Griggs courier., 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.
Tho former sat ut table, writing;
the latter stood, with his elbows on a
window-sash and his hands supporting
his chin, watching the people pass to
and iro in the street.
''Jaclz!'' dropped from Mr.. Durant's
lips as he laid aside his pen.
Eyes, 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"
II am convinced that marriage is ad-
visable on the part Of any man."
Mr. Durant was fifty-year-old bach
elor, and Jack ventured:
"Do you intend to renounce single
blessedness?" smiling as he spoke.
~ may do SO by and BY" Mr.. Durant
answered, in significant tone. 'No
one is dependent upon you for sup
port?" he continued.
Il have only myself to support" I" said
Jack.
''Your salary has enabled you to lay
by something each year during the five
years you have been with us?"
II have about two thousand dollars
at my command"
. Sufficient to begin housekeeping
with comfortably. You would prefer q
home to boarding place?"
II should"
II have no doubt there is some young
lady whom you incline to regard with
especial favor?" Mr.. Durant remarked,
interrogatively.
'1-don't-know," Jack reioined,
blushing to the roots of his hair.
IF you entertain such regard for any
lady whom you believe to be truly
womanly and to reciprocate your kind
" feelings, ask her to become your
wife without delay. You will excuse
me for advising you with reference to
30 vital q matter, as am influenced to
do SO by my interest in your welfare,
the interest of friend rather than an
employer"
Certainly. and appreciate your mo
tive"
Presently Mr.. Durant left the Office
and Jack muttered:
II 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, 276 w
avenue. City,"
As the lady addressed was one whom
he inclined ito regard with special f.
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 ita
entirety, as follows:
my DEAR Mss BENTON: I shall call to
morrow evening for your answer to the Ques.
ton which asked you short time ago, and
trust 1t will bo such as to confer upon mo the
happiness that it alone can afford me.
"Yours sincerely, THOMAS DuRAHr.'
Having read it:
''Can 1t be that she has been receiving
the attentions Of that curmudgeon old
enough to be her father?" he eiaculat-
ed, trembling like Leaf. "And can Il
be that she has been merely Stimulating
. love for me?" he continued. ~
''He 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 the Office, saying:
II forgot to take with me for posting
the most important communication