The herald., 1893-10-17
BRIXTON'S CHOICE.

BRIXTON'S CHOICE.
There are many varieties Of matri-
monial proposals besides those which
appear in novels, and one of them made
lot of trouble year or two ago for
John Brixton. Brixton was one of the
intelligent fellows who also are adaptive,
80 he had acquired a lot of acquaintance
who were the envy of every one that
knew him. Although he was only a
salesman on salary-quite good salary,
+ 1t must be said-for large firm of iron
manufacturers, he was frequently ac-
costed familiarly by bank presidents and
other business magnates and could slap
any of these gentlemen on the shoulder
without giving offense.
AS he was bachelor and old enough
to have outgrown the habit of lounging
through successive evenings in houses
where there were pretty daughters, he
was available for dinner parties given
by men who knew no better way of
spending an evening. Everybody among
his acquaintances wished him well and
wished they could do something for him.
but they respected him all the more be-
cause be never tried to borrow money
nor asked for any other favors. Solid
business man told one another that Brix-
ton wonld be one Of them some day. He
merely needed the chance which comes
to every deserving man in the course of
time. and each of them hoped it might
be his own fortune to throw the chance
in Brixton's way.
1t seemed one day to old Builder, presi-
dent of the Forty y-seventh National bank
md hearty admirer of Brixton, that he
was just the ,nsn to throw fortune in
Erjxton's way. The plan came to Bud
ders mind suddenly, but sudden inspira-
tions and quick action thereon are part
of the daily life Of the most stolid presi-
dents of big 6anks.s Brixten had prom
ised to lunch with the bank magnate at
midday, and he appeared at the bank just
in time to see heold man bowling out a
lady with more courtesy and ceremony
than he imagined Builder capable of.
AS the old man caught sight of Brix-
ton he exclaimed:
"One moment. Miss Fewse. Allow me
to introduce my very dear and Old friend
Mr.. John Brixton. MIR. Brixton, NJ
Fewse. daughter of old Ben Fewse, W hou
every one has heard of :"
Brixton bowed and looked curious
at the lady. He had seen her father o
casionally before increasing years J
doctors had sent Mr. Fewes to his fin
home. and his eyes searched the dausA
ter's face for indications of her father
distinguishing traits. He found them
too, although the interview was short.
Miss Fewes was richly and simplj
dressed. Fer figure, like her fathers
was dumpy, and her face, though not
rude, was as bread and heavy and hei
forehead was as low as that of old Ben
himself. Still. her manner was WON
anly. and as she finally took her depar
ture Brixton. who had a dear old mother
as well as a sister whom he regarded as
the best young woman alive, sorrowed
to himself that a man as rich as old Ben
Fewes could not have married some one
whose blood could have atoned for the
rudeness of his own.
well, John, said the president. after
handing Miss Fewse into her carriage.
''you owe me one. Any oneof a thousand
good fellows in New York would give
10 years Of hts life for such an introduc-
ton to Miss Fcwse US gave yon just
now, Go right ahead now and make
use Of It,
"You'fe always doing the friendly
thing, Budder, re lrked Brixton, sink
ing into .Ii easy chair, hut don't quite
understand it this titne."
Don't, eh:7 SAID the president, hastily
relishting a cigar which he bad laid on
lis desk when Miss Eewse was an
.ounoe3
"Weli puff Miss Fewse is JOINT heir
with (pui1) her brother-her only brother,
mind you. Old Ben $ estate is estimated
10y his executors at $4,000. 900. | don't
xnow how cIOss that comes to the truth
Il don't take much stock in what can't
rec Wlth my own eyes-but this much
10 know
Then the president cialped two pudgy
hands upon BrlGtons knees, looked
sau9rely into Brxtons eyes aud said in
a low, measured monotone:
"dqan Btaoen, | know Of my own
nowled tai.. laf 'ewse has over one
mislio-- oli&rs "a good railroad bonds !
right T. iA3 safe mere Nough said. eh."
Enough lnoueg. I should say for an
wcalen who doesn't look as
4 her TASTES were expensive. But what
aase | to do with it2 You said'-
4. ,eJ1s 4 II 4
Why. you donkey, make it your own.
larry the girl She isn't beauty, l
nust admit, bnt she's respectable and
onest. and she'd accept you in a min
te."
Upon my word. Budder,r laughed
'rixton. you've been in business SO long
nat even women seem property to you.
iiss Fewse never saw me until five min
ties aso." ]