Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1899-05-17
A, A BUSINESS WOOING.

I'm 50 lste. Had to attend q meeting of
stockholders Of new company I'm form
ing They squabbled little over one OF
the bylaws. It's all right though.
"That's good. You are very busy
man, know"
81 believe am, but never intend that
business shall interfere with pleasure--of
this character.
THANK you for the compliment, Mr..
Bangs-even II it comes little late"
"That's clever. But, really, you know,
couldn't get away any sooner. Your
father will tell you 80"
"Papa? Is he In 1t too?''
"Oh, yesl had him made one of the
directors. 7"
"You dids Why, wasn't aware that
papa had ever met you"
Ever met mes That's good. Why, I
let him In for a little fier in stocks the
other day, and he must have cleared up a
souple Of thousand in an hour or two"
"what day was thatf"
"Hum--lemme see-Tuesday.
tuesday, Why, that's the day he
shme home so delighted and said he'd take
mamma and me to California next
month.
"Ehq Take you to California; Well,
say, hadn't bargained on that. I beg
your pardon"
I'm sure papa didn't mention you in
the matter. only heard him say to nam.
ma that some Jim Dandy put him on to .
good thing"
We'll, I'm Jim. How's your Aunt
Matildap"
"she's well. Ididn't know you'd met
Aunt 'Tilda-"
"Oh, yesl We're the best of friends.
I'm her agent in little deal. Haven't
seen her lately, have your"
mot for two weeks"
"You wouldn't mind going out TO see
her tomorrow, would you? She's anxious
about it, you see, and I'd rather have you
carry the news than anybody else"
why, yes, If it's anything that will
crafty auntie I'll be glad to CO."
"Well, you tell her, please, that the Col
lamer syndicate win give her $16, 900 cash
for that corner of hers the moment she
signs the papers
Sixteen thousandl Why, that's lovely
Auntie didn't expect a penny over ten"
well, guess she'll have enough con-
fldence in her agent to take the sixteen"
''And didn't even know you had ever
met auntie."
"Well, hadn't met her until yesterday.
You told me about her, you know. She's
dear old lady. Don't look surprised. 1t
was simple transaction. The syndicate
wanted that land and happened to know
It, Your aunt willingly put the matter
into my hands and made the best terms
possible. That'san. Only rather thought
you'd like to tell her"
"Why, I'll feel like running all the way.
What good fairy you are, Mr.. Bangsl'
"What bore I am! That's nearer the
truth. Here I've been Cabling about
business and about myself for full half
hour. Appearances are against me,
know, but really I can, If make the
effort, lift myself above these commercial
details
but, surely, they've been Of the great
est interest to me this evening. Mr..
Bangs" ~
"Let me confess that I hoped they would
be. Oh, I'm an incorrigible when it
comes to business. I'll confess right here
that1 meant to prejudice you in my favor
that is, at the start. Your eyes ask me
why. What else could it be but selfish
propositions May I-may go on with
the prospectus?" tEf
"I'm sure don't understand you. Mr..
Bangs" r. ~
I'm make myself clear before I get
through. In the first place, don't want
you to go to California.
"Mr. Bangsf"
1.-THE fact Is I've another scheme In
view. Please hear me out. IN cut it as
short as possible. You know me pretty
well, hope-as well as you could after .
two months acquaintance, and there isn't
much to add to it. lam poor boy, who
has worked his way up. can say that
without egotism. Life was cruel strug-
gle almost from the start. Is it any won
der that money getting became almost a
passion with me? But I've stumbled on a
new and far dearer quest. You haven't
really made up your mind to take that
California trip, have youS"
why, no, not yet. Papa simply men,
toned 1t. But why
"Wait, please. Today I found that q
certain scheme In which am deeply In
terested will necessitate the services of q
London manager. think I will take the
place The duties will not be exacting,
the returns are large, and the chance for q
pleasant six months outing is too good to
be missed. Do you know what said when
! first saw your"
Certalnly noU
mo; how could your Well, I said
there's one girl In all the world for you.
old boy"
"Mr. Bangsr
That's what said And how do you
suppose proved my admirationS By
jumping head over heels into work. 1
didn't leave stone unturned to put my
self on a solid financial footing, and every
dollar lassoed said, That another step
ping stone to Anna A strange wooing
wasn't it? Today made a turn that
clinched things. Yes. and I've talked to
your father too
TALKED with my fatherl Whens"
This very evening. And your father,
who knows me much better than you i'm
agine. looked over my balance sheet and
said: It's all right, George. You can
draw on me for a blessing at any time I"
"Oh, OIL Did papa say it that way9"
Those were his words. And now, Miss
Anna, this brings me right down to bust
ness. want partner, want somebody
to share my anxieties and my prosperity,
/ want a companion ON that European
trip, want you. There's my proposition
How does 1t strike you, deary"
"I'm SO confused. How can separate
the promoter from the lover"
"Your heart must surely tell you that.
Is it yes9"
I'm afraid there's no resisting your
eloquence, dear. %
"Signed, sealed and delivered Hoorayp