Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1910-10-14

couldn't live up to it at my age!
I'll just bide here
1t was characteristic of the simple
nature of young Stennis that he went
to his desk downtown the next morn
ing as though nothing had happened
overnight. In fact, on waking he
found it almost impossible to realize
his changed position. To his board
ing-house the news had not yet pene-
trated, but when he arrived at the
store he found the tidings ahead of
him. Most of the morning dailies had
more or less lengthy accounts. for
Horatio Passavant had sent for the re-
porters, apparently creating the i'm
preston that the newly-hedged mil
wing.
The head of Stennis' firm came to
his desk at the instant he was open
ing the big ledger as usual.
I'VE certainly did not expect to see
you here this morning, Mr.. Stennis.
Let me congratulate you most heart
lily! or course. you'll be leaving us
soon?"
Yes, | suppose So" answered Will
frid, blushing and embarrassed. But
you see, sir, I haven't had time to get
used to the thing yet. and IL you don't
mind | should like to hang on here
for awhile, anyhow"
"Certainly-just as you please" The
elder man could appreciate the lads
feelings. Not so his fellow employees,
who all that day and for the few days
that Wilfrid did remain at his old
post seemed lost in amazement that
any fellow with a million dollars a
year coming in should want to work
at all
But. naturally, the hour came
around when Wilfrid Stennis balanced
his final column of figures. and hung
up his threadbare office-coat for the
last time. Gradually his mind adjust
ed itself to the new state of affairs.
but the circumstance that helped most
to bring him to his bearings was the
announcement by Mr.. Carboy that
there stood to his credit in the Chem
ical bank a deposit of half a million
dollars lust for present needs" the
lawyer at the same time handing him
handbook and a check-book. Then,
and then only. Wilfrid Stennis felt
that he had really come into his king
dom.
At once he did something for which
he always thanked his good. angel in
after years, He rode uptown to
Tiffany's. and selecting for Eunice a
marquise ring com posed of opals and
diamonds, drew his first check to pay
for 1t a-check that ran into four fat
figures.
Its the first of the money I've
touched. dearest" he said as he placed
the ring on her finger above the lit
tie engagement token she already
wore. All tears and happy smiles, the
girl threw her arms about his neck,
exc1aiming:
Nothing you could have done would
have pleased me more, you dear.
thoughtful fellow! 1t is far too hand
some for me, but I shall always love
1t and wear it, .
In the ensuing early days Wilfrid
was more than little perplexed as to
what changes he should make in his
mode of life. He soon discovered
what was evidently expected of him
through an avalanche of circulars
from house-agents. tailors. haberdash-
ers, florists. cigar and wine merchants,
picture dealers. horse-marts, and car
riage manufacturers, all bespeaking
his custom and patronage, to say moth
ing of begging letters by the gross.
Even so-called College of Heraldry
offered to furnish crest and a coat
of arms-for a stiff consideration in
cash.
His boarding house became simply
uncomfortable on this account and be-
cause of the notoriety he had already
gained. So by Eunice's advice he
went to good hotel. until he could
settle himself in suitable suite OF
bachelor apartments" she added.
But what do / want with a bache-
Tor apartment" be asked In wonder.
What l would like to do is to get