The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1884-09-13
WON AT LAST.
BY KATIE L. GEHR.
CHAPTER 1.

CHAPTER 1.
Archibald Werner was the richest
man in Stanley. Besides enjoying the
advantages of large income, he had
the additional good fortune to possess
a handsome person, ana agreeable man
ners. With such desirable qualifica-
tions to recommend him, was it Won
der that Mr.. Werner became favOrite?
Was there party2 Mr.. Werner must
not fail to be invited. Was there to be
a picnic2 there would be no pleasure if
Mr.. Werner were not there. What
ever transpired was Of little conse-
quence in the eyes of the good people
Of Stanley, unless the event was hon
Ored by the presence Of Mr.. Werner.
Being thus petted and fattered, it was
natural for a man of so susceptible a
nature to become spoiled; yet this la
mentable consequence by no means di-
minlshed his influence. Although GER
tain individuals disliked him, the com
munity still continued to worship their
idol. "And why should they not2" ques-
toned the elders of Stanley; "who so
liberal with his wines and dinners, and
whO," the younger generation added,
$50 skilful in devislng amusement, and
so fortunate in making it successp';
Thisquestion being duly debated, it was
decided that Mr.. Werner was paragon,
and as paragon he Was regarded. But
Archibald Werner had not always been
rich and hOnored. His mother had
died, leaving him at an early age, home
less and an orphan. The physician who
had attended during her sickness, was
an old gentleman and very wealthy.
Having no ties to bind him, his heart
warmed toward the lonely boy and he
resolved to give HIM a home. No par
ent could have loved his child more
tenderly than the old doctor did Archi-
bald. DR.. Benson never did anything
''by halves" consequently upon his
death, he bequeathed the whole of his
fortune to his adopted son. The doctor
had never been married; and it seemed
that his heir contemplated TO lead the
same solitary life, for at almost forty
he was sul single with apparently
neither prospects nor inclination to alter
his condition. His bachelorhood caused
great deal of comment. Why did lie
not marry? IL was a shame that man
of such opulence, would not share his
wealth with some amiable partner.
Whatever Mr.. Werner's private senti.
meuts were upon the subject, no one even
knew. Some were romantic enough to
believe he had suffered an early disap.
pOntment; but there, the good people
were mistaken. The truth was simply
this, Mr.. Werner, although extremely
foud of ladies in general, did not care
to bind himself permanently to anyone
in particular. lie enjoyed perfect libcr
ty; he could go out whenever he pleased
wherever lie pleased, with whom he
pleased. A wife, Of course, would CD.
pose such freedom. If any of his ser,
wants proved unsatisfactory, they could
be dismissed Immediately; but suct
proceedings toward a wife, however de.
sirable. would not be legal; and as MIR
Werner's fastldiOus tastes might dis
cover defects which would cause him tC
repent of his choice, he thought ii pru
dent not to venture too near the matri.
monial yoke. He had been busily yread.
ing; but his book seemed to have lost
all its interest, for, flinging itaside will
a yawn, he took his hat and left the
house. Archibald Werner was not 8
rapid walker; and as he continued his
slow measured pace, the erect, well.
proportioned figure showed to every adj
vantage. lie had not proceeded far
when it occurred TO him that the day
being so fine it would be pleasant tC
take a drive. Never hesitating to graf
ify desire, he turned at once, retraced
his steps, ordered his carriage, and in a
short time was comfortably seated upon
its cushions.