The Portland daily press., 1897-01-15

"It's the truth said Miss Gale de-
family.
"Better put it on the friendly basis,
as you suggested moment ago.
II didn't suggest anything, MIR. Den
ham. Perhaps it would be better if you
would dictate the letter exactly as you
want it, knew I could not write one
that would please you.
cit does please me, but I'm thinking
of my future partner. You are doing
first rate; better than could do. But
just put it on the friendly basis. -
A moment later she read:
*** join me in this business. I make you
this offer entirely from a friendly and not
from financial standpoint, hoping that you
like me well enough to be associated with me.
Anything else, Mr.. Denham?"
"No. I think that covers the whole
ground. 1t will look rather short type
written, won't it? Perhaps you might
add something to show that shall be
exceedingly disappointed if my offer is
not accepted. :"
mo fear, said Miss Gale. ''I'll add
that though. Yours truly or Yours
very trulyT"
"You might end it, Your friend. ="
The rapid click Of the typewriter was
heard for a few moments in the next
room, and then Miss Gale came out
with the completed letter in her hand.
"Shall 1 have the boy copy it?'' she
asked.
ooh, bless you, no. answered Mr..
Denham with evident trepidation.
The young woman said to herself:
''He doesn't want Mr.. Rogers to know,
and no wonder. It is q most unbusiness-
like proposal. y
Then she said aloud, "Shall you want
me again today?'
"No, Miss Gale, and thank you very
much.''
Next morning Miss Gale came in to
Mr.. Denham 8 office with smile On her
face.
"You made funny mistake last
night, Mr.. Denham," she said as she
took off her wraps.
''Did I?'' he asked in alarm.
"Yes. You sent that letter to my adj
dress. got it this morning. l opened
it, for thought it was for me and that
perhaps you did not need me today.
But saw at once that you put it in the
wrong envelope. Did You want me to-
day?''
1t was on his tongue to say. 81 want
you every day. but he merely held out
his hand for the letter and looked at it
as If he could not account for it's hav-
ing gone astray.
The next day Miss Gale came late,
and she looked frightened. 1t was evil
dent that Denham was losing his mind.
She put the letter down before him and
said:
"You addressed that to me the second
time, Mr.. Denham."
There was look of haggard anxiety
about Denham that gave color to her
suspicious. He felt that it was now or
never.
tThen why don't you answer it, Miss
Caller he said grufdy.
She backed away from him.
"Answer itf'' she repeated family.
''Certainly. II got letter twice,
would answer it. !"
'What do You mean?' she cried, with
her hand on the doorknob.
EXACTLY what the letter says. +
want you for my partner. l want to
marry you, and-fnanoial considera-
tions'-
"Ohp cried Miss Gale in a long
drawn. quivering sigh. She was doubt
less shocked at the word he had used
and fed to her typewriting room, clos
ing the door behind her.
Richard Denham paced up and down
the floor for few moments, then rap
ped lightly at her door; but there was
no response. He put On his hat and
went out into the street. After long
and aimless walk be found himself
again at his place Of business. When
he went in, Rogers said to him:
"Miss Gale has left, sir.
elias she?''
eyes, and she has given notice. Says
she is not coming back. cir.
every WELL ="
He went into his own room and found
q letter marked Personal ON his
desk. He tore it open and read in neat.
~ typewriter characters;
have resigned my place as typewriter girl,
having been offered better situation. am
offered partnership IN the house Of Richard
Denham. have decided to accept the posi-
tion, not SO much account of its financial
as because I shall be glad, on a
friendly basis, to be associated with the gen
tleman have named. Why did you put me to
all that worry writing chat idiotic letter
when few words would have saved ever so
much bother9 You evidently need a partner.
My mother will be pleased TO meet you any
time you call. You have the address. Your
friend, MARGARET GALE.
"Rogers" shouted Denham joyfully.
eyes, Sir" answered that estimable
man, putting his head into the room.
Advertise for another typewriter
Girl Rocory - II