The Monticellonian., 1895-09-13

I
 nave visited your mill, looked over the | premises. examined the books, and fl satis. l factory to you, am willing to take charge o1 the business during your absence advancina i ths necessary money. This, providing you will l Aeii me one-half interest in the property, ai
 I@e price asked by the former owner and will i accept the money shall advance as part pur. l chase money
 Awaiting your decision, am very truly yours. D r BOAFDMAN."
 His first sense was one of relief. fol.
 lowed by wenderment David Board
 man was senior memb of the firm owning one of the largest mills in
 Elllston, and his cheek could be drawn
 for larger amount than that of any other man in the city. What could he
 want, Harry asked himself, with an
 interest in q mill in q little country
 town, where such a financial disaster had occurred as had happened to his own business?
 But the letter WAS evidently in good faith, and Harry telegraphed his ac. ceptance immediately, knowing that a partnership with Mir Boardman would insure his future
 Three months later Harry alighted from the train at his western home.
 In the intervening time his partner had not only made up the loss the busi. ness had sustained, but had brought profits higher than ever before. Mir. Boardman had remained constantly on the ground, however, but had signifed his intention of returning to EIliston as soon as Harry returned
 farmer drove past Harry, as he walked to the mill He could not stop his loaded wagon on the river bank, but he called out cheerlly:
 Glad ter see yer back, Mr. McDou gal. Mighty fine partner O yours in tharl"
 With light heart, Harry pushed open the office door, then stopped aghast! He saw, busily writing at the desk, not the bent form Of David Roardman, but a young lady. For moment he stood staring at the trimly, attired figure and sleek, dark hea Then low, yet decisive voice said.
 Were there any letters for us to. night, John?"
 Before Harry could frame d reply, the young woman, turning, met hi, f of color coming to her cheek. yet her demeanor cool and unrufied and asked:
 "I beg your pardon, sir thought it was tue janitor. Is there anything can do for you2'
 Harry pulled himself together and replied:
 "l should like to see Mr Boardman.'
 The girl looked puzzled for mo. ment, then answered.
 "l fear you have made mistake. MT. Boardman lives in Elliston, the next town east.
 T certainly can have made no nis. take, returned Harry, decidedly. .l have letters in my pocket dated at this place, and settling the details of transaction by which he becomes part owner of this property
 'Mr Reardman certainly has no in. terest here, stated his informant T am Miss Boardman, and have bought half this miii, which l am managing until Mir. McDougalI arrives from the east.
 For an instant Harry felt as though he were on toboggan slope several miles long, not knowing where the end might be; but he pulled himself to. gether and handed the lady one of his cards
 tsightof the pieee of pasteboard the young lady looked wonderstruelz, and again flushed tride Then she looked up, and ventured:
 And you thought"
 Yes. l thought so. he answered, ! "But l ana so be. | wlldercd now that I am past all think. ing Nili you please explain some i things that l cannot underestimate"
 Within few moments Harry dis | covered that instead of selling an in. terestin his mill to Mr. David P. Board. man, he had delivered il over to Philistine in the person of Dor. othy P. Boardman, the aforesaid gentleman's niece and junior partner. that she, having extra funds on her hands, and hearing of McDougall.s trouble, had felt sorry for him, inyes. tigated, found that the investment would be a good one, and made him an offer
 She had an idea, from what her un. ele had told her of lIarrys being that he was an elderly, old bachelor and found lim to be q young Adonis, over six feet all, with an expression in his blue yes as he looked on her that helied .he name of woman-hater.
 She had not intended to deceive him, put had merely signed her name d. he was in the habit of doing in her business relations, without dreaming f being confused with her uncle, not al1ing into account Harry's short resi- lence in the state.
 It WAS astonishing to see how readi- y the young man reeonciled himself O having for a partner this young. lusinessliile woman, with the bright yes and qniet veice.
 Miss Roardmau went back to Ellis on at once, and Harry took up his york alone His bookkeeper was lever found, perhaps because the mount of his embezz!ement was not arge enough to make much stir, but ienrietta said it was because of his broader outlook.
 That young lady also made frequent emarks about the number of time9 hat Harry found it necessary to seek is partners advice, and her triumph vas complete when, few months fter the first partnership was con Dorothy Boardman, upon much persuasion, consented to enter IL,