THE COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER'S BEST GIRL.

Bush Advocate, Volume I, Issue 40, 7 August 1888, Page 2

THE COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER'S BEST GIRL.

He hurried off to the office as soon as he entered the hotel and without waiting to register, inquired eagarly: "Any letters for me?" The clerk sorted over a package with the negligent attention that comes of practice, then flipped one — a very small one— -on the counter. The travelling man took it with a curious smile that twisted his plea-sant-looking face in a mass of expectancy. Ho looked more as he read it. Then, oblivious of other travellers who jostled him, he laid it tenderly against his lips and .actually: kissed it. - A -loud guffaw startled him. "Now, look here, old fellpw," ,Baid a loud voice, " that won't do, you know. Too., spoony, for anything. Confess now, your' wife didn't write that letter ." "No she didn't," said the travelling man, with an amazed look, as if he would like to change the subject. "That letter is from my best girl." The admission was so unexpected that the trio of friends who had caught him said no more until after they had eaten a good dinner, and were seated together in a chum's room. Then they began to badger, him. ' ' It's ho use, you've got to read it to us, Dick," said one of them " we want to know all abouit your best girl." "So you shall." said Dick with great coolness," I will give you the letter, and you can read it for yourselves. There it is," and he laid it upon the table. "I guess not! ? . said the . one who had been the loudest in demanding it, "we like to chaff a littie, but I hope we are gentlemen. The young lady, would, hardly, lilce to have her letter read by this crowd, and he looked reproaphf ully at his friend. "But I must insist upon it, " was the answer, *" there is nothing iv it to be ashamed of— except the spelling, , that is # little #*&aky, I'll admit, but she won . care in the least. Eead it Harry, and judge foryourself. - > Thus urged, Harry, took up 4ha letter, shamefaoedly enough tnd read . it, , There were only a .few words. First he ' laughed—then swallowed suspiciously, and as he finished it he threw it on the table again, and {rubbed the baok of his hand across his eyes as if troubled with dimness of vision. "Pshaw," he said," if a love letter like that —^— —" and then he was silent.

"Pair play," cried one of the others with an uneasy laugh! "I'll read it to youj boys," said their friend, seeing they made no move to take it, " and I think you'll agree with me that it is a model love letter." And this is what he read: — "Mi owen deer Papa — I say mi PEairs overy nite annd When I kis yure Pictshure I ASK god to bless you gOOD bi Pa Pa yure Best gurl Dolly," Por a moment or two the com--pany remained silent, while the little letter passed from hand to hand and you would said that each and everyone had hay fever by the snuffing that was heard. Then Hardy jumped up to his feet — "Three cheers for Dolly, and three cheers more for Dick's best girl." They were given with a will.