The banner-enterprise., 1883-04-19
began to doubt the word of the poor

reception, but when my errand wa
made known his manner changed. 1t
was long before | could make any i'm
preston upon him. He affected to
believe their suffering feigned, because
Mrs. Hale had refused to take any
more work from his wife. | told the
reason, when he replied you have
been an easy dupe to designing wo-
man. Here is ten dollars, which
give under protest, knowing it will be
foolishly squandered. And now, my
good sir, please never mention the
subject to me again, or l shall be
obliged to drop an acquaintance that |
haye always found exceedingly agree
able
"Perhaps l said little more to him
than became a poor minister, but as
looked around upon his magnificent
drawing-rooms could not help think
ing that were it not for the publicity
of his donations they would be with
held, and that his published contribu.
tions did not proceed from a generous
heart, but from contemplate desire
for popularity and fame. And l did
what is not always wise, spoke my
thoughts aloud.
"He reminded me gravely that l was
taking upon myself one of the pre-
negatives of the Most High when
set myself up to Judge the motives
which had actuated him. l cannot
say who had the last word, but know
| never felt so angry in my life as
did when / stepped from his door, and
he bowed me out in the most self-pos-
sessed manner. l lost my position
soon after through his influence and
since then our ways in life have sell
dom crossed.
Mrs. Hale recovered soon, thanks
to careful nursing and the effect of
careful food. Several became interest
ed in her, and as soon as she regained
her strength they put her in the way
OF earning enough to support herself
and Willie. She gave him a good edu-
cation, and he has done great deal
for himself, and is to-day one of the
most promising young men of my ac-
quaintance. That is only one of many
instances which have come under my
observation through my long and
varied experience. 10 be Just to hui
man nature, | think this little the
worst, or else | became familiarized
with inconsistencies and they did not
make so deep an impression upon me.
Perhaps you will Judge Mrs. Ben
son more leniently when l tell you she
has but carried out the result of her
early training, for you know she is
Judge Hadley's daughter, and he is the
Mr.. Blank who figured in my story.
And, Annie, perhaps there will be no
better time for me to talk with you on
the subject which has given me no
little anxiety. Within the past week
two young men have called on me.
seeking my permission to win to them
selves my hearts best treasure, my
only daughter. Annie, darling, will
you show me your heart, that l may
know how to answer them ?"
No words came from the restless
little figure, who had suddenly found
so much to be done in the other part
of the room. Every book had been
busted twice over, and still she lin
gered, with her face turned from her
father.
:" am waiting, Annie"
"Well, papa" under her breath
"Come here, darling, where | can
see your face; who knows how long
they will let me have you with me?"
"Shall tell youof my callers? Well, ]
one is rich, educated aad exceedingly .
popular. He has no profession or
business, and you would think he
would never need any, as he is an only .
son; but If by some su lden stroke OF
fortune his fathers wealth should be
swept away, the young man, with his
dainty and expensive habits, would
find it difficult to take care of !
himself, and, much more, q wife.
Paul Hadley is in love, or thinks he is,
with Annie's pretty face and engaging
manners. The present prospects are
that she would have an elegant home
every luxury that wealth can bestow,
and, while her beauty lasts, portion
of her husbands heart. William
Benson you have known all your life.
He has just finished his profession, and
has his way to make in the world.
And he will do it, for he has true
courage AMI perseverance, correct
habits and high aim. He may never
be rich, as things are counted here,
and his wife will have to take her
share of the burdens of life, but she
will have husband of whom any
woman might be proud, and his heart,
tender and true, will be all her own.
1t so happened that the two chose the
same hour to visit me. William came
in first, but was hardly seated when
Hadley was announced. They merely
exchanged bows, though l know they
must have known each other at school. /
Hadley said his business was urgent,
and asked to see me alone few mo-
ments. | confess his errand took me
by surprise, for La only thought of
my home pet as a child, while others
have found out, it seems, that she is a
beautiful young lady. When we
entered the parlor again | said: Per
haps you two gentlemen don't know
you are cousins John Hadley threw
up his head contemptuously and re-
piled: You must be mistaken. Judge
Hadley is my father, you know
ayes said |, and Mrs. Benson is
his own sister you must thank me
for giving you an aunt and cousin who
stand SO high with the best people of
our city.
"He muttered something and was
gone. William looked chagrined, but
told him twas time his secret was
diyulged. and there was no chance of |