The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1894-02-28

than ever after that night, for II is
needless to say Mr.. Ardmore accepted
his ''boss's" invitation in spite of
Dame Grundy.
Time flew by on wings of happiness
in the tiny Office, and as Christmas ap.
preached, the business of the Favorite
Agency increased enormously. Miss
Maidmont congratulated herself that
she never had had such a successful
season. She knew where much of the
credit for the increase was due, and
decided that she would make her pri.
vato secretary handsome Christmas
present. She little realized what that
gift would be.
It was customary for Mr.. Ardmore
to make all the purchases for bashful
young ladies who desired something
suitable to present to their brothers
and fiances, while Miss Maidmont
shopped for the men who wanted gifts
for their sweethearts and cousins and
aunts. Often they made the rounds of
the shops together, and afforded one
another the benefit of mutual criticism
anu
One day Marion laughingly re-
marked that as she was so experienced
in the art of purchasing engagement
rings, she certainly should make ar.
rangements for buying her own when
the time came, and make good com.
mission on it.
Mr.. Ardmore regarded her intently
as she spoke, and then said, signif.
cantly:
''No, Miss Maidmont, I shall insist
on getting your engagement ring my
self. ="
Marion's eyes dropped beneath his
ardent gaze.
At last it was Christmas Eve, and
the city arrayed itself in snowy holi-
day attire in honor of the day. Miss
Maidmont reached the Office early that
morning, and she entered with glow
ing, rosy cheeks, and sparkling eyes,
caused by Jack Frost's cool kisses.
On her desk was square, white
envelope addressed to her as proprie-
tor, and after she had perused its con-
tents the roses were displaced by
lilies, and all the light died out of her
big blue eyes.
The communication was Mr.. Ard
more's resignation, stating that for
reasons beyond his control, he was
obliged to resign his position as private
secretary in her employ.
All that long, wearisome day Marion
shopped alone, and her task had never
before seemed SO arduous. She had
become accustomed to relying on him
and following his advice. 'What
would she do without him?" she
thought desperately.
1t was late in the short afternoon
when she returned despondently to
the Office. Mr.. Ardmore was busy at
his desk.
With sudden resolution she went
directly over to him.
'Mr. Ardmore," she said, sis there
no inducement / could offer you that
would cause you to consider your res
ignation? / should be willing to give
you share in the business if you
would remain.
eyes" he replied, 81 shall be de-
lighted to accept an interest in the
business provided you are willing to
form a partnership with me which
shall be ratified by a ceremony to be
duly performed by a clergyman in
good standing, and sealed by a gold
circlet. Oh, my darling 1 love you.
Haven't you seen it? That is why L
was leaving. Can you care for me
enough to marry your typewriter"
Marion raised her eyes, and by one
swift glance of unutterable affection
answered him.
Jack, the ofice-boy, met Miss Le-
febre on his way home that evening,
and confidentially informed her that
the missis was goin' to marry her
private secretary.
"Well, why not ?" said Miss Lefebre.
Many man has married his type
writer, and surely turn about is fair
play. Family Story Paper.