The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-08-08
Cruel to be Kind.

"Some two weeks ago." said the de
tectiye, 81 was called in by one Of on
leading citizens, a merchant, VIII
placed in my hands to be worked up
a case possessing somewhat amusin;
features, and which fairly demonstrate
that there are such things as good an,
bad luck. A wealthy young blood
whom | shall name Hugh, and who
if he were not quite so dandifed, will
patent feathers, immaculate linen, dia
mond studs, a redundancy of watcl
and chain, and superabundancy ofrings
his bit of gold moustache waxed anC
twisted, and loud style CT clothes
might be called good-looking, so far al
form, statue and features are con
cerned. But his foprishness spoils all
about the time mentioned above
Hugh called on Mr.. N, the gentlemen
who employed me, at his place of bus.
iness, and requested an interview. The
young man was admitted i'm to Mr.. NJ.
private office. The latter was surprised
atreceiving visit from the young man,
whose father had been an intimate
friend of his. Mr.. n. requested him
to state his business briefly, as he (the
merchanD had very little time to spare
Five minutes will suffice to explain
my business, sir" answered Hugh. 81
love your daughter Annie. and believe
she loves me. wish your concent to
prosecute my suit"
Every well come in a week from to-
day, at this hour for your answer.
Meanwhile do not visit her or say a
word about our interview" +"
The young man rose, bowed, and left
the rich man to his business.
''Send for Mr., the detective; ]
wish to consult him Immediately"
The clerk left and in less than al
hour | was closeted with the merchant.
| stayed but few moments, and nc
one knew but Mr.. n, and myself what
came for.
The week was up few days ago. To
minute the appointment was kept,
and Hugh entered the presence of the
merchant.
The latter held in his hand a small
memorandum book, and when the
young man said, "Mr. N, have come
for your answer" The merchant
glanced at him, then at the book, and
smiled. at may not seem pertinent,
but | have a diary to read before | give
my answer" replied Mr.. N. "It may
interest you, so | will read aloud:
"At 3 in the afternoon Mr.. q omit
the name) dined at a fashionable res
taurant on Olive street, in a private
room, with Miss Sadie G.. of South Sixth
street. He called for, and between
them they emptied three bottles of
champagne and two of Bordeaux.
They then took a hack and drove to
a Fourth street dry goods store, where
MISS. G.. made numerous purchases,
for which Mr.-paid. In the even
ing they went to the Theatre Comique; {;
remained there until the performance
was over, and were driven to Madame
SIS establishment. The next even
ing he went to variety show north of
Washington avenue. He spent the
greater part of the evening in the wine
room in the company of Miss-,to
whom he was much devoted, and
whom he treated to several bottles of
wine. After the performance, the wo-
nan accompanied him to his room and
they spent the night together and
"Whatis the matter Hugh" Does
my reading this diary affect you? l
have only reached the second day, and
have not got to the gambling house
on Sixth, near Chestnut street."
"Mr. N, you set spy to watch my
moYements-you know you did!"
eyes, Hugh, for 1 wanted to know
the habits of the man who desired to
become the husband of as lovable and
gentle a girl as my daughter, | acted
wisely, as the sequel shows. Good
morning, Mr.. Hugh" continued Mr..
N, as he bowed the crestfallen young
fellow out of his office. "You need
not trouble yourself to call on Annie
after this, for | shall place this diary
in her hands before evening""
You could have bought Hugh, as he
stood, clothes, Jewelry, aud all, then
for two bits. He never felt qnite so
cheap before in all his hfe."