WOULD MAKE A GOOD WIFE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 9, 27 February 1892, Page 202

WOULD MAKE A GOOD WIFE.

‘ I was thinking, sir,’ he said, as he hesitated at the door of the old gentleman's private office, ‘ that perhaps I’d like to marry your daughter.’ * A noble girl,’ said the old gentleman, reflectively. * I don't know how I can spare her, but I suppose I’ll have to some time.’

* Yes, sir ; quite right, sir, and I'd like to have her, except —except —you know I’m not rich, sir.’ ‘ I know it,’ replied the old gentleman, ‘ but you are drawing a fair salary, and I don’t require wealth.’ ‘ I’m glad of that, sir ; but I was sort of thinking that—that she isn’t experienced in household matters.’ * She isn’t,’ said the old gentleman ; ‘ but she’s a wonderfully observing girl.’ ‘ Yes, sir, and I think a great deal of her ; but if I take her to a home of her own I’m afraid, sir—l’m afraid it would be hard, very hard. She was educated for a rich man’s wife, and wouldn't know ’

* You're partly right,’ interrupted the old gentleman. ‘ But let me tell you something about that girl. She went to my cupboard a couple of days ago to get something that was there, and there were a pair of trousers hanging near the door.’ ‘ Yes. What of it ?’ * One of the brace buttons was gone.' * And she—she—’ The young man was so agitated that he could not finish the sentence. ‘ She noticed it,' said the old gentleman. ‘ Noticed it herself ?’ ‘ No one had said a word to her about it.' ‘ But she—she didn’t—’

‘ Yes, she did. She sewed that button on.’ * Please, sir, say “ yes,” ’ pleaded the young man, ‘ and—and if she'll have me let us name a day in the near future. And grant me one other favour.' ‘ What is it 1’

‘ Don’t, please don't let any other young man know about that button until after the wedding. I don't want to take any chances.'