The Opelousas courier., 1892-06-04

.I know it," Harvey replied, "but |
have not come to talk of that, although
nv decision would now be precisely what
it will be then"
He then explained in detail the offer,
and finished by asking the old merchants
opinion. He pulled his under Liz
thoughtfully a few minutes before reply
ing.
1WelI, Mr.. Harvey, / would be sorry
to lose YOU, but I have always made it a
rule not to stand in a young mans way,
and If you think this a good chance,
will willingly let you CO."
sBut do you think it a good opening
for me?"
"Mr. Harvey, you must decide this
question yourself. A man shows his
worth principally by his judgment. THIS
is an important, l may say a critical
question, and your W uninfiuenced de-
| cision will be worth a thousand times
more than one made from advice. Good,
reliable manhood is built upon the de-
cision of such questions"
Again he picked mp his paper aud
again Harvey withdrew, knowing 10
more than before, except that Eirland
would not stand in his way. What should
he do? His inclination was to stay witt
Kirland, because a man who was to be
come a son -in-law, would surely be made
b partner; but on the other hand, did
That show independence Wouldn't the
old merchant think more of him if he
launched out for himself?
If he rejected ths offer, Z rland might
think him too timid to meet the respon-
sibility and therefore too timid to have
the care of his daughter.
The next day came a note from Claw
son informing him that he must decide
by a certain day, which, oddly, was the
next following the night when Mr.. Kir-
land was to render his decision.
That important evening came, and
again Harvey Interrupted the old gentle
mans reading. But he looked up this
time without Impotence, motioned
pleasantly to a chair, and, when the
young man was seated, asked:
"Mr. Harvey, Wen dispose of lesser
business matters first. I, of course, an
interested in your new project, because
if you go, | must get a new bookkeeper;
although" he said, with a slight hesita.
ton; ~ have taken it for granted that
you would accept this fattering Offer,
and / have already engaged a man in
your place."
"You have9" said Harvey in surprise.
eyes, wasn't it rights I didn't sup
pose for a moment you would reject such
a fattering offer. Most young men
would be dazzIed by the compliment and
the prospects of such a position, so I
argued that you couldn't resist them"
"Well, sir" replied Harvey in some
confusion, "you have misjudged me.
The offer was dazzling, but | have de-
eiaed to remain with your old estab-
lished business instead of risking my
future on what looks to me very much
like a visionary scheme"
The old merchant smiled a little, and
without another word reached over and
tapped a listle silver bell. It's ring was
instantly mingled with rapid footsteps
and the rustic of a dress; and Annie
hurried in. Harvey rose, and could not
repress an exclamation of admiration at
her beauty and the eagerness of her face.
"Annie," said the old gentleman,
''Eou have had a question to decide
between me, your father, and this
young gentleman who says he wants you
to be his WIFE"
"Father," she replied, 81 don't love
you any less"
"Ohl / see,' he said with a smile,
'syou choose the young mau. 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 to walk to
her, but she was not long reaching his
side.
"4es, Er. Harvey, you cannot be my
bookkeeper any longer. You and | will
have some partnership matters to arrange
soon. And by the way, if you see any
coincidence between the answer you wera
to give tomorrow and my decision to-
very we'll. 1 doubt very much If
you will find any of the project left to-
Now go back to the parlor,
young folks, and make your own partner
agreements"
do you mean, Mr.. Kirland," said
Harvey hesltatingly, ssthat that fattering
offer was only a test2'
"Well | don't know as | said So, the
old gentleman replied, with a smile that
almost said so, s'but | am fully satisfied
you will take good care of my daughter"
Yankee Blade.