The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-01-12


No fear of such an offer being refused. Offers
like that are not to be had every day. 1t will
be accepted"
"Do you really think so Miss Gale? / am
glad that is your opinion. Now, what wanted
to consult you about, is the form of the offer.
would like to put overwhelmingly, you
know, so that it would not be refused, nor give
offensc."
81 see. You want me to write letter to
him ?"
Exactly, exactly!" cried Dcnham with
some relief He had not thought of sending
a letter before. Now he wondered why he had
not thought of it. 1t was so evidently the best
way out of situation that was extremely
disconcerting.
Have you spoken to him about it?"
"To him? What hm?"
"To your future partner, about the pro-
posal?"
No, no, Oh no! That isl have spoken
to nobody but you"
"And you are determined not to speak to
Mr.. Rogers before you write 2"
"Certaiply not It's none of Rogers's bust
ness.p
"Oh, very WE'LL" said Miss Gale shortly,
bending over her writing pad.
1t was evident that her opinion of Denbams
wisdom was steadily lowering. Suddenly she
looked up.
"How much shall I say the annual profits
"I-I don't think l would mention that.
Yon see don't wish this arrangement to be
carried out on a monetary basis-not alto
gether."
"On what basis, then?"
"Wel--I can hardly say. On q personal
basis, perhaps. rather hope that the person
that my partner-would, you know, like to be
associated with me-"
"On friendly basis, do you mean?" asked
Miss Gale merciIessly
Certainly. Friendly, of course-and per-
haps more than that"
Miss Gale looked up at him with a certain
hopeessness of expression.
"Why not write note inviting your future
partner to call upon you here or anywhere
else that would be convenient, and then discuss
the matter?"
Denlram looked frightened
81 thought of that, but it wouldn't do. No;
it wouldn't do. l would much rather settle
everything by correspondence"
81 am afraid / shall not be able to compose
letter that will suit you. There seem to be
so many difficulties. 1t is very unusual"
"That is true. and that is why 1 knew no
one but you could help me, Miss Gale. If it
pleases you it will please me-"
Miss Gale shook her head, but after few
moments she said: How will this do?"
"Dear. sir
"Wait a moment" cried Mr.. Denham; "that
How would it read if you put it Dear
friend 2"
''If you wish it so." She crossed out the
"sir" and substituted the word suggested.
Then she read the letter:
"DEAR FRIEND: have for some time past been
desirous Of taking partner and would be glad if
you would consider the question and consent to
join me in this business. The business is and has
been for several years very prosperous, and as
shall require capital from you think you will
find my offer n very advantageous l will
IL don't think 1 would put it quite that
way" said Denbam. with some hesitation. 1t
reads as if were Offering everything and that
my partner-wel you see what mean"
Its the truth" said Miss Gale defantly.
"Beiter put it on the friendly basis as you
suggested moment ago"
81 didn't suggest anything, Mr.. Denham.
Perhaps it would be better if you would dictate
the letter exactly as you want it. / knew l
could not write one that won please you"
cit docs please me. bnt Pm thinking of my
future partner. You are doing first-rate, better
than l could do. But just put it on the friendly
| basis"
moment later she read
(" . 3 join me in this business. make you
this offer entirely from friendly and not from a
finaDcial standpoint hoping that you like me we'll
enough to be associat ed with me"
"Anything else. Mr.. Denham?"
"No. think that covers the whole ground.
It will look rather short, typewriter, won't it ?
Perhaps you might add something to show that
| shall be exceedingly disappointed if my offer
is not accepted"
"No fear" said Miss Gale "Fll add that.
| though. Yours truly or Yours very truly"
.You might end it Your Friend"
The rapid click of the typewriter was heard
for few moments in the next room, and then
Miss Gale came out with the completed letter
in her hand.
"Shal have the boy copy it?" she asked.
"Oh, bless yon, mol" answered Mr.. Denham,
with evident trepdati0n.
The young woman said to herself, He
doesn't want Mr. Rogers to know, and no
| wonder It's most unbusiness-like pro-
posal."
Then she said aloud, "shall you want me
again to-day?"
"No, Miss Gale; and thank you very much"
Next morning Miss Gale came into Mr.. Dem
hams office with smile on her face.
"You made a funny mistake last night Mr.
Denham," she said, as she took off her wraps.
"Did I?" he asked in alarm.
eyes You sent that letter to my address.
I got it this morning. l opened it, for
thought it was for me, and that perhaps you
did not need me today But saw at once
that you put it in the wrong envelope. Did
you want me today"
1t was on his tongue to say. 81 want you
for the letter, and looked at it as if he could
not account for its having gone astray.
The next day Miss Gale came late. and she
looked frightened. 1t WAS evident that Den
ham was losing his mind. She put the letter
down before him and said:
"You addressed that to me the second time,
Mr.. Denham."
There was look of haggard anxiety about
Mr. Denham that gave color to her suspicious.
He felt that it was now never.
"Then why don't you answer it, Miss Gale?"
he said grufily.
She backed away from him.
"Answer it?" she repeated family.
Certainly. If l got letter twice / would
answer it,"
"What do you mean?" she cried. with her
hand on the door knob.
Exactly what the letter says. / want you
for my partner. want to marry you, and
financial considerations be"-
"Oh!" cried Miss Gale. in long. drawn,
quivering sigh. She was doubtless shocked at
the word he had used. and fed to her type
writing room, closing the door behind her.
Richard Denham paced up and down the
Aoor for few moments, then raped lightly
at her door, but there was no response. He
put on his hat and went out into the street.
After long and aimless walk he found him.
self again at his place of business Whom he
went in Rogers said to him:
Miss Gale has left, sir"