The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-04-25
THIsTLEDoWN's CoURTsHIP.

II certainly will try the experiment"
quoth l to myself.
And then 1 covertly looked in the
glass, so as better to calculate my
chances matrimonial.
1t wasn't a very satisfactory survey,
I am not a handsome man. But there's
one advantage I possess that is worth
all the beauty in creation, TOrquatus
Thistledown, Esq, President of the
ThistledoWn Petroleum company with
the handsomest yacht in the bay, and
money enough to freight with a golden
cargo! Youth-beauty-what do they
weigh in the balance against Torqua-
tus Thistledown?
And 1 patted my pocket with a
chuckle that sounded like the chink Of
doubloons!
"I1l do it, " [ exclaimed aloud.
Bruce Hardenbrook glanced sleepily
up from his arm chair in the bay win
dow, and took the cigar out of his
mouth. Bruce belongs to our club
more's the pity-a s~uperciIious puppy
that looks down on a fellow from the
height of his 6 feet 2, as if nobody
under that size had any business
to exist.
whats that you're going to do,
Thistledown?" asked Bruce.
"To be married." 1 added, slowly
and distinctly, ito Miss Fanny Cor
dom"
Bruce started. 1 had known very
we'll that would disturb his serene
self possession. All the world was
quite aware that he was dangling after
pretty Fanny Gordon-as if a client
less young lawyer had any right to
aspire to the hand of the loveliest girl
in New York!
care you engaged to her, Mr.. Thistle
down?' he asked.
"No-not exactly engaged, that is,
not as yet; but l mean to be. I shall
consult Mr.. Gordon this very after
noon-an old friend Of mine, Job Cor
don. He'll refuse me nothing "
Bruce Hardenbrook made no reply.
He resumed his newspaper, and tried
to look indifferent, with remarkably
bad success.
So I put on my hat and strolled down
to honest Job Gordon's counting
house.
'Thistledown, how dye do?" he cor
daily said. What can I do for you
to-day3"
"a great deal, Mr.. Gordon" I re-
sponded. II am contemplating matri-
mony. lam thinking of the hymeneal
bond, sir, and-and-I would like the
weight of your influence with your
daughter Fanny. I adore Fanny, sir
I worship her-and I don't mind tell
ing you that it is within her option at
this moment to become Mrs. Torqua-
tus Thistledownr
Mr.. Gordon wrung my hand
heartily.
"Torquatus," he ajaculated breath
Iessly, you're a trump. My daughter,
Mrs. Petroleum Company, no, I don't
u1Gdh GDdO SAdCU1y L O414y
hope you aren't too late"
TOO late!" I gasped, making a
clutch at my yellow silk pocket hand
kerchief and wiping the drops away
from the bald spot on the crown Of my
head.
'"There was a young fellow here this
very morning" went on Mr.. Gordon,
rumpling his hair about with n hand
in a distracted manner, upon the self
same business, and"-
"Not Bruce Hardenbrook?'
Eyes, Bruce Hardenbrook-the very
person-and l told him toll gave
him my sanction-and I've just sent
up a note to Fanny, desiring her to
have no hesitation in promptly accept
ing the gentleman who would propose
to her this afternoon"
Igave a feeble gasp, and rubbed my
nosea -
But" added the old gentleman,
with a sudden inspiration. Il didn't
mention any names, thank goodness,
and 1 don't see upon my word, why
the note shouldn't answer for you just
as we'll as for Bruce Hardenbrook, if
you only get there a little ahead of
him."
I jumped up, and grasped at my
hat.
"Couldn't-couldn't you go with
meg
"Impossible-I have two most I'M
portant appointments, but you won't
need me-the note paves the way.
Good evening, Torquatus; I wish you
all possible SUGGEST"
AS I hailed the nearest omnibus and