The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1891-07-16


the attentions of that curmudpeon old
enough to be her father?" he eiaculat-
ed, trembling like leaf. Sand can it
be that she has been merely Stimulating
a love for me?" he continued.
He may call upon her tomorrow
evening, but will see her before that
Tune and come to an understanding
with her."
A few minutes later Mr.. Durant re-
entered the office, saying:
II forgot to take with me for posting
the most important communication
which l had written, doubtless owing
to our interesting discussion. "
"Ah!' was Jacks sole response, as
he kept his back toward Mr.. Durant,
who, having folded the missive to Miss
Benton, placed it in the envelope and
sealed it, again went from the Office.
That evening Alice Benton, very
pretty young. lady, was busily occupied
with piece of nondescript work,
when Jack, who sat on stool at her
feet, said:
"How much do you care for me?''
''Well, that's rather difficult ques-
ton to answer" was the reply.
Enough to marry me?" he nervously
asked.
Possibly, if you desired to have me
do So"
81 have long loved you, and your con-
sent to be my wife will make me the
happiest of men"
''It is yours
They sealed their engagement with a
kiss and then made arrangements for
the marriage in the near future.
The following morning he said to Mr.
Thomas Durant:
Il have acted according to your ad-
vice of yesterday afternoon and shall
be married one month fro m to-day"
''Please accept my congratulations
and best wishes for your happiness
Mr.. Durant returned, grasping his
clerks hand.
''Thank you, returned Jack, looking
down.
81 think it is. advisable for newly
married couple to begin housekeeping
as soon as possible" Mr.. Durant OBJ
served. 81 have. very desirable tene-
ment on Adams street which is vacant
and you may occupy it, free of rent, as
long as you wish"
Jack managed to articulate: 81 thank
you," but the generous offer from one
whose confidence it seemed to him he
had shamefully abused made him feel
decidedly uncomfortable.
Perhaps" he said, after a moment
ary hesitation, ''your kindly regard for
me will cease when you know the name
of my atfianced.''
''It is Alice Benton, is it not?"
"Yes"
81 think it will be an excellent
match"
Jack was surprised at Mr. Durant's
words and presently, with tears of
modification in his eyes and quivering
lips, confessed to having read the note
which Mr.. Durant had written to Miss
Benton, asked forgiveness for the un-
manly act, adding:
''It was contemplate for me to ask
her to become my wife last evening
when knew that you intended to ask
her to marry you this evening"
then he said, placing his hand on Jacks
shoulder: Supposedly, everything is
fair in love and war"
''As you have never known" he con-
tinued, ''Alice is my ward; a sister
could not be dearer to me.
''For long time have been aware
of her intense love for you and believed
that you fully reciprocated it. A thor
ough acquaintance with your charac-
ter assured me that you would made
her desirable husband, and I planned
to have you propose to her sooner than
you were likely to-by reason of your
bashfulness.
''My matrimonial chat Yesterday was
intended to convey to you the lmpres-
sion that proposed becoming a bene-
dict; the note to Alice, which went
from my pocket into the fire, was left
on my table that you might get
glimpse of it, which would lead you to
read it in full and, having read, to
think her the object of my alteration
and forestall me in securing her for a
wife.
'sI slightly feared that you might sus-
pect the part was playing-as man
of my years is not likely to allow such
a missive as the note apparently was
to carelessly remain where his rival
can see it-and you probably would
have done so but for the excited mental
condition in which you were.
"sAll's well that ends well,' how
ever"
ST thank you for bringing me to my
Senses" Jack responded, and he was
prevented from saying anything fur
ther with reference to the matter in
hand by the entrance into the Office of
the junior member of the firm. De
troit Sun.
His First Experience. - Farmer
Squash (mysteriously, to Wagner por-
ter)-''Say, has anybody complained o.
losin' pair of boots this mornin'?'
Porter-"Why-why, no sir" Farmer
Squash-''Wa-al, / left mine, covered
with dust, under my bunk las night, an
to-day Ifound these. all slick an shiny.
~ - 1.