The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1893-09-28


not?" he asked himself. There was no
reason against it except that he had not
the courage. Nevertheless he formed
desperate resolution.
Next day business went on as usual
Letters were answered and the tiIne ar
rived when Miss Gale came into see # he
had any further commands that day.
Denham hesitated He felt vaguely that
a business Office was not the proper place
for proposal, yet he knew that he would
be at disadvantage anywhere else. In
the first place, he had no plausible ex-
cuse for calling upon the young woman
at home, and in the second place. he
knew if he once got there he would be
stricken dumb. 1t must either be at his
Office or nowhere.
sit down a moment, Miss Gale he
said at last; 81 wanted to consult yon
about a matter-about business mat
ter"
Miss Gale seated herself and autonat-
ically placed on her knee the shorthand
writing pad, ready, TO take down his in
structions She looked up at him ex-
pectantly. Denham, in an embarrassed
manner, ran his fingers through his hair
81 am thinking" he began, "of taking
g partner The business Is very pros
porous now In fact it has been for
some time"
"Yes!" said Miss Gale interrogatively.
Yes | think | should have part
ner. 1t is about that ! wanted to speak
to you"
Don't you think it would be better to
consult with Mr.. Rogers? He knows
more about business than |. But per
haps it is Mr.. Rogers who is to be the
partner
NO. it is not Rogers. Rogers is
good man, butt is not Rogers"
Then l think in an important matter
ike this Mr.. Rogers, or some one who
knows the business as thoroughly as he
does, would be able to give advice that
would be of some value"
II don't want advice exactly l have
made up my mind to have partner. if
the partner is willing"
Denham mopped his brow. 1t WAS
going to be even more difficult than he
had anticipated.
''Is it then a question of the capital
the partner is to bring inY' asked Miss
Gale, anxious to help him
mo, no. | don't wish any capital
have enough for both. And the business
is very prosperous. Miss Gale-and-
and has been.
The young woman raised her eyebrows
in surprise
"You surely don't intend to share the
profits with a partner who brings no
capital into the businessy
"Yes-yes, | do. You see. as said.
have no need for more capital"
"Oh, if that is the case. think you
should consult Mr. Rogers before you
commit yourself"
"But Rogers wouldn't understand"
I'm afraid don't understand either
1t seems to me foolish thing to do
that is, if you want my advice"
"Oh, yes, | want it. But it isn't as
foolish as you think should have had
a partner long ago. That is where
made the mistake. I've nj. lie up my
mind on that"
"Then don't see that | can be of any
use if your mind is already made up"
"Oh, yes, you can. I'm little afraid
that my offer may not be accepted"
'It is sure to be if the man has any
sense 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? l
am glad that is your opinion, Now what
| want to consult you about is the form
of the offer would like to put it
well-delicately. you know, SO that it
would not be refused nor give offense."
al see. You want me to write letter
to him?"
Exactly, exactly" cried Denham
with some relief. He had not thought
of sending a letter before. Now he Won
dered why he had not thought of it. 1t
was so evidently the best way out of a
situation that was extremely discomfort
ing.
Have you spoken to him about it?'
ITO him? What him?"
ITO 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 writer"
Certainly not It's none of Rogers
business.
"Oh, very well" said Miss Gale short
ly, bending over her writing pad.
1t was evident that her opinion of Den
1 WlSOOiu WIS SlGddAlg
Suddenly she looked up.
How much shall l say the annual
profits are? Or do you want that men
| tioned?'
IL don't think l would mention
that. You see, don't wish this arrange
ment to be carried out on monetary
basis-not altogether"
son what basis Them
"Well-I can hardly say. On per
sonal basis perhaps. rather hope that
the person-that my partner-would,
you know, like to be associated with me. .
son friendly basis, do you meant
asked Miss Gale, mercilessly.
Certainly Friendly, of course-and
perhaps more than that"
Miss Gale looked up at him with GER
tain hopelessness 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 natter
Denham looked frightened.
81 thought of that, but it wouldn't do.
| No; it wouldn't DO. | would much rather
settle everything by correspondence"
II am afraid ! shall not be able to
compose a letter that Will suit you.
There seem to be so many difficulties.