The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-09-21
An AimIess Life,
Fom tha Newsm an.)

lister of the gospel. for either Of which vo-
cations he deemed himself equally
adapted. For business" he had no in
clination.
AS ne lazily rec!ined in an easy chair
smoking a fragrant cigar, his eyes 1eH
upon the following lad" IN paper OF
that days issue which he had been read
ing:
"Wanted-InteIigen young man, of
pleasing address. 20 canvass for the sale
Of a domestic article on commission Ref
erences required, but experience unneceS-
sary. Call upon or address Brown & Co..
10 - street"
For a few moments he remained silent,
ard then muttered:
II am not destitute of intelligence. and
think that I can be pleasing in my ad-
dress smiling as he spoke. Il wonder
If il would not be advisable Tor me 10
confer with Brown & Co. ?"
He rose from his seat, started from the
house, and wendell his way to 10 -
street, where he learned that the article
was kerosene lamp appliance which in
creased the volume Of light at the same
time that it decreased the quantity or
oil consumed.
He easily-indeed, greatly to the salts
faction of Brown & Co., when they had
acquainted themselves with his anteced-
ents-secured a situation as canvasser,
and the next day left the city on his
bicycle.
The first place which he worked" was
a thriving village, where his sales were
few, and. despite his uniform courtesy,
he was subjected to the repulsive treat
ment which agents are won't TO receive.
His next venture was in rural district
where the houses were far apart. ana ne
hoir n l.
lowed to even show what he wished 70
dispose of, as he was usually confronted
at the door by some one who said: we
are not prepared to purchase anything
of the kind today" or similarly.
'T declare I pity the poor fellows whose
bread and butter depend upon work like
this" he frequently remarked TO himself,
laughingly.
Quite late one showery afternoon he
reached a hamlet where there was no
hotel, but he finally secured entertainment
in private family.
AS he sat on the veranda of the house
where he was temporarily domiciled, the
first evening of his stay in the place, the
tones of some one singing to the &C
compartment of piano were audible, and
addressing his host-Thomas Marsh by
name-with whom he had been conversing
he asked:
WHO is possessed Of such wonderfully
fine voice?"
at is the daughter of man who lives
in that house." Mr.. Marsh replied, indi-
eating with his finger the house nearest
his own, who is fitting herself to teach
music"
IT should think her already fitted to
;t-uoca1 rnnSio at least French
observed.
For few minutes he sat without ut
tering a word, and then he inquired:
Are YOU willing to go with me a little
nearer her house? wish TO hear her more
distinctly, and were both of US seen by
any member of the family should not be
deemed so impertinent as otherwise 1
might"
Il will conduct you into the room where
she Isl
will she not be offended If we go
there?"
"She is not the kind of girl that is so
easily offended"
Ten minutes later French had been for
mally introduced to Miss Stella Reld
by Mr.. Marsh. who said:
Mr. French heard you singing from my
veranda, and desired to hear you at less
distance. so 1 invited him over here"
That's it," she rejoined, a flush sut-
fusing her countenance.
NOW, please to favor US with one OF
your best selections" Mr.. Marsh remark
ed, as he and French seated themselves.
Without a word of objection she played
and sang several pieces, for which her
visitors complimented her.
do you sing or play, Mr.. French?"
she inquired.
"A very little of both was the reply
at will be no more than fair for you
to take my place a the instrument she
observed. leaving the piano stool.
Il make no claims to musical ability
but will reciprocate your kindness as well
as l can
Taking the vacated stool, he played a
| fantasia SO skillfully that she nervously
said:
Il believe you are professional
Il assure you that 1 am not" he re-
joined
Now. you must sing" she said.
| In a mellow tenor he sang a selection
! from Mendelssohn, so pathetically that
| tears filled the eyes Of his hearers. four
! IN number, as his unknown voice had
/ drawn her parents into the room.
| You may make no claims 10 musical
| ability" but it is yours" Mr.. Marsh
! TREMENDOUSLY observed, land. having it, l
do not understand how you came to be
selling
| "Shr' fell from French's lips. and the
! sentence was not completed.
| He rose from the stool and was intro
| duced 10 Mr. and Mrs. Reid
How long shall you remain in the
place, Mr.. French?' Mr.. Reid inquired.
a~-cf1w
swer.
While you are here. ! hope you will
come in to sing and play as often as you
can" fell from Mr.. Reds lips.
You must, Mr.. French" the daughter
! enjoined IN an earnest tone.
Thank you; 1 shall be pleased to do
So" he replied.
soon after he and his host left che
house, and on their way back 10 the lat
| ters home he explained how he CHANGED
/ 20 be following his present vocation.
causing Mr. Marsh to laugaingly en-
claim:
well, I declarer'
| After breakfast the next morning he
said to Mr.. Marsh:
II should ike 10 remain here Two or
three weeks: can you conveniently &C
| Coulnooate me LOT t-4aN * So ~
las well as not was the coroial re-
ply.
/ Thank you very muca-
For two-yes. nearly six-weeks he was
member Of Mr.. Marsh's household. dur
! ing which ne discontinued MS canvassiH :
and passed most OF his time Ti1n
/ stella. IS he soon came 20 address her,
while he to her became Andrew.
They sanE-she 10 him. he 70 her. - To-
sether: they played for each other. q
duets. often having quite an audience
They rode. ramb.ed. read together. urti
-urharF