The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-05-15
JACKS PROPOSAL.
His Employers Neat Trick Brings
Him to His Senses.

The day was drawing to close and
in the Office of Durant Brothers there
were only two persons, Thomas
Durant, the senior member of the firm,
and John Crawford, the confidential
clerk.
The former sat at table, writing;
the latter stood, with his elbows on a
window-sash and his hands supporting
his chin, watching the people pass to
and fro in the street
Jack" dropped from Mr.. Durants
lips as he laid aside his pen.
Yes, sir" responded the clerk, IA
miliarly known as Jack" turning his
face toward Mr.. Durant.
why don't you get married."
"Ah-h'm, how?" was the stammer-
ing reply.
''Why don't you get married?" Mr..
Durant repeated.
Really, have not given the matter
much consideration.
IL am convinced that marriage is adj
visable on the part of any man"
Mr.. Durant was tifty-ycar-old bach
elor, and Jack vcntured:
''Do you intend to renounce single
blcssedncss?' smiling as he spoke.
II may do so by and by" Mr. Durant
answered, in significant tone. mo
one is dependent upon you for sup
port?" he continued
Il have only myself to support" said
Jack.
Your salary has enabled you to lay
by something each year during the five
years you have been with us?"
81 have about two Thousand dollars
at my command"
Sufficient to begin housekeeping
with comfortably. You would prefer
home to boarding place.
Il should"
81 have no doubt there is some young
lady whom you incline to regard with
especial favor?" Mr.. Durant remarked,
interrogativcly.
'I-don't-know, Jack rejoined.
blushing to the roots of his hair.
IF you entertain such regard for any
lady whom you believe to be truly
womanly and to rcciprocate your kind
ly feelings, ask her to become your
wife without delay. You will excuse
me for advising you with reference to
so vital u matter, us | am influenced to
do SO by my interest in your welfare,
the interest of friend rather than an
employer"
Certainly, and l appreciate your mo
tive"
Presently Mr.. Durant left the Office
and Jack muttcred:
Il verify believe he does intend to
marry, and the woman whose husband
he becomes will have reason to be
thankful. as he is one of the noblest men
in the world"
Soon after, passing the table at which
Mr.. Durant had been writing, he saw
upon it note, which began: My dear
Miss Benton" and near it an envelope
addressed: Miss Alice Benton, 216 w
avenue, City"
AS the lady addressed was one whom
he inclined Ito regard with special ia
vor," whom he really loved with his
whole heart, the beginning of the mis-
sive so aroused his curiosity that, re-
gardless of propriety, he read it in its
entirety, as follows:
my DEAR MISS BENTON: 1 shall call to-
morrow evening for your answer to the ques
ton which asked you q short time ago, and
trust it will BE- such as to confer upon me the
happiness that it alone can afford me.
'Yours sincerely, THOMAS DURANT."
Having read it:
Can 1t be that she has been receiving
the attentions of that curmuIgcon old
enough to be her fathcr?" he ejaculat-
ed, trembling like leaf And can it
be that she has been merely stimulating
q low. for mc?" he continued.
''llc may call upon her tomorrow
evening, but will see her before that
time and come to an understanding
with her"
A few minutes later Mr.. Durant re-
entered Che office, saying:
81 forgot to take With inc for posting
the most important communication