Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-05-20
NEW VOL. 27--NO. 30.

would follow that old adage there
would be no advancement; in fact,
the world would stand still.
Thinking thematter over carefully,
he finally decided that his best course
was to candidly tell Mr.. Kirland OF
the proposal and get his advice. So
once more he walked into the library
and again was almost turned from
his purpose by the appearance OF the
stern. interrogative face over the
newspaper.
The two weeks are not up yet,
began the old gentleman, with a sign
of impatience.
Il know il, Harvey replied, Tut l
have not come 10 talk OF that. al
through my decision would now be
precisely what it will be then
He then explained in detail the Of
fer. and finished by asking the old
merchants opinion. He pulled his
under lip thoughttully a few minutes
before replying:
We'll, Mr.. Harvey, | would be
sorry to lose you, but l have always
made il a rule not 10 stand in a young
mans way, and il you think this n
good chance, will willingly let you
go"
But do you think it a good open
ing for me?'
Mr.. Harvey, you must decide this
question yourself 4 man shows his
worth principally by his judgment.
This is an important, may SAY a
critical question, and your own unin-
fluenced decision will be worth n
thousand times more than one made
from advice. Good, reliable man
hood is built upon the decision OF
such questions.
Again he picked up his paper and
again Harvey withdrew, knowing no
more than before, except that kir-
land would not stand in his way.
What should he do2 His inclination
was to stay with kirland, because IA
man who was to become a Sonin-law
would surely be made partner; but
on the other hand, did that show in
dependence Wouldn't the old mer-
chant think more OF him II he
launched out for himself? ?
If he rejected the offer, Kirland
might think him too timid to meet
the responsibility and therefore too
timid TO have the care OF his daughter.
The next day came a note from
Clawson informing him that he must
decide by certain day, which, oddly,
was the next following the night
when Mr.. Kirland was 70 render bis
decision.
That important evening came, and
again Harvey interrupted the old
gentleman's reading But he looked
up this time without impatience, mo-
toned pleasantly TO Il chair, and,
when the young man was seated,
asked:
"Mr. Harvey, well dispose otlesser
business matters first. /, Of course,
am interested in your new project,
because, if you go, must get new
book keeper; although he said,
with a slight hesitation, II have
taken it for granted that you would
accept this flattering offer, and
have already engaged n man in your
place
you haysy said Harvey in sur
prise.
"Yes, wasn't it right2 | didn't sup
pose for moment you would reject
such a fattering offer. Most young
men would bo dazzed by the compli-
ment and the prospects OF such po-
sition, 80 | argued that you couldn't
resist them
"Well, cir, replied Harvey in some
confusion, you have misjudged me.
The offer was dazzling, but / have de
cided to remain with your old estab
lished business instead Of risking my
future on what looks to me very much
like a visionary scheme" D."
The old merchant smiled little,
and without another word reached
over and tapped little silver bell.
Its ring was instantly mingled with
rapid footsteps and the rustic OF a
dress; and Annie hurried in. Harvey
rose, and could not repress an eHcla
nation OF admiration at her beauty
and the eagerness Of her face.
"Aunie,n said the old gentleman,
you have had a question TO decide
between me, your own father, and
this young gentleman who says he
wants you TO be his wife.
Father" she replied, II don't love
you any less
Ou. SEE, ut fdiu WIN u blniic'
you choose the young man. Very
well, it's the way Of the world. Take
her, Mr. Harvey, she is yours. ="
The young man was too stunned by
the abruptness Of the decision 10 walk
to her, but she was not long reaching
his eide
Yes, Mr.. Harvey, you cannot be
my bookkeeper any longer. You and
| will have some partnership matters
70 arrange soon. And by the way, IL
you see any coincidence between the
answer you were to give tomorrow
and my decision tonight, very well
/ doubt very much il you will find
any OF the project left tomorrow
Now go back TO the parlor, young
folks, and make your own partner
shin at,reamauts