The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-08-09
MRS. FENTONS MYSTERY.

- ANAN l. S4N ~ III u ~ l. A<4s l. Q
David Fenton stood behind his counter
plunged in thought. From the lines upon
his face it seemed that his reflections were
not OF pleasant nature. This was really
the case. The fact was business had been
very dull for some time past, and in conse-
quence OF an Oversupply probably dry
goods had fallen. 1t unfortunately hap
pened that Mr.. Fenton had laid in large
supply, bought on ninety dayG, anticipat-
ing a brisk demand and remunerative
prices. But all his calculations were put
out by the prevailing dizziness and the de-
probation, so that he would not only meet
with a loss, but it seemed very doubtful
whether he could meet the payment now
due.
He had been in business for half dozen
years and met with moderate success. In
deed he considered himself worth ten
thousand dollars. But if he should be IN
able to meet his engagement, and his cred
itor should levy upon his stock at the pres
ent time, the sacrifice would be such that
little or nothing would probably be left.
Ii is not remarkable that under the cir
cumstances be should feel q little irri-
table. His bill of goods must be paid for
I in three days, but he had only eight hun
dred dollars toward the necessary thres
thousand, and saw no way to obtain the
balance. He had already applied to sew
eral business acquaintance, but was in
each case assured that money was tight,
and that much as they would like to &C
commodate him they were quite unable.
To this he could say nothing. Money was
tight. He knew that very well. If it had
l. i H.
rover.
While he was rather despondently con-
sidering what he could do he saw entering
the door of his shop the spare form and
vinegar visage OF Miss Vincent, a maiden
lady, noted for the very scant supply of
personal attractions with which natSre
had supplied her, and no less for the dis
position to pry into the affairs of her neigh
bors, and pick up all the small bits of
floating scandal and give them the largest
amount of publicity in her power.
Mr. Fenton was not particularly glad to
see Miss Vincent, for he knew very well
that her purchases were generally very
small, and not likely to help him material
II toward raising the two thousand dol
lars odd which he needed to make up his
payment Still she was a customer prob
ably, and his face from habit assumed the
customary bridesmaids smile as he said:
Good morning, Miss Vincent; what can
show your"
well, Pm not wanting much, Mr. Fen
ton" said the spinster in a voice of high
pitch, though believe l make most Of
my purchases of dry goods of YOU"
"Then You must he wonderfully sparing
in your wants." thought the shopkeeper:
but he only said: Il am glad to hear it. We
are ready to sell anything from a silk dress
pattern to a spool of cotton"
"That is just what L came in for" said
Kiss Vincent.
1.-THE silk dress pattern' What shade
will you look at?'
"No, l don't mean that It's a spool Of
cotton / want"
81 think can supply you"
Miss Vincent after while found a spool
of cotton to suit her, and paid for it, man
aging to be one penny short.
''I'll bring in the other penny next time, !"
she said.
IT'S of no consequence. Miss Vincent"
said the merchant, knowing that she
would take care never to think of it again.
con, yes it is. l am very particular
about such matters. Just remind me next
time | am in"
II L should, ten 10 one she WOuluu I
have the money!" thought Mr.. FentOn.
mo; think I'll leave it to you to 70
member it if you really insist upon it. F"
This was what he said, so differently in
many cases are our thoughts from our
words.
How is Mrs. Fenton?" inquired Miss
Vincent as she deposited the spool in the
pocket of her dress.
= ,.,;+a nall L H-O,,
Il am glad to hear it, Health is a great
blessing. l was afraid she might be in
poor health"
In poor health? What should make
YOU think SOL" demanded Mr.. Fenton, sur
prised. do you think she looks ill?'
mo" said Miss Vincent hestatingly.
"Idont think she looks i'll Quite the con
trary; indeed l think I have never seen
her looking better or more cheerful"
80 think. Why then should you fear
that she was in poor health? / confess
am puzzled TO make ont your meaning"
MIR. Fenton, You must excuse my ex-
planning myself. l really would rather not
do so, " and Miss Vincent lowered her head
and spoke in depreciation.
Excuse your explaining YOURSELF You
don't mean to say there is a mystery in the
matter" said Mr. Fenton, his voice tinged
In the slightest degree by uneasiness.
"Oh, dear no. of course not" said Miss
Vincent appearing confused. Not the
least mystery. | fear / have been talking
very foolishly. What fine day it is.'
There was something about Miss Vim
cents manner which seemed 10 indicate
that there was something concealed, and
this conclusion Mr.. Fenton drew.
Miss Vincent he said, you evidently
had some reason for saying what you did
say. whether il was foolish OF otherwise
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