten
DERBY, il did not seem that Lucia would weary
Of the position; nor did she And what lot
Of questions each asked and answered .-Gues-
tons 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 heedless 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 in 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 promptinss of her second thoughts, she
returned, 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
about the room in a waltz, that being the
younger sisters most natural method of ex-
pressing joy. But, somehow, Lucia did not
feel like Waiting. On the contrary, she
kissed her sister several times, hid her own
face great deal, and finally made a great
, effort to be calm as she pointed at Phil and
said with a sprigbtly toss Of her head:
'Papa's partner. Tramlay G. Hayn Is to
be the sim over fha store hare,ftn, ~
Margie's eyes opened in amazement for q
moment; then it was Phils turn to be whirled
about the room-an operation in which he
displayed the astounding awkwardness 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 tinel"
"Margiel" exclaimed Lucia, as the girls
dress rustled up the stair, "Margie, coma
! hacly do
rapid whispering, and Margie reascended,
saying, in very resigned tones:
very WELL"
"lsuspect," said Phil, when Lucia returned,
that you've suggested that am tho proper
person to break the news"
Isn't It betterf' asked Lucia, tinidly
Infinitely"
mamma is not always easy to speak to, on
! some subjects" Lucia suggested.
mo task could be hard to mo tonight
responded Phil
Yet in moment or two, when Mrs Tram
lay was heard approaching. the young mans
looks belied his brave words Lucia pitied
him; she pressed closely to his side, as if to
assist him. but when her mothers footstep
was heard in the ball the girls courage do
serted her, and she fed, and left the young
man to whatever fate might be impending
"Margie tells me you have some great
news" said Mrs. Tramlay to Phil
"Bless Margiel" said Phil to himself; then,
instead Of at once addressing himself to the
duty before him, he gave Mrs Trnmlay as
full report Of the rise, progress and result
Of the Lake and Gulfside operation as if she,
instead Of her husband. were the head of the
iron house
"And you have told Mr.. Tramlay. think
you said" the lady remarked
Eyes; looked him out at the club for tho
purpose"
"He was pleased, of courser'
Greatly, am happy to say"
Mrs Tramlay looked thoughtful. Phil was
| p1zzled by her manner Did she know or
are SO little about business as not to estimate
ct its true value the Importance of the Lake
and Gulfside orderi She was so calm about
| It that Phil himself began to think less than
before of his success He even wondered
whether it would be worth while to tell her
~ the worldly fortune the operation had
brought to him. Probably she was one of
the large class Of women Of whom he had
heard who have no heads for business
did Mr. Tramlay say anything In replyF
asked the lady. after n moment or two Of
thought.
"Why. yes" said Phil, with some hesita-
ion, for be wondered il, after all, it might
not be better that Tramlay himself should
tell the story Of his clerks promotion Mrs.
Tramlay eyed him keenly; then she asked:
ibid he say anything concerning your fut-
ure. and ours also, as related to itf'
YES" said Phil. now satisfied that Tram
lays offer had been premeditated, and not
made In the excitement Of the moment;
land, he continued, with his best smile and
bow, II am happy to assure you that was
simply delighted to agree with him."
my dear sonI" exclaimed Mrs Tramlay
Phtl's establishment reached almost the
stage OF petrifaction, but before he could be-
tray it his prospective n,other-in-law had de-
pressed his head 50 that she might kiss him
on both cheeks
Such prayer Of thanksgiving as Phil's
heart sent up as he returned Mrs. Tramlay's
salutationl Meanwhile. two young women
who had been Aagrantly transgressing one Of
the most imperative rules Of their breeding
flew at each other from the two doors that
opened from the hall into the parlor; at last
Margie had found some one who was both
able and willing to be waltzed madly about
They were even reckless enough to float into
the parlor, right before their mothers eyes
Then Mrs Tramlay. conscious for the first
time that her eyes were wet, few to the So
clusion Of her own room, where, to her great
surprise. she fell into the arms Of her husband.