AN INTERVIEW.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XII, 21 March 1896, Page 336

AN INTERVIEW.

After an hour’s passionate struggle with himself the old gentleman became more calm ; he arose, and, stepping to the door of his private office, summoned the office boy, to whom he gave a message. Then he returned to his desk and bowed his head over a letter that was lying upon it. ‘ Did you wish to see me, sir ?’ A beautiful young girl appeared at the threshold of the room. A racking tremor shook the old gentleman as he heard the voice, and he pressed his moist hand against his brow, to still its throbbing. Hoarsely he addressed the young woman, ■ Miss Smith, there is something you have concealed from me.’ The lovely girl started and blushed. ‘ Why—l—er—well, sir,—l think —’ ‘ Ah. it is as I feared.’ His voice rattled in his throat ; but with a great effort he regained his self-control. ‘ Miss Smith, you have brought to this office a refinement that it had never known before. While I did not approve of sachet packets being concealed among mv noteheads, nor of ribbons bedecking the telephone, still on the whole I was greatly pleased with your presence and your work. But now, Miss Smith, you ’ Again his self-restraint was greatly taxed. * This letter —you wrote this letter, Miss Smith ! Read it '. Read it aloudl’ Trembling, she took the paper and read : — ‘ Messrs Jones and Jones.—Darling.—Your letter of the oth inst. at hand. In reply I would say that we do not consider your claim is justified, and certainly the damage sustained could not possibly be as great as you state: even admitting all the facts as you represent them. We cannot consider the matter further until full proofs hare been submitted to us.—Believe me, sweetheart, your own loving MaL'D.’ The merchant’s head was lowered, and great veins stood out upon his hand. ‘ Miss Smith, that young man has come between us. Leave me, Miss Smith —and forever !’

’ Why, Bill, thought as how yer was locked up ?’ ‘ No ! the Beak be says ter me : " You are bound over ter keep the peace towards ad Her Majesty’s su’jects for six months.” Well, all as I says is : 'Even ’elp the fust furriner as I comes acrost.’