The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-06
Our Daily Sbort Story

his firm know that he had been in the city. he said to himself. They might spec ulate over his sudden departure and what business was 1t of theirs?
 But when morning came. and he lived through the breakfast hour, a new man liness came to him. He felt 1t worth while to assert himself for an hour or two. and to show some interest in those who toiled for him. SU 8 little later he walked into the iong-deserted ofice, caus- ing a nutter of excitement among the force. who had not dreamed that he was nearer than the Black Forest, where his last lette. had been dated .s....:-
 'Of course. you will want to look over things." said the delighted manager, his gray mustaches twitching with pleasure; and for several hours Tom attempted to concentrate his attention on books and statements and plans for the further de- velopment of the business. The manager at last assured him that he had his fa- ther's own head for business. and that if he would but give his attention to 1t, there was nothing he might not hope to accomplish.
 'Tn other words. would be something more than a mere rich man." he said, with an unmirthfui smile. 'well, here are some letters I will answer. at any rate. Have you decent stenographer now?-not old Allen, I hope. Send him in, please, Lane."
 There was quiet opening and closing of the door as Lane went out, and an- other quiet opening and closing of the door as the stenographer came in. She stood before him, her face rosy red, her pencil and tablet in hand
 The head of the firm gazed at her with astonishment and bewilderment. Then he. slowly arose. .-
 "Gwen!' he said, with the light of dawning comprehension in his eyes. T have come to take your letters," she said, demurely.
 Am I your employer, Gwen?" asked MT. Alton. still half doubtful of fortune. "I-think you must be-" said Gwen, in deep embarrassment.
 MT. Alton walked gravely to the door and called Mir. Lane from his desk. He knew when to take the tide at the flood. Miss Arkwright is going to be my wife," he explained to Lane, thoughtfully door. You will see that it Is impossf ble for her to go on occupying this posi-
 tion. Will you find some one else, please?"
 The gray mustached manager stared, and smiled. and fled; and Gwen drew her. self up, half indignant and half laugh ing.
 How did you dareT she demanded; and
 T am very glad you did," she cried, with l little sob; and "oh, Tom, how long you have been thinking about ftp He took her hand and held 1t against his cheek-the other hand was still cum
 bered with the pencil and tablet. T haven't amounted to much, Gwen,"
 he said, humbly; 'but I'll try to be worthy of you. from this time on. It will
 take long time to make up to you for
 the years you have been working, while
 I busied myself seeing how much money
 could throw away"
 And the whole force outside, among
 whom a whisper had gone with lightning speed, were amazed to see Mr. Alton
 open the door for the stenographer, after
 this very brief interview, and bow to her
 as though she had been the noblest lady
 in all the land.
 Now for business" he said, cheerily to | old Lane who had been fourishlng a silk handkerchief for several minutes. q
 begin to think-its very strange-but I
 really think am going to like it.'' After which the head of the firm set out
 upon his first earnest work