_Do not be angry that I make bold to write to you. The reason of it
is that I wish to marry, I am in need of a housekeeper and I have
no acquaintances. My business does not permit me to devote my time
to pleasure. As I look about, it always seems to me that you are a
dear, good young lady. Since I am a good man, it_ _would not be a
bad match for you to marry me. I have a business, and I can work,
and, with God’s help, we shall not want for anything. I am thirty
one years old. You know me and I know you. I know that you have
property, but that will not do any harm. I must state emphatically
that my home cannot get on any longer without a mistress, and that
I cannot wait, therefore I beg you to give me an answer within
fourteen days at the latest, because in case you refuse me, I must
look elsewhere. I am no dreamer, I cannot string together fine
words, but I am capable of devotion, and until the time expires, I
am_
_Your devoted_
JOHN RECHNER, _Engraver_.
“He writes just like any every day man,” observed Mrs. Nocar in the
afternoon. “Look here, Mitzi, now you have a choice between the two.
What are you going to do?”
“What am I going to do?” echoed Miss Mary like one in a dream.
“Do you like one better than the other? Now be honest--Does one please
you? And which one?”
“William,” breathed Miss Mary, blushing.
Cibulka had become William. Rechner was lost. It was decided that Mrs.
Nocar, as the more experienced of the two, should write the letter to
Rechner, and then Miss Mary was to copy it.
But scarcely had a week passed when Miss Mary came to her friend again
with another letter. Her face beamed with satisfaction. The letter
read: