The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-08-12

larry ABOUT hlcnard Glrard, who, the rulnor
from the agency said, was not sound.
Hastily he telegraphed to the firm:
20. X. My word for il"
In letter to the firm he inclosed Cir
ards order list.
1t was then near o'clock p. m. At he
must leave for Western Pennsylvania, then
toward Chicago.
Thoughts of Laura Girard were haunt
ing him. He resolved to attempt an inter
view with the beautiful girl before his de-
parture, and his object may be readily di-
vined.
Laura was "at home" to him when he
called at the merchants res idence.
Miss Girard, second time | must beg
of you to pardon my intrusion. But
leave town this evening, and before go, L
have something to say that must be spoken.
was an unintentional listener to what
passed in your fathers Office to-day. 1
know why your father gave orders to with
hold the customary list. But l believe
Richard Girard to be good business man
and a safe one. l have presumed to take
upon myself the responsibility of sending
this information to the New York firm.
Will you read?" and he handed her the let
Ter from Smart Il 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, Il know, and l would
stake my very life upon him."
"Why do YOU do this?"
Because / love you, Laura" came the
plain, straightforward answer. Il have
come here to-day to tell you this, and to
ask-Laural"
With the quick words and quicker step
he 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
at his office. When he came in his hag
gard face wore even newer cast of worri-
ment.
"A very remarkable thing has happened"
he exclaimed, supposedly.
what is it, father"
That young Hammond had the audacitv
to take the order list from Superintendent
Mills, notwithstanding my express com-
mands 10 withhold it,"
And he died, decidedly, as Laura made
no response:
81 shall write tonight to Smart & Main,
countermanding the order; for l suppose,
of course. he, Hammond, has sent it off,.
Il would not do that, father"
"And why, pray? l don't see my way
clear for ordering such n bill of goods in
these hard times"
MIR. Hammond is your friend. He has
sent on the order. Perhaps you wonld like
to see what he said of you 10 Smart IL
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?"
1T means, father" with just the slightest
tremor of voice, that Mr., Hammond loves
me. and"
And you love him." with deeper frown.
"Yes."
He arose and walked deliberately to her
side.
Laura he said, gently, but firmly, 81
have nothing to score against Hammond.
But business and matrimony are matters of
different worlds-sentiment Is IN the antlp-
odes. When you marry it shall be with
some one of n higher grade than a mere
travelling drummer of trade. Let this 60
no further. / accept Hammond's friendly
business action; his sentimental advances
to you, however, l emphatically forbid. AS
soon as possible | shall settle with Smart IL
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, mt the Mansion House,
and fastened to the home of his betrothed,
on Charles street.
l.. I'll ,,l,N Hnt,
lovers: it had been agreed between them
that Hammond should then. upon his re-
turn from the West, stop over on the new
weeks end" ticket, and a k Girard for his
daughter Laura in marriage.
She anticipated the servant when his ex-
pected signal sounded at the bell. For
brief space they were locked in close en-
brace:
Then releasing herself, she said:
II think father is in the library. Come,
we will go 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
TO sustain him in the ordeal,
until now, his creditors having heard of his
had closed in upon him like
excepting Smart IL Main of
New York, and he maryeled 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
important creditors. Their Conversation
plainly 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 a once proud fortune.
Hold" interposed commanding voice.
Harry Hammond stepped into their
midst, while Laura, in the doorway, gazed
upon the strange scene.
This is, perhaps, a little premature,
the young traveller said, blandly. How
much was it 1 overheard YOU remark, Mr..
Attorney, that You figured Mr.. Girards