The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-07-11

me Hlhh vi "ealtl DuWcu Wltn olutlihe
grace to the modest little woman.
81 am glad to meet you both, /" he said.
Il suppose you came out from the city for
this evening
'Oh. no; we are living here in the village
Then, as Mr.. Lyon seemed interested Tom
added, II have rented the Warner cottage.
over the hill"
"a very pleasant place, but quite long
walk for you. | should think you would
have chosen house nearer the station
at isnot entirtlya matter of choice, -
explained Tom. sit is the only place
where the tent was within my means, and
indeed, enjoy the walk"
"Humph!" calculated Mr.. Lyon; thin
with quick sharp glance at the lady:
"Mrs. Merton see that my wife is dis
engaged just at this moment, and should
like to introduce you to her"
"Wlew!' calculated Tom, softly, us 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 matter
when she rejoined him, later on. lie
made her low bow of mock reverence.
''Oh, Tom, what did you think when
Mr. Lyon asked me to go with him and be
introduced to his wife,"
''Think? | was too dumbfounded to think
or do anything else but stare in amaze
ment, 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 soresc'yci and naughty. had no
idea he would condescend to persons of
such low estate as an assistant ookkeeper
and his wife. he she ever so fair and charm
Ing. say, Nell, how did you feel, sailing
| through the crowd on the arm of the Grand
Moaul himself?''
"Oh. Tom, with gasp 81 never once
thought of him in the way. | only re-
membered he was the man upon whose de-
/ ciSon your success 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 know 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 Merton?"
"a bright and sensible little woman
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 a holy horror of debt. She does hci
own work sewing included, and is alto,
grther energetic and capable"
How did you manage to find out st
r1uch my dear"
Il suspected from your Il ok and manner
that you wanted me to do a little private
detective work; was right
quite So and your report is both com
Mr.. Merton has applied for Harrison
position. He has been very strongly in,
dorsed hy the other members of the firm
but hestated. He is quite young and
seemed So full of life and fun, | was afraid
he was hardly steady enough for so re-
sponsble II position.
You know my theory. dear-that a wife
must either make or mar husbands 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 sensible
wife. ! found her intelligent, educated
and ladylike. What you tell me increases
my condolences in her, and have decided
to advance him to the position he desires. >
Mr.. Lyon tore leaf from his memo
randum hook and wrote few lines, which
his wife read approvingly:
mir. THOMAS MERTON.
"DEAR SIR: The firm has decided to
accept your application for the position Of
| head hookkeeper. You will report to Mr..
Harrison tomorrow for instruction in you
new duties. As one member of the firm,
am glad to say 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 fortunate pos
SCISSOR of Il sensible wife, brave enough to
dress according to her husbands circum-
stances ard who has horror of debt.
Very sincerely yours,
ar. l.. LYON"
He slipped the note into Toms hand as
he was about leaving
When Tom and Nell read the note it al
most took their breath away.
"You blessed little woman"' cried her
husband.
Its all because of the cashmere dress,
Tom,' Mrs. Merton answered, laughingly.
How glad am that wore it,