Took Him at His Word.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11, 18 March 1905, Page 39

Took Him at His Word.

The manager of the firm had been aware for weeks that his chief clerk had fallen into a most deplorable state of melancholy. It did not require any great amount of perspicacity to observe this. When a man goes around with dark rings under his eyes, a woe-begone expression about his mouth, and a continual life-isn’t-worth-living expression in his whole bearing and demeanour, it is evident even to the most slovenly observer that there is something wrong with him. When this stage continues week after week, growing deeper and more foreboding with each day. when a chief clerk is caught time and again sitting before a desk covered with work with a far-away look in his eyes, it is safe to make a little bet that there is at least one woman in the case. The manager of the firm, being wise in the lore of the world, knew this. He knew also that such a state of affairs docs not make for efficiency in a chief clerk. As he valued his chief clerk highly, not only because of his services but for bis personality, the manager resolved to discover the reason for his employee’s melancholy, and if possible remedy the trouble. When ho discovered in his private office that it was a pure case of love the remedy was simple. “Marrv her.” he said. “Marry her; that’s all.” Hut then camo the reason for the long weeks of melancholy and lost hopes. “I can’t marry her; that is. I can’t very well.” said the chief clerk. “You see she belongs to one of the best families in the city—in fact, what is possibly the best family here. Her folks would never consent to her marrying a common clerk like myself. “Hut she loves you. don’t she?” asked the manager. “Do you think she’s going to let any parental opposition stand in the way of marrying the man she loves? Your position here is a good one. and your name is honourable. Go ask the girl. Don’t lot the parents’ will stun 1 in vour wav.”

“But it’s no use —her parents would cut up too rough. And she wouldn’t like to anger them. The manager waved his hand contemptuously. ‘‘Pooh, p; oh. my boy,” said he. “You marry that girl. Elope with her. By the way, do I know her?” "Yes. sir.” stammered the chief clerk. "She'll be at your ball next Tueday.” ‘Well, then, there’s your chance to elo|H‘ with her.” was the answer. “Leave the ball early with her. My coachman, Joseph, will be waiting and will drive you to the station. Then when you arc out of the way I will see the father and settle everything for you.”

“Is that really your advice?” queried the youth, gleefully. "Do you want me to do it ?” “Yes; I command you to do it. Now cheer up.” The ball was a glorious a flair. I'he orchestra played to the satisfaction of all present, ami the scene was one of gaiety. But after the ball there came a sad discovery for tin manager. When the heads were counted it was found to be no one else than his own daughter with whom the chief clerk, obeying the command of his superior, had eloped. “And I I ordered him to do it!” gasped the shocked father. But to show that

there were no ha id feelings he sat down and wrote a telegram which lead: “Come back: all will be forgiven.”