The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1911-04-13
AnUnexpected
Event

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Dick was president of one OF the
largest clothing stores in Chicago.
He had begun as errand boy anu mad
been gradually promoted until. at the
last meeting of the board of direct
ors, he was elected president Short
ly after taking the Office OF president.
he shifted Robert Patterson. one OF
the floor walkers. to the position of as
sistant manager and purchasing
agent.
Bob was now in Europe, having
/ gone there a month before to secure
for the firm the latest styles in cloth
ing. He was expected back within n
short time, and, as Dick was anxious
to set the men to working on the new
styles, he awaited Bob's arrival with
no small interest Being at the head
of the firm, his greatest desire was to
make this year the greatest in the
history Of the clothing business,
He was busily engaged looking over
his mail that morning and had nearly
finished, when he heard rap on HIS
door At his request. the door was
opened, admitting messenger boy.
He handed Dick telegram and left
the Office.
Dick glanced at the telegram and
found 1t to be from Bob. He hastily
tore open the envelope and read the
following message addressed to him
personally:
will. be back Thursday. Married.
Everything o. X. Bob"
Dick. after reading the message, sat
back in his chair and had a hearty
laugh over the news. He rang tho
bell for The stenographer.
Dorothy Wilcox entered the private
office. She was pretty girl about rs
years of age and she came from a
highly respected family.
Miss Wilcox, have fast received q
telegram. 1t contains the best piece
of news l have heard for long time
Bob Patterson is coming back next
Thursday. He will be accompanied
by his wife,"
To Dicks surprise Dorothy let the
shorthand book fall from her hand.
Her face grew almost as white as her
shirtwaist.
The news had almost stunned her
for she and Bob had secretly become
engaged and were. to have been mar =
ried in August. She loved him and
had always believed that he loved her.
but now, while he was in Europe. he
had met another girl and married her.
Could she bear the shock?
1t was hard for her but she was de-
termined not to break down over 1t.
She took the shorthand book which
Dick had picked up and. taking a seat
at the desk, made ready for dictation.
The next few days passed quickly
and before Dick knew it 1t was Thurs
day. The train upon which Bob was
to arrive was an hour late and did not
pull in until 1880 in the afternoon.
Dick had requested all the employees
to be at the station at the arrival OF
the bride and groom and give them a
warm reception.
He had appointed Miss Wilcox. not
knowing of her relations to Robert. to
act as head of the reception commit
tee at the gate. She did not wish to do
this, but Dick was one of those men
who is always kind to his employees,
but when he said thing he wanted It
done Therefore, dreading 1t even as
she did, Dorothy decided to obey her
employer and do his bidding.
About / o'clock the employees OF
the firm began to assemble at the sta
ton. They kept on coming until. at
1880, they were all there. The car
rage arrived. decorated for the occa-
sion. A large sign was fastened on
the back. reading, Just married" and
several strings of shoes were dragging
after it.
The employees formed In two lines
from the gate to the carriage, One
of the lines was headed by Miss Will
cox and the other by the floor walker.
Thus arranged, they awaited the ar
rival of Mr.. and Mrs. Patterson.
They did not have to wait long.
The train soon pulled in. Now was
Dorothys test. Would she break
down? She felt as If she could not
stand a moment longer, Her heart
was nearly broken; 1t beat wildly
within her. But-she would at least
hold out until Bob was driven away
In the carriage. With this decision,
she waited silently.
Presently, Bob was seen approach.
Ing the gate. He was alone. Where
was his wife? Everyone was puzzled.
When he came to the gate. he was
surprised at seeing everyone waiting
Tor him. What did 1t mean why this
He was quickly asked
where his wife was and he was taken
nnawares. Ills wife? Where had the
news originated? He asked for an ex-
planation and was told of the teIe-
gram which Dick had received He
soon solved the problem. A friend in
Europe, wishing to play joke on
him. had sent that telegram. Ele was
hot married. 1t was all joke
Dick" he said, there is no Mrs.
present-but there soon
will be one" and to the surprise Of
Ill, he walked over to Dorothy ana,
aking her by the arm. led her
through the two lines of employees
md into the carriage. He directed the
lriver to the parsons home. and, In
tide of an hour, Dorothy. who. short
ime before had believed her heart
O be broken. was being held tightly
n her husbands arms. the happiest
roman in the world.
What's the Use?