The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1884-12-04
1t did continue.

He watched him keenly, moving
him from department to department
IN his vast business, till he had
some insight into every branch.
He gave him confidential busi-
ness to transact, and gave him his
confidence.
And Lucien, ever working for
May, strove to meet every demand
made upon his brains and hands
giving every new branch of the
business the closest attention, and
strainiDg every power to repay
faithfully the confidence reposed in
him.
Nearly two years had passed
when one morning Mr.. Burnette
called Lucien into his private office,
closing the door after him.
Il am about to make strange
disclosure to you," he said gravely,
''and you must weigh well what
say to you. Up to this time you
have known me only as a business
man; to-day L speak to you as
friend to friend. l am a rich man,
but L have few friends, Lucien.
Shall / count you IS one?'
"You honor me-" he faltered,
overwhelmed with surprise.
II am a father,' Mr.. Burnette
said "and my only child is daugh-
ter, whose future has been 70 me
subject OF deep, prayerful anxiety.
| have feared that when [ die, the
wealth 1 leave would make her the
wife of some plausible fortune-hun-
ter. l have feared that my bust
ness would fall to ruin in incompe
tent hands.
"Often 1 have hoped to meet, at
some time, an honorable, upright
man, to whom 1 could teach the
secret of my success, and who
might succeed to my business. 1
have prayed that when l die 1
might leave my child under the pro
tecting- -care of husband who had
not sought her for her wealth, a
man of true heart and firm princi-
pie. Lucien Gaylord, have found
the man 1 sought. To-day you
will dine with me, and be introduced
to Miss Burnette."
''Iw
The cry broke from Lucien's lips
IN such utter amazement, that he
imagined he. must dream, or that his
employer was insane
You! was the quiet answer.
but it is all impossible" Lu-
Glen said, slowly regaining his self
possession.
impossible? Why so, if I am
willing?"
"You will think me ungrateful,
presumptuous. but can not accede
to your noble plan. Faithful SER
vice, true friendship, l can give
you gladly, hut you must seek an
other heir, another son-in-law. 1
am not free.'
'You refuse my daughter"
Il have given my love and won a
heart could never betray."
MAY l ask wheref"
"My promised wife is no heiress,
but a simple country maiden, love
ly.and gentle. l will not weary you,
sir, with lovers praise, but you
will let me say that l have worked
for two years, with the hope of win
ming some position that will enable
me so offer home to my wife. If
you will put me in such a situation,
you will vim my warmest gratitude,
but 1 must not think again of
the dazzling offer you have made
me-"
"You refuse to be my son-in-law,
my heir?"
Il refuse any offer that makes me
traitor to a pure heart that trusts
me-"
at makes it harder to give you
up, but if l must,at least accept my
invitation to dinner, and my friend
ship"
"Gladly, gratefully" replied Lu-
Glen Gaylord.
SAT six o'clock, then, 1 shall ex-
pect you"
Was he awake2
Lucien asked himself the ques-
tion more than once, as he pored
over his Iedgers, added long col
umns of figures, and wrote business
letters.
Had John Burdette really made
him the magnificent proposals still
ringing in his ears?
Were they both insane?
His head was still whirling as he
dressed himself and walked to the
splendid mansion the rich merchant
called his home.
Every luxury money could com
mand met his eyes in the adorn-
ment of the wide drawing groom.
Pictures of priceless value hung
upon the walls, rare statuary gleam
ing against velvet curtains, the Wis
itor's feet sank deep in the richest
carpets.
The odors of choice exotics filed
the air.
Had all this really been placed
within his grasp?
lie was still musing of this, when
Mr.. Burnette himself crossed the
room.
"Have you thought better OF
your refusal?" he asked.
Il can only repeat it, sir. My
heart, my love are no longer at my
disposal"
There was a rustic of silk upon
the rich carpet, a lady advancing,
dressed in shimmering, lustrous
silks, with jewels in her hair and
upon her wrists.
A lady with soft brown eyes and
golden curls, who was introduced
as: "My daughter Mabel, Mr.
Gaylord"
But who was surely, surely, May,
his own May, niece of Maria Strong,
who took summer dodgers in a small
country village.
Mr.. Burne tie had disappeared
when Lucien moved his wondering
eyes upon Mays face, and only the
l.. bf- 4r,,o 1oxya ad