The pioneer-review. [volume] (Philip, Haakon County, S.D.) 1920-current, 1922-06-08
The Two
Bachelors
By MALCOLM BROWN

Copyright. 1922. Western Newspaper Union
And the doctor says he'll new
err be able to come to work again"
The ending of Daniel Patterson's
story fell with dismal effectiveness
upon the ears OF Abner, his brother.
Old Eph Jones. who had kept the
books for the important firm ever
since its inception by Hiram Patter-
son, the father Of the two brothers,
had been disabled by old age.
OF course. he would be pensioned,
but the question was, who would take
his place? The Patterson business
was an Old-fashioned one, trading
with few wealthy. old-fashioned
families.
AS a matter Of fact, the Patterson
business barely paid its way. But the
brothers had amassed comfortable
fortune. Daniel, the elder, was lit
tie over fifty; Abner, his brother, who
was always regarded as the reckless
one. was fOrty-five. Both were con
hrmed bachelors, and if they had
given up business neither would have
known what to do with himself.
well have to advertise for book
keeper" said Abner, after consulta-
ton. "A quiet, dignified, young wom-
an"
And thus, In due course of time,
Miss Marj0ry Brown took her seat at
the desk behind the grille and began
ct take financial charge Of the broth
ers' affairs.
| Both Abner and Daniel had antici
pated troublesome time In posting
her as to the affairs of the house. but
to their delight Miss Brown proved
as intelligent as she was attractive
And within month Miss Marjory
Brown ruled the Office with rod of
iron.
| "Abner," said Daniel one day, II
withdraw what I said against women
bookkeepers. Miss Brown is a-er-
a-er-peach y
He Missed the word at his brother
and then looked at him as one who
has committed breach of decorum.
But Abner only nodded his head, and
then Daniel looked at him quite differ
emily. That Abner should hold the
same opinion Of Miss Brown reused
a curious sensation In him.
Miss Brown was duly raised from
thirty to forty dollars a week, to lure
her away from matrimonial aspira-
lions.
But that was in the good times be-
fore the panic. Then business grew
worse and worse.
"Abner," said Daniel. Miss Brown
will have to 60. You give her notice"
"Why don't you give her notice"
answered Abner. "YOu are the senior
partner" He had observed that Dan
iel had grown more more formal with
Miss Brown Of late.
'But you are a man of the world,
Abner," urged Daniel. "You have had
-er-experience in these matters.
Tell her, Abner, that we may take her
back II we reopen"
take her back" repeated Abner,
scornfully. "Why, Daniel, she will
have another position then. How
could we get her back?"
So Abner very reluctantly edged
his way toward the grille.
Miss Brown" he began, Il am very
sorry to say that THAT Is, the firm
II mean we are going to close down,
perhaps for long time.'
Az he looked at Miss Marjory
Brown Abner suddenly became aware
that for the first time In months he
was able to do so without Daniel COM
ing In to call him. Daniel had always
hated to have him talk to the book
keeper. Miss Brown reminded him of
somebody he had once known when
he really was the reckless member of
the family And suddenly Abner was
swept away into doing the most reck-
less thing he had ever done.
"But we want you to stay with us
forever" he stammered. 1--WE want
you to be-er-er-wife"
Miss Browns cheeks became the
color Of ruddy peach.
'Whose wife did you say, Mr.. Alb
ner." she murmured. looking down at
her ledger.
"My wifel" CALCULATED Abner. TAX
ing the ledger brazenly away.
II knew you couldn't mean Mr..
Daniels wife," murmured Miss Brown
five minutes later.
"Why, dearest 7" inquired Abner.
Because ! refused him two months
ago." answered Miss Brown.