Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-08-23
HERS WAS A GOOD TRADE.


AlpuuS hi6uos
"Yes, my boys" said the old fellow,
ruminatiyely contemplating his equity
foot; Eyes, my boys, l have been in
love, and not so many years since
neither.
Todgers, died and went to a land where
discount is unknown, that was sitting
in my private Office one afternoon when
young lady in deep mourning was
ushered in.
ooh, Mr.. Todgers,' she cried, clasp
ing her dainty gloved hands together
and looking at me like-like-like any
thing, and she had eyes, boys,I tell you.
oh, Mr.. Todgers, forgive me, but-oh,
but were you ever at school at ClaphamT
81 never was at school in my life,
madam, | answered.
"ohe sighed, whether at my educa-
tional deficiency or not, it is hard to
say. That sigh, boys, she fetched right
up from somewhere in her boots. 1t
was the tallest sigh ever heard.
"'And you never knew Tony Trotterr
she continued; and / could see her
lovely eyelids trembling and hear the
beating OF her anguished heart.
81 tell you, boys, was downright
ashamed never to have known Tony
Trotter; I'd have given ESQ to have
known Tony Trotter at that moment
Il haven't the pleasure, ma'am,' said
l; but if you'll introduce me, PHI
He is my dear departed she an
swered, with one of the most exquisite
sobs that ever fell ON mortal ears.
Pardon my intrusion, am alone in the
world, friendlcss and homeless. Passing
along the street / saw the well known
name of Todgers on the door.
"tCan it be?' l asked myself; is it
possible that Providence has cast me in
the path of Tony's best loved compan-
ion / am mistaken; will no longer
intrude upon your time
II couldn't let her 90 like that. l
caught her by the hand. You are in
grief, in sorrow and Distress l cried,
'contide in me.
"'No, no, no, there is still the river
left she answered, and those eyes of
hers rolled in manner that made me
think Of Waterloo bridge and inquests
at once.
"Well, boys, l pleaded, and she
looked at me like--like-likea widowed
seraph, and as | besought her to con-
slider me Just as if l had been at school
ut Chaplain with Tony she melted, and
she told me her woes
81 never enjoyed anybody's woes so
much, for somehow her hand slid into
mine, and her eyes-oh, boys, those
eyes.
swell, of course, it was the want Of
money that troubled her." continued
the old fellow after pause, land for
TUny's sake | couldn't do less than give
her a check, and the trouble had to
persuade her to take it, and when she
left, showering profuse blessings upon
my head, felt as though the light had
gone out of the skies
"Yes, boys, had it bad. The dear
creature, with innate modesty, refused
to give me her address, but promised to
call again in fortnight, but before the
fortnight was up Todgers' executors
and ! had differ which ended in
my taking an office in another street
half mile away, and, abandoning the
old style of the firm, ceased to do
business as Todgers & Co., and traded
under my own name as plain William
Weeks.
Il left Instructions at this old Office
that when the lady called she was to be
sent on to my new address.
cat last she came, and l started from
my seat to meet her, but there was no
CLEAN of recognition in her face. saw
that she did not recognize me.
"'Oh, Mr.. Wicks,' she exclaimed, in
that gentle, vibrating voice remember
so we'll. oh, Mr. Wicks forgive a
womans tears, but were you-tel! me,
oh, tell me-were you ever at school at
BriThtonp Oh. how often have | heard
the name of Wicls on the lips of that
lying at dearest and best of men now
peace within the silent tomb"
Madam said l, "a month ago the
name of your husbands best and dear
est friend was Todgers! Get outp
"She looked at me for moment,
boys, with those wonderful eyes of hers,
and saw a merry twinkle lurking in
the corners.
"'To think of my not remembering
you,' she said, laughing; but I've seen
so many, since. It's o good trade
don't snoil IL on men