The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-04-30
BROUGHT TO HIS SENSES.

The day was drawing to aclose, and
in the office of Durant Brothers there
were only two persons, Thomas Dur
ant, the senior member of the firm,
and John Crawford, the confidential
clerk.
The former sat at a table writing;
the latter stood, with elbows on the
window-sash, and his hands support
ing his chin, watching the people pass
to and fro in the street.
"Jack!" dropped from Mr.. Durant's
lips as he laid aside his pen.
eyes, Sir" responded the clerk, IA
miliarly known as "Jack," turninghis
face toward Mr.. Durant.
"Why don't you get married."
"Ah-h'm-how?" was the stam-
mering reply.
"Why don't you get married." Mr..
Durant repeated.
''Really, have not given the mat
ter much consideration"
II am convinced that marriage is
advisable on the part OF any man.
"Mr. Durant was q ffty-year-old
bachelor and Jack ventured:
"Do you intend to renounce single
blessedness?" smiling as he spoke.
q may do so by and BY" Mr. Dur
ant answered in significant tone.
mo one is dependent upon you for
support" 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?o
81 have about $4,000 at my COM
mand"
"Sufficient to begin housekeeping
comfortably. You would prefer a
home to a boarding placer"
II should"
~ have no doubt there is some
young lady whom you incline to re-
gard with especial favor" Mr.. Durant
remarked, interrogatively.
I-don't-know," Jack reioined,
blushing to the roots of his hair.
"lf you entertain such regard for
any lady whom you believe to be tru-
ly womanly and to reciprocate your
kindly feeling, ask her to become your
wife without delay.
s'You will excuse mefor advising you
with reference to so vital matter,
as [ am influenced to do it by my in
terest in your welfare; the interest Of a
friend rather than ofan employer
certainly; and I appreciate your
motive"
Presently Mr.. Durant left the office
and Jack muttered:
81 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 a note, which began,
"My dear Miss Benton" and near it
an envelope addressed, ssMiss Alice
Benton, 276 Washington avenue,
city," .... ..-s
AS the eddressee was a lady whom
he inclined ''to regard with especial
favor" whom he really loved with his
whole heart, the affectionate begin
ming Of the missive so aroused his
curiosity that, regardless ofpropriety.
he read it in it's entirety as follows:
My dear Miss Benton: shall call to-
morrow evening for your answer to the
question which | asked you a short time
ago, and trust it will be such as to confer
upon me the happiness that it alone can af-
:ord me. Yours sincerely,
.sa... ...... THOMAS DURANT.
Having read it,:
"Can it be that she has been receiv-
ing the attentions of that curmudgeon,
old enough to be her father?" he
calculated, trembling like q leaf. "And4
can it be that she has been merely
stimulating a love for me?" he contin-
ued.
He may call upon her tomorrow
evening, but Twill see her before that
time and come to an understanding
with her"
A few minutes later Mr.. Durant re-
entered the Office, saying: s#
II forgot to take with me for post
ing the most important communica-
ton whichI had written, doubtless
owning 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 Of
flee. FL .5.
That evening Alice Benton, very
pretty young lady, was busi1y occu-
pied with q piece ofrnondescript work
Whea Jack, who sat on a stool at her
feet, with one hand in herlap, said: