The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1916-02-11


you think me very ungrateful. but my
duty calls me- | cannot 90 with the
family to California, as you have ar
ranged"
Then she told this real friend what
impelled her TO turn aside from ease
and luxury. all for a lonely, friendless
man who had once been her loyal
mentor and guide. Mrs. Delyille lis
tened with interest and sympathy. The
little one would grieve for her, she and
her husband would sorely miss her.
but she guessed the true emotion that
underlay Alice Worths strange i'm
pulse and tried only to be helpful.
Ii was the next day that John Bryan
sat at his desk. trying TO believe that
ne was still man of business and
that the flood of fortune would some
day turn his way. He was writing out
cards to place in the rack over his
desk. describing the various pieces of
property he had for sale, when a lady
entered the Office and sank to the
chair at the side of the desk. She was
yelled. John instantly recognized her
as his kindly helper of the day previ-
Gus.
i have come to see you on bust
ness, Mr.. Bryan" she began at once
and vague far-away expression came
into his eyes. What chord of memory
was touched? Why did a nameless
thrill pervade his being? Before he
could realize these strange emotions.
the lady held him in trance of sheer
stupefaction as she proceeded: 81
wish to go into business. | am a COM
petent stenographer and something of
business woman. hear you spoken
OF as a man of sterling integrity.
Would you consider me as partner IL
l will invest some capital against your
business capacity?"
"A partner" gasped the astonished
John Bryan in lost tone. There Is
nothing to make a partnership Of"
Il think differently" spoke his Wis
1tor promptly. Il have investigated
and believe that, with your prestige
and record and little cooperation,
you can regain the business you so
we'll understand A Mr.. Delville. a
wealthy gentleman, will place the care
OF large property in our hands"
John Bryan was trembling all over
with mingled sensations Of hope, ex-
element and self-depreciation
must be honest with you," he
spoke. Il was only successful while I
had an assistant, most estimable and |
capable young lady. That is her pic
ture." and John pointed to the same |
photograph in frame over his desk
which the yelled lady picked up from |
among his scattered papers on the |
pavement on the day previous. 81
keep 1t near me-" he added in a low
tone, for she is closer to nv heart |
than any other woman in the world -
There was a fiutter OF the veil. AS |
the visitor again spoke, the accents of
her voice betrayed intense emotion. |
VIII you draw up a memorandum of
the partnership agreement, Mr.. Bry. /
an?" she said.
He took up his pen and drew a blank
sheet of paper towards him in dazed,
way.
The name, please?" he questioned.
She lifted her veil-Alice Worth,
For moment he stared unbelievingly
at her. Then the truth overwhelmed
MIN. The tears started, his face
dropped into his arms across the desk
before him and ne sobbed as IL his
heart would break Her gentle hand
the silvered head.
Blind. Blind" she murmured-
he does not even yet guess that my
poor tired heart is furnishing for the
owe of true. loyal mani"
But the scales fell from the eyes OF
John Bryan as the days went on and
business cares were assuaged by that
sweet companionship. And then, amid
nope and success. love famed forth
sloriously, and so they were married.