The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1890-11-14

spinster all my days than take some
callow youth TO raise" was the ener-
getic response.
So Jean sent the editor a 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
remuneratiye.
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
bundle Of books Following out her
first thought that 1t must be belated
book-agent, She was about 10 refuse him
admittance when moro comprehensive
glance revealed Mr.. Barrows, who
somewhat nervously said: Good even
ing, Miss Elford; 1 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,
SS-OAO N-AtN A--NG Lcd--Lt1 H. Lt was
presented to her mother and drying off
before the open fire. Arrangements
were made about the book reviewing,
followed by = few moments of general
conversation, after which ne took leave
as suddenly as he had appeared, re-
marking that he was on his way 70 a
bachelor dinner given monthly by a
dozen friends of that order Of nissan
thropists.
Your new friend seems to partal,e
somewhat of the nature of whirlwind,
jean" said Mrs. Elford after the door
closed upon the departing surprise.
YES, mother; but what is more
astonishing verify believe he is an
old bachelor after what he said about
the dinner. 1t is fortunate / did not
know that when 1 went to, see him. for
the halo of supposititiOus- wife and
family around him softened my horror
of asking favor of a strange man"
Between the time of the first call and
the summer Mr.. Bsrrows found consid-
cradle business attracting him TO a
certain quiet uptown fat Occasionally
the ladies found themselves at the
theater or opera, followed by dainty
supper with the acquaintance whose
entrance into thcir lives had been as
abrupt in every particular as the con-
spicuous characteristic of a 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
10 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 q florist on Broadway where
"Jacdue" roses and violeus were piled in
masses of fragrant beauty voice
over her shoulder asked: (which viii
you take?'' She turned and saw Ed
ward Barrows looking down 1t her
through glasses which failed TO hide the
glow OF admiration in his keen, gray
eyes Of sohething-she supposed the
flowers, as she know 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 tho bright faces OF the null
titudo en- promenade IN their new spring
clothes.
Jean asked her companion how soon
he expected to sail.
He replied: II am not sure enough
yet TO engage my passage"
Then in his abridged fashion, sug-
gestive of the blue pencil, he almost
ierlled out: Miss Jean, ! wish 10 en-
large my staff"
"Do your she innocently asked,
thinking perhaps g place would be made
for her.
YES" he replied, you came 10 me
last fall for position, but I had nothing
to give you. Since then have begun .
new column called Love and Matri-
rnoniaI Affairs VIII you edit this new
venture?'
He enjoyed her puzzled look for a
moment then continued in a low, earn
est tone: This is no place to tell you,
Jean, that when you struck out from
tho shoulder that day in my Office you
broke down the door Of my heart which
had been bolted for years; but have 20
do things when the spirit moves in
order TO succeed, and success / must
have or give over the greatest happi-
ness of my life What do you say,
JeanP"
She had not known hcrseH before,
but the last few moments had taught
her much. She looked At him with a
smile and replied: II thought editors
only employed old and experienced
hands for regular employment"
That means that you will under
take the work, dearest?' he asked in n
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 viii come out tonight for q
verbal reply" she flashed back as she
stopped aboard the train.
Well, Mr.. Barrows' trip abroad was
doferred until October, when his new
staff assistant, the editor of the column
on Love and Matrimony, bore him com
pany.-Anna FGrquhar, in Detroit Free
Press