Middletown transcript., 1898-03-12

NtbOO Hto PCCtUIO ftofO
for lunch. Go up in the park and look
around. It will be rather quiet after
the scenery, you know, but want you
to forget yourself for awhile. Get con-
troll OF your nerves. -
"I will"
"That's brave girl. Well straight
en- out this business very soon if I can
get hold Of it at the right end. Leave
it all to me and devote your energies to
growing strong" Storer pressed his
lips to her hand and went away, haunt
ed by her white, sunken features.
"The damned scoundrelp' he mutt
tered as he pursued his way. "Her ia
ther must be brutel Cursed set, to
use girl like her so cruellyl Now,
then, Jack Storer, stop sitting in judg-
ment upon others. You don't know all
the circumstances. Go to work and
mend matters if you can.
Storer walked about until his nerves
were quieted, eating his lunch in a
strange restaurant for the sake of dis
traction, and returned to his Office to
meet business engagements that occu-
pied him the whole afternoon. He lin
gered at his desk, however, and sum-
moned Dawson.
"When the others are gone, Dawson,
want to speak to you.''
Dawson nodded and went back to his
corner In the general offices. For months
he had, acted as confidential clerk to Mr..
Storer, having shown himself we'll
qualified for the position. He therefore
presented himself in due time, prepared
for his private instructions. Mr.. Storer
was sitting facing the door, and he
pointed to chair, keeping his eyes on
Dawson's face.
Dawson, you have been doing con-
siderable extra work for us Of late and
doing it in very satisfactory manner.
OF course we like to be just with the
men, and we can't promote where there
is no vacancy. However, we might get
around the question. By the way, are
you a married man?''
Mop
Dawson's embarrassment was re-
markable. Mr.. Storer waited for him
sympathetically.
"I want to marry, but IL couldn L
on my present salary. In fact-I have
been looking for q better place. It is
not easy to make aprofitable change. !"
"You are engaged to be married. !
infer.''
"Yes, am"
Dawson's flush was pitiab1e.
"What would you consider a suffi-
cient salary to marry upon9 Please state
it here in round figures" !"
Dawson did as directed, slowly and
nervously.
"You see," continued Mr.. Storer,
II appreciate your services and prefer
to retain them If an advance will satis-
fy you" He glanced at Dawson's state
ment. "Well, that seems to me reason
able. Now, if accede how long will it
take you to get ready for your marriage9''
Dawson seemed overwhelmed with
surprise, confusion and nervous excite
ment.
81 don't know. I should have to see
several persons That would involve
an absence of few days
From town."
"Yes, SIR"
"That means an extra expense besides
the delay?"
"Of coursa"
''I think I can assist you, Dawson,
materially. II am not very much mis-
taken, you are engaged to very old
friend of mine, Miss Gertrude Bald
win.n
| Dawson'r face lightened then Rd-
denly clouded with anxieey and per-
/ plexity.
81 had no idea he murmured, then
broke down.
ssShe is in town. continued Mr.. Stor-
er. 81 net her today, and ! judge from
what she tells me that her engagement
is objectionable to her parents. The SIM
pie thing to do IL for you and Gertle
get married and take your happiness
into your own keeping. She Is iQEsls