Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-05-20
a Business lest.

Looking at the matter in all ways,
with one exception it seemed to James
Harvey to be presumption FOR him to
ask Ralph KirIend for his daughter
Annie Kirland was an emlnently
practical and conservative merchant,
vigorous and consistent in his oppo-
sition to he modern rapid, hazardous
manner of conducting business. Har-
ry was his chief book-keeper, young
man Of pleasing address, active and
ambitious, but affected, to some eI-
tent, by the prevailing haste to be
rich. His birth, however, had been
humble; he had, in fact, begun life
as a newsboy; so his suit for the hand
of the staid old merchants daughter
did seem presumptuous. The one eX-
ception mentioned was looking at the
matter from the standpoint Of love,
which knows no presumption. Best
of all, Annie herself did not think it
presumptuous, and would not let
James say so. He had long ago told
her his love, and she had blushingly
confessed her joy and her reciprocal
ton. 1t is needless to tell how it be-
gan, for it is the old, old story. In q
word, though, itsprang from a dinner
her father had given to his clerks, at
which she had presided with Il grace
and charm irresistible to the young
man. Now the only thing between
him and happiness was the fathers
consent.
when will you ask him, james,
she inquired, as they sat in her parIor
considering the subject.
Her manner and look as she asked
him brought to his face look Of de-
termination which instantly called
admiration to her own.
II will ask him now he said de
sively. us he in?'
Yes, he is reading in the library.
Coin to him, and oh. James, how anx-
iously | shall wait
1t was no easy matter to approach
the matter-of-fact merchant, whose
freedom of speaking his mind was
well-known, even upon a question OF
business, but upon this particular
subject he was formidable, sitting by
n table peacefully reading the even
ing paper; his thoughts leagues away
from such an uncommon-place affair
as love.
He looked up annoyed as Harvey
went in, dropping the paper and re-
vealing his strong face and his steady
eyes fixed inquiringly upon him.
The young lover was tempted to
change his errand to one ola business
nature, but thought of Annie's dis
appointment decided him, and he
said, taking the chair indicated by
the old gentleman:
Mr.. Kirland, have come TO ask
you for Annie" "
The steady eyes grew even steadier,
the strong face stronger, and the pre-
else lips were drawn in a moment be-
fore he said:
VERY well, we will have a plain,
free talk over the matter. Put your
self at ease, as if we were discussing
business question. What do you
want my daughter for?'
For my wife.
"Um, your wife. DO you need a
wife?n
Il need her, Mr.. Kirland.
Leave personalities out, Mr.. Har-
vey. We will discuss it as we would
business project ~
"On that basis, then, l think it is a
good business policy for man to
marry when he reaches the proper
age, and have reached it,"
That is, you think you have
reached it. These proper ages for
marrying vary, do they not? That is,
every man when he marries thinks he
has reached the proper age
That may be So
80, then, az a matter of pure bust
ness policy, you think it is wise
move toruarry."
so far as love can be reduced 10
business principles, l answer yes"
is Annie dissatisfied here!
"Oh, no.'
Can you give her better homer
NO, cannot expect that.
why take her away, them"
well, sir, love has business princi-
pies of its own; aud one of them is
for young people to leave the old
home and start for themselves, to be
contented with their lot, and to hope
and work together for the future"
What are your prospects!'
Harvey paused a few thoughtful
moments, then quietly responded:
You probably know that better
than ds, Mr. Kirland."
The old gentleman could not quite
prevent his face showing the express
sion fiattery produces. He studied a
a moment and continued:
And does Annie think this Is a
! ..o,J I,usipass tpnyaf'
"Mr Kirland- Won can hardly eI-