The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1903-01-02

steadily in the estimation of her en-
ployers, until, when George Shaw came
to the city, she was confidential secre-
tary to the senior partner of Delaney
& Griffin.
In his secret heart, John Doyle was
wonderfully proud of this self-pos-
sessed, capable young woman, and
when young Shaw from upstate, Wig
orous, we'll set-up and well-poised, ap-
peared on the scene. Mr.. Doyle
groaned afresh.
''If Louise hadn't that business bee
in her bonnet, there's the man I'd pick
out for her husband. Why on earth
any sensible girl would rather take
dictation from snarling, bald-headed
old crank downtown than to make
nice home for fellow like George
Shaw, don't see"
But as matter of fact Mr.. Delaney
was neither bald nor ill-tempered, and
George SLaw had come to the city
with but one well-defined ambition-to
gain business foothold. John Doyle's
successor in the grocery trade being
second cousin to George Shaw S
mother, he had taken the first thing
at hand, position as clerk in the store
where Doyle had once ruled with an
iron hand.
Perhaps the happiness Of Louise was
not the only thing at stake, in Doyle's
mind. He might have cherished a
secret longing to maintain even dis
tant family connection with the scene
of his commercial success. At any
rate, Mr.. Shaw was in due time in
vited to call, and Mr.. Doyle fairly
hugged himself when he saw the ad-
miration in the young mans eyes on
meeting Louise.
But for six months matters pro-
gressed no further. Mr.. Shaw called
at irregular intervals, and was cour
teously received by Louise-in the
presence of her parents.
From his point OF vantage behind
the cashiers booth Mr.. Doyle studied
the young man whom he coveted as a
son-in-law, and decided that an occa-
sional cigar could be offered his idol
with impunity. In the meantime
George Shaw was study ing the uncer-
tainties of customers and markets, to
the profound satisfaction of his moth
er's second cousin.
When Mr.. Shaw invited Louise to
accompany him to the theatre, John
Doyle went into the seventh heaven of
delight. The calmness of Louise irri
tated her exuberant father. ..
The theatre gong became an estab-
lished weekly event, and Mr.. Doyle
beamed, even when defeated at pin
ochle. Each day he spent less time in
the rear room of Simpsons cigar store,
and longer visits were made to the
grocery store. He bought a better
brand of cigars, too, and proffered them
at more frequent intervals.
But when Louise imperturbably an
nounced that Mr.. Shaw had invited
her 10 see Bernhardt in "L'Algion,"
and followed up the information with
the prosaic observation that her rainy
day skirt needed new binding, the
vials of Mr.. Doyle's wrath were again
uncorked. AS the door closed on her
retreating form, he turned to his wife:
"Well, that beats me! I'll bet
George paid every cent of $25 for those
two seats, and she takes it as cool as
if she was used to such treats every
night in the week. l do believe she's
more interested in Delancey's contract
for that Newport palace than in getting
a husband"
"Like as not" responded Mrs. Doyle,
gathering the butter scraps for The
cooking jar. can architects contract
is easily filled, but marriage is uncer.
tain and it's got to stand for most of
US. | don't see that there's such a
rush about her settling down. She's
doing well. Besides, how do you know
that Mr.. Shaw wants her?'
want her!'' roared Mr.. Doyle.
"Who wouldn't want hel? Amt she
pretty? Amt she bright and up to
the mark every time? Amt l got
money to leave? And amt she as cool
as cucumber, too, the independent
minx?'
A week after the Bernhardt episode
John Doyle came home fairly brimming
over with excitement
"What do you think? George has
bought an interest in the store. Had
tidy bit of money laid by when be
came down here, and seeing this was
good opening, bought in. Every body