The new enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 1903-11-12
JOHN THOMAS

IN
BIZ mary GRACE HALPINE.

countenance looked still lovelier from
the brighter bushes that mantled II as
he fixed upon it his admiring gaze.
Il am sorry to undeceive you" he
/ said, smiling, -"but. unfortunately, l
have no such claim upon your favor as
that name should give. Unfortunately,
in more senses than one" he added,
calamity, with another bow TO Kate.
'"My name Is John Thomas" he con-
tinued, handing her a letter, II am
but an humble clerk in the establish
ment of which Mr.. Armstrong is the
1 head, He gave me this letter of intro.
ductlon to you, and also commissioned
me to express his regrets that the inn
perative claims Of business should OBJ
lige him to postpone q few weeks the
pleasure he has so long anticipated"
Miss Vernon seemed to take this an.
noupcement very coolly; but not so
with her companion. whose eyes looked
still brighter from the scorn that she
made no effort TO conceal.
mr. Armstrong seems to be entirely
devoted to the art of money. getting"
she said. with curling lip.
mfr. Armstrong is as devoted to his
business as his father was before him."
was the rather grave response.
Let us hope" he added. with an.
other bow and smile, that he will ere
long lind a more worthy object for his
Devotion
The terms in which the letter OF in.
PRODUCTION spoke of its bearer insured
him q very cordial reception, while his
pleasing and gentlemanly manner soon
placed him on a friendly footing with
,both ladies. But, though polite and at.
tentiye to his fair hostess, he seemed
from the first to be instinctively drawn
toward her cousin, Jane, who on her
part, received his advances coyly in.
deed, but with evident pleasure.
Some pleasant weeks passed-weeks
which flew all too swiftly to at least
two Of the trio, and with whom admir-.
alton rlpened into friendship, and
friendship into love.
One day, as the happy pair were
seated quietly by themselyes-NIiss
Vernon having considerably with.
drawn into the back parlor-they
caught a glimpse OF Mr.. Bagstock de-
scending from a carriage at the door,
whose return had not been expected
unit! the week following; upon which
Jane manifested considerably more |
agitation than her lover anticipated.
Don't be alarmed, dearest" he wills. |
pered, pressing fondly the little trem.
bling hand in his; Il will make it all |
right with your uncle"
Yes, but dear John" she said, hur.
rledly, do please step into the back
parlor, and let me explain matters to
him little before he sees you"
Somewhat reluctantly John obeyed,
through the folding doors
into the adjoining room just as Mr..
Bagstock entered.
The customary greetings over, Mr..
Bagstock regarded his niece with both
4 vexed and amused expression.
$50 It seems it is you that has got
the mitten,' he said. Il had letter
from Mr.. John Armstrong, declining
the honor Of your hand"
III he had waited a few days he
would have been spared the trouble"
said the young lady, with look OF Of
Tended pride, las 1 happen to have
chosen for myself, as every one ought
to have the privilege Of doing"
$50 has he, II seems. And OF all
women that it should be your Cousin
Janey"
Cousin Jane! Why. where could he
have seen bery'
why. here, TO be sure. Hasn't he
been visiting here the last three or
four weeks" returned Mr.. Bagstock,
staring.
mo, indeed, uncle. His high might
ness didn't consider me Of sufficient
Importance to warrant his taking so
much trouble. He sent one of his
clerks. Mr.. John Thomas. who, l do
assure you. uncle. is 4 most agreeable
md excellent young man"
who can speak for himself" said
he individual alluded to, walking out
.rom the back parlOr.
why. John, my dear boy. how do
'ou dOI" exclaimed Mr.. Bagstock,
making him cordially by the hand. II
iidn't get your letter until yesterday"
Are you acquainted with Mr.. John
rhomasr said his niece, looking from
me to the other with bewildered air.
Mr.. Bagstock now began to have an
nkllng OF the truth.
Il am, or ought to be. wen acQuaint-