Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-11-03
AN AIlLEsS LIFE.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Andrew French was one OF those
mortals who are so unfortunate as
not to be dependent upon their own
efforts for support.
Having graduated at college, ne
passed two years abroad, and return
ed to his native land uncertain wheth-
er he would be a physician, q law
yer, or minister Of the Gospel, for
any Of which vacations he deemed
himself equally adapted. For "busi-
ness" he had no inclination.
AZ he lazily reclned in an easy
chair smoking fragrant cigar his
eyes fell upon the following "ad' in
. paper Of that days issue which he
had been reading.
Observation-Disclosures young
man, of pleasing address, to
canvass for the sale OF do
nestle article on commission;
references required, but ex-
perience unnecessary. Call
upon or address Brown & Co.,
IL - st.
For a few moments he remained
silent, and then muttered:
II am not destitute Of intelligence,
and think that | can be pleasing in
my address," smiling as he spoke. u
wonder II 1t would not be advisable
for me to confer with Brown d Co..
He rose from his seat, started from
the house, and wendell his way to
15-- street, where he learned that
the article was a kerosene lamp APP
pliance which increased the volume OF
light at the same time that 1t de-
creased the quantity Of oil consumed
He easily--indeed, greatly to the
satisfaction Of Brown 4 Co., when
they had acquainted themselves with
his ntecedents--secured situation
as canvasser, and the next day LETT
the city on his bicycle.
The first place which he worked"
was thriving village, where his
sales were few, and, despite his uni
form courtesy, he was subjected to
the repulsive treatment which agents
are wont to receive. His next venture
was in a rural district, where the
houses were far apart, and he
wheeled" many miles without being
allowed even to show what he wished
to dispose OF as he was usually con-
fronted at the door by some one who
said:
ave are mot prepared to purchase
any thing of the kind to-day or sim
ilarly. Il declare, pity the poor fell
lows whose bread and butter depend
upon work like this" he frequently
remarked to himself, laughingly.
Quite late one showery afternoon
he reached hamlet where there was
no hotel, but he finally secured en-
tertainment in private family.
As he sat on the veranda OF the
house where he was temporarily DOM
iciled, the fIrsr evening OF mrs sruy
in the place, the tones OF some one
singing to the accompaniment OF a
piano were audible and, addressing
his host, Thomas Marsh by name,
with whom he had been conversing,
he asked:
"Who is possessed Of such a won
derfully fine voice?"
1T is the daughter Of the man who
lives in that house." Mr.. Marsh re-
piled, indicating with his finger the
house nearest his own, who is fitting
herself to teach music"
II should think her already fitted
to teach it--vocal music, at least, u
French observed.
For a few minutes he sat without
uttering a word, and then he in
CURED:
"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 i'm
pertinent as otherwise | might"
II will conduct you into the room
where she Is"
"Will she not be offended If we 90
there?"
"She is not the kind Of girl that Is
30 easily offended"
Ten minutes later French had been
formally introduced to Miss Stella
Reid by Mr. Marsh, who said:
"Mr. French heard you singing
from my veranda, and desired to
hear you at less distance, SO | in
vited him over here"
'That's it." she rejoined, q flush
suffusing her countenance.
Nov, please to favor US with one