Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-09-03

viii you read?" and he handed her the let
Ter from Smart d Main, together with a
copy of his telegram.
When she had read she gasped in great
agitation:
"But you can't know all"
Yes" smilingly, II know, and would
stake my very life upon him!"
why do you do this?"
Because love you, Laura" came the
plain. straightforward answer. II have
come here to-day to tell you this, and to
ask-Laura!"
With the quick words and quicker step
ne was by her side, and a mighry thrill
pervaded him as he drew her. unresisting-
ly, to his breast. He knew that he owned
her heart-knew that she must have loved
him before that minute. else she would not
SO readily have permitted the caress.
1t was nearly nightfall when Richard
Girard returned from second attendance
| at his Office. When he came in his bag
| gard face wore even newer cast of worri-
ment.
"a very remarkable thing has happened!o
he exclaimed, supposedly.
"What is it, father?"
THAT young Hammond had the audacity
to take the order list from Superintendent
Mills, notwithstanding my express COM
mands to withhold it.
And he I'd led, decidedly, as Laura made
| no response:
II shall write tonight to Smart & Main,
| countermanding the order; for l suppose,
of course. he. Hammond, has sent it Off"
II would not do that, father"
"And why, pray? I don't see my way
clear for ordering such bill of goods in
these hard times"
"Mr. Hammond. is your friend. He has
sent on the order. Perhaps you wonld like
to see what he said of you to Smart &
Main?"
She handed to him the letter and tele-
gram which Hammond had left with her.
When he had read he frowned.
"What does it mean?"
"It means, father" with Just the slightest
tremor of voice, "that Mr.. Hammond loves
me. and"
AN. And you love him?" with deeper frown.
He arose and walked deliberately to her
side.
Laura" he said, gently, but firmly, II
have nothing to score against Hammond.
But business and matrimony are matters of
different worlds-sentiment is in the antip-
odes. When you marry it shall be with
hOAc Oue VI u AASAcI SIuuC Iuuu u uAcAC
travelling drummer of trade. Let this go
no further. accept Hammonds friendly
business action; his sentimental advances
to you, however, I emphatically forbid. AS
soon as possible shall settle with Smart &
Main"
The sun had gone down, and the moon
was up apace this lovely May evening, when
Harry Hammond Just in from the West,
made hasty toilet, ut the Mansion House,
and fastened to the home of his betrothed,
on Charles street.
It was an appointed night between the
lovers: it had been agreed between them
that Hammond should then, upon his re-
turn from the West, stop over on the lew
weeks end" ticket and k Girard for his
daughter Laura in marriage.
She anticipated the servant when his ex-
pected signal sounded at the bell: For q
brief space they were locked in close en-
brace:
Then releasing herself, she said:
II think father is in the library. Come,
we will 20 together to him. But fear for
the worst, Harry"
"Let us not fear-but come" he said.
They little knew what scene was at that
moment transporting in the library.
Times had gone even harder than before
| with Richard Girard. The strikes through
out the Union had seriously depressed
trade; in the very midst of his season the
merchant found his business blocked at
every turn. House after house had been
mortgaged to sustain him in the ordeal,
until now, his creditors having heard of his
transactions, had closed in upon him like
wolves-ail, excepting Smart & Main, of
New York, and he marveled at their quiet
ness. The once powerful merchant actually
found himself on the verge of ruin, with
credit completely gone, when less than
twenty thousand dollars would have "tided
him over" and saved him.
In the library were the merchant, the
lawyer, the notary, and few OF the most
| imnortant creditors. Their conversation
nlainly indicated the climax of an assign
ment.
"Please afix your signature here, Mr..
Girard."
Tremblingly the old mans hand received
the pen: another moment and, through his
! tears of shame he would have signed away
all that remained of q once proud fortune.
| "Hold!" interposed commanding voice.
Harry Hammond stepped into their
| midst. while Laura, in the doorway, gazed
apprehensively upon the strange scene. :.
This is, perhaps, a little premature, :"
(! the young traveller said, blandly. How
much was it I overheard you remark, Mr.
Attorney, that You figured Mr.. Girard S
liabilities?"
Gust eighteen thousand and ninety dol
lars. with a fraction Of cents"
Hammond turned to the merchant.
"Nr. Girard, my draft for twenty hou.
sand on the Chemical National Bank, Of
New York, is at your disposal. Request
these gentlemen to meet you at your office
tomorrow in banking hours, and receive
your checks against the draft"
Not until the assembled creditors, the
lawyer, and the attorney had departed RE dad
the dazed merchant recover from the mist
He saw his daughter tenderly folded in
Ham,nond's arms, and both gazing expect
antly toward him.
aHammond, whence comes this money!"
"My savings, Mr.. Girard, through many
vears of hard labor" -.
allow much have you saved!"
"Just twenty thousand" - ------