The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-04-22

.sT know It." Harvey replied, "but
have hot COME to talk OF that, although
my decision would now be precisely what
It will be then"
He then explained in detail the offer,
and finished by asking the old merchant's
opinion. He pulled his under LIZ
thoughtfully few minutes before reply.
ing,
ssWell, Mr.. Harvey, would be sorry
to lose you, but have always made il d
rule not to stand in young mans way,
and II you think this good chance, j
viii willingly let you CO."
But do y ou think it good opening
for mea"
''Mr. Harvey, you must decide this
question yourself. A man shows his
worth principally by his judgment: This
is an important, may say critical
question, and your own uninfiuenced de-
cision will be worth Thousand times
more than one made from advice. Good,
reliable manhood is built upon the de.
cisioh of such questions"
Again he picked up his paper aud
again Harvey withdrew, knowing ro
more than before; except that Eirland
would not stand in his way. What should
he dot His inclination was to stay will
Klrlaud, because a man who was to be
come son-in law. would surely be made
that show independence Wouldn't the
old merchant think more of him if he
,auoched out for himself7
If he rejected the offer, X rland might
;hink him too timid to meet the respon.
sibility aud therefore too timid to have
the care OF his daughter.
The next day came note from Claw
son informing him that lid must decide
by certain day, which, oddly, was the
next following the night when Mr.: Kir-
land was to render his decision.
That important evening cane, and
again Harvey interrupted the old gentle.
mans reading. But he looked up this
time without impatience, motioned
pleasantly to chair, and, when the
young man was seated, asked:
"Mr.- Harvey, we'll dispose OF lesser
business matters first. l, of course, an
interested in your new project, because
If you 60, must get new bookkeepcr;
although" he said, with slight hesita.
ton; 81 have taken it for granted that
you would accept this fattering offer,
aud have already engaged a man In
solr place.
,'You havea'' said Harvey in surprise.
''Yes, wasn't il right7 1 didn't sup.
pose for a moment you wou Id reject such
d fattering offer: Most young men
would be dazzled by the compliment and
the prospects of such position, so |
argued that you couldn't resist then. "
"Well, sir" replied Harvey in some
confusion, ''you have misjudged me.
The offer was dazzling, hut ! aav0 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. -
The old merchant smiled little, aud
without another VOID reached bver and
tapped d little silver bell It's ring was
instantly mingled with rapid footsteps
and the rustic Of dress; and Annic
hurried in. Harvey rose, and could n6i
repress an exclamation of admiration al
her beauty and the eagerness OF her face.
"Aunie," said the old gentleman; ;
''you have nal question to decide
between me, your own father, and this
young gentleman who says he wants you
to be his wife,"
Father" she replied, al don't love
you any less"
"Ohl 1 see," he said with smile,
"you choesc 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 ths
abruptness Of the decision I'd walk I'd
her, but she was not long reaching his
side.
"Yes, l-r. Harvey; you cannot be my
bookkeeper any longer. You and 1 will
have some partnership matters to arrange
soon. And by the way, if you see any
coincidence between the answer you werc
to give tomorrow aud my decision to-
night, very well. / doubt very much II
you will find any of the project left to-
morrow. Now 60 back to the parlor,
young folks, and make your own partner.
ship agreements"
"Do you mean, Mr.. Kirlaud," said
Harvey hesitatingly, "that that flattering
offer was only test2"
"Well don't know as I said so, ;" the
old gentleman replied, with smile that
almost said so, "but am fully satisfied
you will take good care of my daughter"
Yankee Blade.