The Magic Egg, and Other StoriesStockton, Frank R.
Science
The Magic Egg, and Other Stories
Stockton, Frank R.
Short stories; United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
After this the young lady looked into "Dormstock" when she came in; and
as her holidays had been extended by the continued absence of the
family in which she taught, she had plenty of time for study, and came
quite frequently. She often met Glascow in the shop, and on such
occasions they generally consulted "Dormstock," and sometimes had quite
lengthy talks on musical matters. One afternoon they came in together,
having met on their way to the library, and entered into a conversation
on diapasonic logarithms, which continued during the lady's stay in the
shop.
"The proper thing," thought Mr. Tolman, "would be for these two people
to get married. Then they could take the book and study it to their
heart's content. And they would certainly suit each other, for they
are both greatly attached to musical mathematics and philosophy, and
neither of them either plays or sings, as they have told me. It would
be an admirable match."
Mr. Tolman thought over this matter a good deal, and at last determined
to mention it to Glascow. When he did so, the young man colored, and
expressed the opinion that it would be of no use to think of such a
thing. But it was evident from his manner and subsequent discourse
that he had thought of it.
Mr. Tolman gradually became quite anxious on the subject, especially as
the night druggist did not seem inclined to take any steps in the
matter. The weather was now beginning to be warmer, and Mr. Tolman
reflected that the little house and the little shop were probably much
more cosey and comfortable in winter than in summer. There were higher
buildings all about the house, and even now he began to feel that the
circulation of air would be quite as agreeable as the circulation of
books. He thought a good deal about his airy rooms in the neighboring
city.
"Mr. Glascow," said he, one afternoon, "I have made up my mind to sell
out this business shortly."
"What!" exclaimed the other. "Do you mean you will give it up and go
away--leave the place altogether?"
"Yes," replied Mr. Tolman, "I shall give up the place entirely, and
leave the city."
The night druggist was shocked. He had spent many happy hours in that
shop, and his hours there were now becoming pleasanter than ever. If
Mr. Tolman went away, all this must end. Nothing of the kind could be
expected of any new proprietor.
"And considering this," continued Mr. Tolman, "I think it would be well
for you to bring your love matters to a conclusion while I am here to
help you."
"My love matters!" exclaimed Mr. Glascow, with a flush.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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