The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-06-01
PROVING A FRAUD.
BY HARRIET ESTHER WARNER.

"Bernice Melrose; yes, that's very
pretty name; but what's in namep'
And Mr.. Welton, senior, shook his head
refectively. 1.-The idea of young man
with plenty of money marrying girl
without cent! If ever marry again it
will be woman with plenty Of money;
and one thing is certain; you are not go
ing to marry that girl with my consent,
| that's all, sir!'
1--WE shall get on without it. / tell
you that it is l who will have to live
with my wife, if have one, so intend
to have a voice in the matter of choos-
ing"
This was Guy Welton who spoke, and
he was Just like his father in one re-
spect-set in having his own way.
you'll make pretty figure taking
care of wife without any help from
me-"
81 think can take care of the little
girl who loves me-"
"Of course you think So"
And then Mr.. Welton began to argue,
then he grew angry, and words between
father and son were hot and lively, and
neither gave way.
"You are very foolish, Guy, and
you'll regret it some day, see if you
don't. But see here; taking it for grant
ed that she is lovely, and all that. rn
wager the deed to my new house that
she doesn't care for you in the least; it
is your money she is after. II some 9TH
er chap would come along with more
money than you have, your chances
would be nowhere
Guy smiled. This last argument of
his fathers he thought too absurd to
give serious thought.
''She loves me, not the wealth may
possess. would trust her heart against
all the money that can be amassed"
'And would you be willing to test
herP'
Il have not doubted her yet"
'.Do be sensible. Guy. I've lived in
the world 4 great deal longer than you
have, and l know more about women.
l never knew of many true, loving We
men. and one of them was your mother;
but few women are to be depended on.
l have a mind to try and see if ] can't
get ahead of you. Come, now, what do
you say? It's all for your good. l don't
want your happiness ruined, my boy,
and if she proves as true as you think
her, will withdraw my objection, and
give you a deed to the new house"
II should hate to have my little girl
think l doubted. And you will give US
your blessing, father, when you are con-
vinced that she loves me for myself
alone?"
Yes; when l am convinced of that,
you may marry her with my consent"
Mr. Welton was fine looking man
of polished manners and great wealth,
and altogether was regarded as a verv
desirable admirer by many of the fair
sex, He considered himself very clev-
er diplomatist, and when he started to
prove Bernice Melrose fortune hunter,
he had no doubt of his ultimate success.
Elm Grove was a cosey country town,
and it was here that Mr.. Welton came
to see and to conquer, believing that in
such small place he could easily, by
chance or desi ign, make the young glady's
acquaintance.
As he was driving through the coun-
try one day, he overlook u lady walking
leisurely along the road, and asked her
to take a seat in his phaeton, and as fate
was propitious, she did.
Il wonder who she is; she is deuced
pretty, any way" though Mr.. Welton,
as they drove along"
He soon found out that she lived in
Elm Grove, and she being of COM
municative turn of mind he asked her
it she knew any one there by the name
of Melrose.
"Melrose? Why, that's my name,"
said the fair stranger.
..Bernice Melrose," he asked, inquis-
itively.
.Yes, sir, my name is Bernice Mel
rose. How came you to know my
name?" asked Bernice Melrose, as she
colby regarded Mr.. Welton.
"Why, you see, my friend Guy Well
ton has spoken it SO often that feel ac-
quainted with the name, at least" OK
planned Mr.. Welton. -a..
''And SO you are friend of Guy'sP
He is friend of mine also"
Then we are both friends OF Guys.
Well, there is my card;'' and he handed
her one on which was written the name
of one of Guys most intimate acquaint-
ances.
81 am pleased to know you. Mr.. Es-
tey; have heard Guy mention you Of
ten. The boy seemed to regard you
very kindly"
''The boy! humph! The idea of call
ing her promised husband boy! Won,
der what Guy would say if he heard
her?''
1t was pretty cottage at which the
lady alighted, but it was neither luxu-
rious nor splendid.
"Do You live alone, Miss Melrosep
asked Mr. Welton. politely.
"Oh, no! | live with my mother"
OF course that settled all doubts OF
her identity in Mr.. Welton's mind.
"And SO that is Guys girlr' mutter.
ed Mr. Welton as he drove along. 81
supposed she was chit of about seven.
teen by the way he spoke Of her; but
she is twenty-five if she is day; and
she called my dignitied son boy. She
doesn't care very deeply for him, that's
plain. l don't see how it is that some
men will lose all the sense they evel
did have ON account of some women
Now fiatter myself that understand
the fair sex pretty well, and all thi.
Rernics MslEsse's deceit "a PeEtss.l.