The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-03-23
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
MONEY AND MARRIAGES.
BY MAUDE PARSONS.

81 MAUDE PARSONS.
William Douglas, manager OF Thor
nybrook, strobe TO the telephone and
rang three times. A lovely voice, with
little yawn in II. answered.
May 1 see you few moments,
Miss Annie" queried Douglass. ITS
a matter OF Importance"
Yes, William" returned the lovely
voice. Come right over"
Annie Thornton. owner OF Thorny-
brook, awaited the manager in a sun
hooded room in the handsome old
house. Miss Thornton was good to
look upon. In ruffled, trailing
morning gown, and with dewy eyes
tnat looked forth contentedly on a
pleasant world, she was ravishing.
Or so thought william Douglass,
anyway. William was in~love with his
employer.
His homely, trustworthy face was
pale. He had not slept much for two
nights trying to decide on just what
ne was going to say Now he found
his speech curiously hard to deliver.
Miss Anne" he began.
Yes" encouraged Miss Anne. in a
tone Of voice she reserved for Doug
lass alone.
Il am going-I have decided-that
is we-you have a chance 10 buy
some more stock of the Du Quoin Ma
tiOnal bank"
1t is a good buy" william, on
familiar ground, was not embarrassed
now. The banks well managed and
is making money"
Then buy IL, William. You know
trust all those things to you. any
way"
The unhappy william perspired.
That's what 1 came to see you about.
Twelve been thinking about the
back farm. Shall we pasture il again
this summer. or pillow for corn? Wed
better decide, il this weather is going
TO stay"
Without. the low hills were taking
on tender greenery. and two robins
made love under the window. Miss
Anne, being young and wholesome
and pretty. was pulsing beneath the
call OF spring-and William was talk
ing about blowing!
lam
And then, suddenly turning her dark
eyes full upon him: What did you
really want to see me about, will
lamp"
Douglass gasped and houndered.
Ihen, rising he placed a little pack
age OF papers in her hand and said:
Here's a statement of things-of
your money and stocks and your
farms I'm going to-to leave. Miss
Anne.
The old clock in the hall lick
locked of ages Of silence. Douglass
Kept his stubborn glance on the sun
shiny landscape beyond the broad
winow. Miss Anne studied the top OF
her little slipper.
Going away" she said at last. as
II to herself. You are really going to
leave us! Why. William"
ITS a private matter. I'd-welI
Ia rather not say, Miss Anne"
rs II salary, William? You know
I've tried 10 make you take more"
NO" returned Douglass, decidedly.
Il m paid more than I'm worth, now"
But you've done splendidly. Will
lam. When we hired you as manager.
mother and had no idea Of burden
ing you with our financial affairs. too.
And now we're depending on you TO
make our investments"
It's all right. Miss Anne. I've
liked TO do it,"
Uncle Robert says you've made us
richer than ever. And share Of that
is yours"
No" said Douglass, and he meant
It, 1T isn't money"
I'm sorry" said Miss Thornton.
plaintively. We've been very happy
together" II william had not been
so busy watching the love-making
robins he would have noticed a little
blush tinge his employers cheeks as
DRen
so harmonious"
Il know. Miss Anne. That's what
makes II hard TO go. never can
thank you for your kindness. Those
papers will explain things to the new
man"
William" interrupted Miss Anne.
please sit down again. I want your
advice-for a friend. You're not go
ing to leave US right away?"
On, no; I can stay for-for little
time"
Ihree months-four months?"
The girl leaned forward eagerly.
Well, ] hardly thing so. I want
TO get established before the summer
is too far advanced"
oh" a pause. 80 you're going
into business ?"
Yes; that is. l think so"
is that so personal that YOU didn't
want 20 tell me?" There was an ac-