Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1895-01-26


interested, Tom added, 81 have rented
the Warner cottage, over the hill"
ga very pleasant place, but quite a
long walk for you. | should think
you would have chosen n house nearer
tho station"
'It is not entirely a matter OF
choice" explained Tom. at is the
only place where the rent was within
my means, and, indeed, / enjoy the
walk.
"Humph!" calculated Mr.. Lyon ;
then, with quick sharp glance at the
lady: "Mrs. Merton, see that my
wife is disengaged just at this mo-
ment, and | should like 10 introduce
you to her."
"WhewW CALCULATED Tom, softly,
as he watched his wife move down the
room on the arm of his employer.
"What would the fellows in the Office
say to that? And what does it mean,
any way?'
He was still puzzling over the mat.
ter when she reioined him, later on.
He made her low bow of mock rev.
erence.
"Oh, Tom, what did you think when
Mr.. Lyon asked me to go with him
and be introduced to his wife,"
''Think? / was too dumfounded to
or do anything else but stare in
amazement, as | saw him present you
to his wife with as much courtesy as if
you were the first lady in the land.
He has always seemed so reserved and
naughty. | had no idea he would
condescend to persons of such low
estate as an assistant bookkeeper and
his wife, be she ever SO fair and
charming say, Nell, how did you
feel, sailing through the crowd on the
arm of the Grand Mogul himself?"
ooh, Tom, with little gasp, II
never once thought of him in that
way. | only remembered he was the
man upon whose decision your sue
cess depended. When he left me with
Mrs. Lyon, she was so sweet and
gracious, not bit condescending. ]
seemed to have known her ever so
long. Why, before l knew it, | was
telling her all about our little home
the garden, the chickens, and all.
Meanwhile the senior partner said
to his wife:
"What do you think of Mrs. Mer-
TOM"
"a bright and sensible little wo-
mau; she lives over in the Warner
cottage, which they are fitting up and
furnishing one room at time, as they
can afford; for she has holy horror
of debt. She does her own work,
sewing included, and is altogether
energetic and capable"
'How did you manage to find out
50 much, my dear?"
81 suspected from your look and
manner, that you wanted me to do II
little private detective work; was /
right?'
"Quite SO, and your report is both
complete and satisfactory, You see,
Helen, Mr., Merton has applied for
Harrison's position. He has been
very strongly indorsed by the other
members of the firm, but / hesitated.
He is quite young, and seemed so full
OF life and fun, / was afraid ho was
hardly steady enough for SO respon-
sible position. You know my theory,
dear--that wife must either make or
mar her husbands life. When / saw
Mrs Merton i'll her plain, unfashion-
able dress that was neither silk nor
satin, | thought the ballast he might
possibly need would be found in a sen-
sible wife. | found her intelligent,
educated and ladylike. What you tell
me increases my confidence in her,
and | have decided to advance him to
the position he desires" "
Mr.. Lyon tore n leaf from his
memorandum book and wrote few
lines, which his wife read approx
ingly:
"Mr. Thomas Merton.
"Dear Sir: The firm has decided to
accept your application for the posi-
tion of head bookkeeper. You will
report to Mr.. Harrison tomorrow for
instruction in your new duties. As
one member of the firm, | am glad to
say I feel no hesitancy in advancing
to so important and trustworthy
position man willing to walk two
miles daily that he may live within his
means, especially when he is the for
tunate possessor of sensible wife,
brave enough to dress according to
her husbands circumstances and who
has II horror of debt.
Very sincerel y yours,
''R. L. LYON"
He slipped the note into Toms
hand as he was about leaving.
When Tom and Nell read the note,
it almost took their breath away.
"You blessed little woman!" cried
her husband.
"It's nll because of tho cashmere
dress, Tom, Mrs. Merton answered,
laughingly. "How SIai am that |
wore it. Boston Times.
--------------
A Gcrm.Killing Lemonade.
1t is said lemonade has been discov.