Stephens City star. (Stephens City, Va.) 1881-1883, 1882-05-20
PROVING A FRAUD.

''Bernice Melross ss--yes, that's very
pretty name. But what's in name?"
And Mr.. Welton, senior, shook his
head relectively. "The idea of SEN
sible young man, with plenty of money,
marrying girl without cent? If ever
l marry again, it will be woman with
plenty of money, and one thing is cer-
tain-you are not going to marry that
girl with my consent. That's all, sir."
"We shall get on without it. I tell
you that it is I who will have to live with
my wife, if I have one; so intend to
have voice in the matter of choos-
ing"
This was Guy Welton who spoke, and
he was just like his father in one
respect-as to having his own way.
you'll make pretty figure taking
care of wife without any help from
me-"
IL 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 got 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
granted that she is lovely and all that.
I'll wager the deed to my new house
that she doesn't care for you in the
least. 1t is your money she is after.
If some other 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
her?"
II have not doubted her yet"
"Do be sensible, Guy. I've lived in
the world great deal longer than you
have, and I know great deal more
about women. I never knew OF many
true, loving women, and one of them
was your mother. But few women are
to be depended on. have mind to
try and see if 1 can't get ahead of you.
Come, now, what do you say? It's all
for your good. I don't want your hap
piness ruined, my boy; and, if she
proves as true as you think her, 1 will
withdraw my objection and give you a
deed to the new house."
II shall hate to have my little girl
think doubted her. And you will
give us your blessing, father, when you
are convinced that she loves me for
myself alone?'
eyes; when I 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 ve-y desir-
able admirer by many OF the fair sex.
He considered himself very clever
diplomatist, and when he started to
prove Bernice Melrose fortune hunter,
he had no doubt of his ultimate success.
Elm Grove was cosy 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 design, make the young lady's
acquaintance.
AS he was driving through the country
one day, he overlook lady walking
leisurely along the road, and asked her
to take seat in his phaeton, and as fate
was propitious. she did.
81 wonder who she is; she is deuced
pretty, any way" thought 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 if
she knew any one there by the name of
MaIroSa