Thus soliloquized Mr. W——, while she who so occupied his thoughts went steadily on with her task, thinking, while so engaged, of nothing else.
And he was studying whether it would do to approach her mind on this subject of adoption there in the bindery, or at home in her boarding-house, where possibly his interview, which might be lengthy, would not be so noticed as it would be if held in the shop or his office.
For he knew he could not be too careful, either for her or for himself, in a world where nine-tenths of the people are censorious and full of suspicion, and the other tenth as ready to believe evil as good, no matter whence it comes.
So he decided, having her address, as well as that of every other employee, on his books, to call upon her at her boarding-house.
So he sat down at his desk and wrote these words:
“Miss Hattie:—Friends who feel a deep interest in your welfare, who appreciate your clear intellect, your excellent education, your talent, and your graces of person and manner, have deputed me to make a proposition alike honorable to you and nobly generous in them—a proposition which will remove you from the world of toil and care to a position of affluence and independence, without compromising your dignity or lessening you in your esteem. To convey the proposition, it is necessary I should hold a brief interview with you, and it seems to me it would be more consistent and proper for your position and mine that I should hold the interview at your residence or boarding-house. Therefore, I will call there this evening, at eight o’clock, to see you, in the presence of friends, if you think it necessary, or alone, if you will trust in the sincerity and honor of one who would wish to rank as your best and most unselfish friend.
“Edward W——.”
After reading this note carefully over, and finding nothing to change in it, he sealed and directed it, and going to Hattie’s table, just before it was time to leave off work, laid the note before her, and said:
“Do me a favor, Miss Hattie. This note is on important business. But do not read it until you go home.”
She bowed her head in assent.