The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-12-28
him. He may be making laundering;
mistake. I'd be sorry for that, too.

mistake. IL DC sorry Tor that, TOO.
"But there you are. Liz. certainly
can't go on my knees to him-no
don't want to seem TO stand between
him and his prospects. - shall havo
to get another clerk-get one super
cillous 1ackass after another till I'm
suited, suppose"
"oh, dad" said Lizzie, in low voice.
there must be as good flsh IN tho
sea as ever came out OF IT,
Think so. LIZ? But shall miss
him--beyond his use. don't mind
saying. Liz. I shall miss him sore
The days were drawing In again.
1t was we'll on in September and the
afternoons had already become so
chilly that one felt glad to have
good fire burning. Lizzie was on her
knees before the hearth, with log
In her hands. when Jack came burst
ing In to tell her about the marvellous
letter from Griggs
I'm so glad to catch you alone.
wanted to ;cl1 you first. It's n secret.
wanted your adv!ce-before ! tell
your father"
lie had found something Incredibly
better than the Crunden clerkship. His
eyes sparkled and he snapped his FIN
gers gaily as he spoke OF It. Griggs--
most eminent of auctioneers-offercd
] him Is a week to begin with. promise
! OF steadily increasing salary. and
! the dazzling. though remote. prospect
| of a small partnership In their famous
| house.
| Lizzie was on her knees. but she did
| not pray to him that he would remain
at obscure little Milford. She got up.
| read the letter. and advised him to ac-
cept the offer from the vast metropo
| lis. Gr.ggs were evidently in earnest
we beg of you seriously to con-
slider our offer and It's advantages.
| which," said Griggs politely. will be
mutual. We Will study your own in
| clinations to character OF employ
I ment-whether In town or country-:r
| personal contract with our best Lon
sentative among the nobility and land
/ ed gentry etc.
Then you advise me to go. Mis-:
Lizzie-as friend?'
.'As friend, what else can advise?
| Besides. what could any advice mater:
/ can see ;now pleased you are"
Yes" said Jack. Not SO much with
the feeling of independence. Tou
! know the world my oyster-ana all
that. A partnership with Criggs!"
Had you applied to tiiem?"
mo. It's just an unsolicited tast;-
monial to merit. Griggs bowled over
! laid fit on their backs--fecl they can't
4 get up again unless / come and give
them helping hand. And you adj
/ wise me to go. Yes, thought you
would. Thank you. Miss Lizzie. Blu,
keep 1t secret. please. Don't tell
your father about this. There's no
hurry-and I have told him should
soon be going
Very well, won't speak about it,
But don't think you'll want much
time to make up your mind"
mo. You advise it. ! am sure you
are right, Miss Lizzie. was sure you
would tell me to go. OF course. !
shall be sorry to leave your father
but then this means real Independence
high pay--wealth. Suppose ever
wanted to marry. Why, I could al
!, most keep a wifc-if she wasn't too
\ big n swel--on e. week-to begin
with
1t was the end OF the week-long
after working hours, and yet Lizzie
was still busy. To-day there had been
excitement, the hope of good stroke
that famed up bright, tickered feebly,
\ faded and then again glowed and drop
;, Eped-likc the. freight on the ceiling
when the fuel is damp and needs the
strongest bellows. Early in the morn
/, ing gentleman and his friend had
come from Surbiton to buy one Of tbs
decoy houses; and all day they had
been apparently on the point OF buy
!. ing. They had been in and out OF
. Kings Cottage, at the decoy itself.
round and round the estate, till lunch
! time; then they went away and took
: luncheon at the White Hart; then they
J. returned and with Jack, Crunden and
Bowling had spent the afternoon be-
. tween tho estate and Eatons office
: The last news was: everybody assem-
bled in the road outside the decoy, but
, no business yet done.
Now, with the twilight falling, Liz
!. zic sat at her desk clearing up inter-
: rupted tasks. while she waited for her
2 father to como home TO his delayed
81 tea.
! Business, business. busness!'' said
!. Mrs. Price dolefully. as. after lighting
2 the lamps. she drew the curtains. Its
i all work nowadays and no play. Sat.
urday night or Monday mornings al
one... Miss Liz! You very busy"
: only finishing sonnet ling,
Q ITO be Continued Monday.)
III "a n - ~ M -