The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1903-11-14

The sight of her father seated sturdily in
his great chair almost rendered him speech
less. Then he suddenly realized that the
magnate was quite as perturbed. as he was
himself. He saw clearly that his embar-
rassment was much greater and his doubt
as to what to say or do more overpowering.
Silas Milbrook had taken part in many
important interviews. He had met many
men when the ''largest interest were
involved. He had stood face to face
with single individuals when the most
momentous questsions of thigh finance
had to be decided; he had gone time
and again before hostile boards of di,
rectors with matters of policy involving the
future of huge corporations and capitaliza-
tions. He had always done it with an
untroubled mind and serene countenance;
he was accustomed to it--but the position
in which he now found himself was entirely
new. If any one had tried to wrest rail
way or bond issue from his clutch he
would have known exactly what to do.
But to have some one seek to take his
''Won't you sit down p he asked with
the compromise between politeness and
sternness which was the best approach that
he found himself able to make to what
seemed the requirements Of the situation.
''Thank you, said Winship as he placed
himself in the nearest chair ''Perhaps
you know, sir, why | have asked to speak
to you?'
''Really," began Millbrook, vainly striv-
ING to determine whether, under the cir
cumstances, he ought to confess to know
ing the purpose of the young man. visit,
or whether it were more fitting that he
should assume complete and dignifed ig
norance-'' really, | must ask you to en-
tighten me.
''The truth is, Winship plunged on
all the more formal phrases in which he had
planned to make the announcement COM
pletely passing from his memory-:'the
truth is that | love Nelly-Miss Millbrook
and that have said so and asked her to
marry me, and she has said that she is
willing, and now | have come to ask
you-"
A deep silence reigned in the large apart
ment. The gentle trickle of the fountain
on the terrace was distinctly audible. Over
the tips of his joined fingers Millbrook con-
templated the young man before him. In
outward aspect he himself appeared dig
nifed and even portentous figure Of calm
deliberation In fact he was inwardly de-
batting in something of a panic what was
the proper thing for him to say.
do you consider" +" he managed to de-
mand at length, 'that you are justified in
making this request p
"No,' said Winship readily. II know
how much | am asking, how little | have
to give.
"Might I inquire exactly what is your
position-what are your means?'
The matter was taking more of prac-
tical turn and Millbyook was fast gaining
confidence.
II am an employee of the Atlas Com
pany-in trusted position-with hope Of
promotion. My salary-''
Millbrook held up his hand
GA matter of a few hundred dollars
more or less is not the question: he in
terposed. "You ask to marry my daugh-
ter, whose prospects, you are aware, are
considerable.
"Tm sorry for itr' cried Winship. 81
wish that Nelly hadn't cent
81 believe you,' the other answered.
tStill it would not be fair to ask her to
renounce what she will have
"No, admitted Winship doubtfully
1.-The question, as | said continued
Millbrook, sis not question of a few dol
lars, but of you. You are untred, you
have your spurs to win
"Tll do anything
81 have no doubt of it, Millbrook
continued. "But willingness and ability
are not the same thing. Every man wishes,
but every man has not the strength of
character to make his wishes realities. IF
wishes were horses beggars would ride,
and the only way to turn a wish into
blue-rib winning animal is to give up
the wishing and do something about get
ting the horse
"Then, if did something's began
Alan hopefully.
eff you had shown that you could do
something" )" corrected Millbrook. eff,
for example, instead of an employee you
were partner in the Atlas Company
"Would that be satisfactorily Win
ship demanded quickly.
"Yes,' answered Millbrook slowly, as
the impossibilty of the fact became clearer
in his mind eyes, if you were a partner
L should be willing to give my consent"
Every well, sir" said Winship, rising
briskly. "And you will do it if I am p
"Yes.''
AS Winship crossed the wide hall to-
ward the high arch through which the palm
showed dimly green, realization of the
position in which he had placed himself
came upon him with stunning force. Tn