The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-12-01
Criminal gtorg.
How He Was Duped

How He Was Duped |!
Written for the Democratic 4drocdtc
BY LAUREL.
Emma ?" "Well, father?" "What do
you think Of Clarence Browning ?" 9Th
think Of Clarence Browning? l real
really don't know" replied Emma, with
some hesitancy; but the sudden color, which
came to her cheeks at the question, told
but too plainly that she did know. For
had not Clarence been constantly in her
company for the last six months2 And
had she not promised to become his wife,
whenever he could gain her fathers con-
sent 2" "Gain her fathers consent" |" Aye,
that was the difficult obstacle, for Mr..
Worthington being wealthy himself thought
not of persons other good qualities, if
they failed in this one (in his estimation }
essential, viz; in having plenty of money.
Now this was where Clarence Browning
was weighed, "and was found wanting"
Notwithstanding which, he was eminently
worthy of Emma, and from his own indie
pendent efforts realized sufficient TO keep
both her and himself (should they marry
comfortably.
There was not prettier, more amiable,
or more sensible girl in the village than
EmLa Worthington. She knew her
fathers weakness, aud although surmising
whittier his conversation in relation to
Clarence was drifting, asked with the
greatest simplicity imaginable :--"Why
father2" "Well he comes here quite
often (Mr. Worthington was plain spoken
man. and l rather think he has but one
object in doing so; but he shall never have
my daughter, never, unless he can prove
to me that he is really worth something.
And the old gentleman had grown very
much in earnest by the time he finished
speaking
Emma made no reply, and her father,
unwittingly growing confidential continued;
"You see, can buy those corner lots Of
Halls for twenty thousand dollars. The
fact is, the old man s in tight place, and
has got to sell, and haven't doubt but
that | could clear from three to FIVE thou
sand on the lots in a very short time.
Now, l want Clarence to lend me this
amount-tlp you think he can? ?"
The proposition coming so very abruptly
to Emma, and for such large amount,
too, "twenty thousand dollars" to say the
least, rather disconnected her. Why, Clar-
ence had not the one-tenth Of that sum,
ready money in his name. In fact, En-
mas hopes seemed dashed to the earth,
"never to rise again" Simply remarking
that che would try him tonight, at any
rate" Mr.. Worthington drew on his over
coat and gloves and went to his counting
room.
When alone, Emma gave way to a fit
of weeping. This, then, was to be the
end of her happiness, Oh, bard fate, that
with torturing malice, dashed the chalice
from their lips when they might have
quaffed it and been happy. But the long
est storm has its stages of climax and sub
sidence Emma's had reached the former,
and was now in the latter. With recovery
came resolution, aud note was sent on
its way to Clarence, requesting his pres
ence Immediately. He fastened to answer
the summons.
"Whats the matter, dear 2" asked he,
in tone Of alarm, on entering.
AT the sight Of him the tears came to
her eyes again, but by stong effort she
managed to control herself until he had
heard the whole story.
II was now his turn to be disconnected.
He could offer her no consolation, give
her no hope. "Twenty thousand dollars r.
why, he could consider himself well off,
did be but possess half Of it, After full
half.hours silence Emma suddenly started
up, saying, al have plan by which |
think the money can be raised"
"How ?" asked Clarence, eagerly.
"Father is a stockholder in the NJ
bank; | know Mr.. H, the President
Of it very well, and LII give you note to
him. ! think he could arrange it.
''Do you" asked Clarence, as a CLEAN.
of hope lighted up in his heart.
eyes" The note was soon written. and
FIVE minutes afterward, Clarence was on
MS way 10 tue Uank.
Emma, you will please retire for a few
moments; Iwish to converse privately with
Mr.. Browning" Well, / tell you Mr..
Browning" said Mr.. Worthingtop, when
Emma had left the room, "what wished
to see you about is this | have an op-
portunity to invest about twenty thousand
dollars. Can you lend me that amount ?''
Certainly, sir" coolly replied Clarence,
as if it were a matter Of every day occur
renee with him, and pulling pocketbook
from his pocket, he produced therefrom a
blank check, which he filed up, and
handed to Mr.. Worthington, saying as he
did so: "You will have no objection, l
presume, in giving me your note for that
amount ?"
"Not at all sir !" and in another moment
Mr.. Clarence Browning held Mr.. Worth
ington's note for twenty thousand dollars
Emma came in shortly afterwards, when
a furtiye look from Clarence assured her
that the matter was all right
The bank opened AZ nine o'clock pre-
cisely, FIVE minutes after which hour, on
the day succeeding tho above events, Clar-
ance appeared there, and getting the note
discounted, deposited the proceeds, and a
sufficient sum to make up the twenty thou
sand dollars, so when Mr.. Worthingtons
check was presented, it was readily honor
ed. The latter gentleman did not hesitate