The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1896-12-11

when he expressed his anxiety about
! the care of this room. lie said that serv-
ants generally were very careless, and
that he hoped she would attend to the
room and see that his papers were kept
I nicely in order. This, without CHANGING
up at him, the girl promised to do, and
! William thereafter found his room kept
with a scrupulous neatness which
would have delighted the most particu-
| lar OF men.
One morning when William was sit
ting in this room, enjoying an after
breakfast cigarette, the door opened
softly and the rev housemaid entered.
Seeing him there, she seemed confused
and was about to retire again when
William, throwing his cigarette away.
sprang to his feet.
no, don't 60" he said; 81 was just
about to ring"
The girl paused with her hand on the
door.
YES" he continued. Il was just GO
ing TO ring, but you have saved me the
trouble; but, by the way, what is your
name?"
"Susy. if you please sir, replied the
girl, modestly.
"Ah, well, Susy, just shut the door
for moment"
The girl did so, but evidently with
some reluctance.
well, Susy," said William, jaunt-
lily, 81 suppose that | am not the first
one who has told you that you are very
pretty
"Oh, sir!" said Susy, blushing and
looking down on the carpet.
Eyes, Susy, and you take such good
care of this room that want to thank
you for it," continued William.
Here he furhled in his pocket for
moment and drew out half sovereign.
Here, my girl, is something for your
trouble. Keep this for yourself"
"Oh, Icouldn't think of taking money.
sir" said the girl, drawing back. 81
couldn't, indeed, SIR
Nonsense" said William; isn't it
enough?"
"Oh, it's more than enough. Miss
Longworth pays me well for what |
do, sir, and it's only my duty to keep
things tidy
Yes, Susy, that is very true; but very
few of us do our duty, you know, in this
world"
But we ought to, sir" said the girl,
in tone of quiet reproof that made the
young man smile.
Perhaps" said the young man; "but
then, you see, we are not all pretty and
good, like you. I'm sorry you won't
take the money. l hope you are not
offended at me for Offering it." and
William adjusted his monocle and
looked his sweetest at the young per-
son standing before him.
"Oh, no, sir" she said. I'm not at
all offended, and l thank you very
much, very much, indeed, sir, and /
would like to ask you a question. if you
wouldn't think me too bold"
'Bold?" cried William. why, think
you are the shyest little woman have
ever seen. I'll be very pleased to an-
swer any question you may ask me.
What is it?"
You see, sir. I've got a little money
OF my own"
We'll, declare, Susy, this is very
interesting. I'd no idea you were an
heiress."
"Ohl not an heiress, sir; far from it.
It's only a little matter of four or five
hundred pounds. sir said Susy. drop
ping him an awkward little courtesy,
which he thought most charming.
THE money is in the bank and draws
no interest, and thought would like
to invest it where it would bring in
something"
Certainly, Susy, and a most lauda-
bic desire on your part Was it about |
that you wished to question me?"
Yes, if you please, sir. | saw this !
paper on your desk. and | thought | |
would ask you if you thought it would |
be safe for me to put my money in |
these mines. sir. Seeing the paper |
here. supposed you had something to
do with it."
William whistled a long. incredulous |
note. and said: $50 you have been
reading my papers. have you. miss?"
"Ch. no. sir" SAID the girl. looking |
up At him with startled eyes. Il only /
saw the name Canadian Mica Mine on
this. and the paper said it would pay /
ten per cent. and thought if you had /
anything to do with it that my money /
would be quite safe
oh. that goes without saying"
said William; but if were you. my 4
dear. should not put my money in the |
mica mine"
Oh! then. you haven't anything to /
do with the mine, sir?'
YES. Susy. l have. You see, fools !
build houses, and wise men live in /
them"
so have heard" said Susy,
thoughtfully.
We'll. two young fools are building
the house that we will call the Cana
dian Mica mine, and am the wise man,
don't you see, Susy?" said the young
man. with a sweet smile.
Il am afraid ! don't quite under
stand. sir"
Il don't suppose, Susy." replied the
young man. with a lauGh. that thera