Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1895-05-10

explained Tom 1T is the only place
where the rent was within my means,
and, indeed, enjoy the walk
"Humph !" calculated Mr.. Lyon;
then, with a quick sharp glance at the
lady MRS. Merton, see that my
wife is disengaged just at this moment.
and should like to introduce you to her"
"Whew ~ calculated Tom, softly US
he watched his wife move down the room
on the arm of his employer. ''What
would the fellows 10 the office say to
that? And what does it mean. any
way ?"
He was still puzzling over the matter
when she rcjoined him, later on. He
made her low how Of mock reverence,
ooh, Tom, what did you think when
Mr.. Lyon asked me to go with him and
be introduced to his wife y
Think was too dumfounded to say
or do anything else but stare in amaze
ment, as | saw him present you to his
wife with as much courtesy as il you
we're 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
book keeper 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 him
self"
ooh, Tom" with little gasp, 81
never once thought of him in that way.
| only remembered he was the man up
on whose decision your success depend
ed. 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 | 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. Mor-
ton ?"
"a bright and sensible little wonI
she lives over in the Warner cottae
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 aud capa-
ble."
How did you manage to find out 80
much, my dear p
II suspected from your look and man.
ner, that you wanted me to do little
private detective work /; was | right 7"
"Quite so, and your report is both
complete and satisfactory. You see,
Helen, Mr.. Merton has applied for Har-
rison's position. He has been very
strongly Endorsed by the other mem-
bers Of the firm, but | hesitated. He
is quite young, and seemed so full OF
life and fun. was afraid he was hardly
steady enough for so responsible posi-.
ton. You know my theory. dear-that
a wife must either make or mar her hus-
bands life When saw Mrs. Merton
in her plain, Questionable dress that
was neither silk nor satin, thought
the ballast he might possibly need would
be found in u sensible wife | found
her intelligent, educated and ladylike.
What you tell me increases my conf
dence in her, aud have decided to adj
| VhnCc uim W tne puhitou he ucehoo
Mr.. Lyon tore leaf from his memo
randum book and wrote few lines,
which his wife read approvingly:
"Mr. Thomas Merton,
Dear Sir: The firm has decided to
accept your application for the position
Of head book-keeper. You will report
to Mr.. Harrison tomorrow for instruc-
ton in your new duties As one mem
Dor Of the firm, am glad to say | feel
no hesitancy in advancing to so import
ant and Trustworthy a position man
willing to walk two miles daily that he
may live within his means. especially
when he is the fortunate possessor OF a
sensible wife, brave enough to dress ac-
cording to her husbands circumstances
md who has a horror Of debt.
Very sincerely yours,
"R. l.. LYON"
He slipped the note into Tens hand
as he was about leaving.
When Tom and Nell read the note.
il almost took their breath away.
"You blessed little woman !" cried
her husband.
"Its all because Of tho cashmere
dress, Tom" Mrs Merton answered.
laughingly. "How glad am that |
wore it, Boston Times