Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-10-05
Claude Danlien'S Million,

ance at MIR. POnSOnDy walker, tnOugtl
he occupied one ofthe biggest houses
there and dispensed lavish hospital
ity. He was tall, stouJ red-faced,
elderly gentleman, with n familiar
manner and iovial laugh addicted
to spotless white waist-coats, loud
patterned trousers and patent
leather boots. He was very hearty
and genial with every one, and had
the reputation OF being able and
willing to make fortunes in the city
for any of his friends who chose to
seek his advice ndassistance. But,
though his wife wore diamonds and
he kept up considerable establish
ment, there was vague feeling OF
distrust regarding his alleged wealth.
Business men shook their heads at
the mention of his name, and limited
that, though he described himself as
q financier, he dealt with other peo-
ple's money rather than his own, and
was chiefly engaged in the mysteri-
Gus occupation of promoting pub
lie companions.
These rumors, however, did not
prevent the Ponsonby Walkers from
having large circle OF friends and
acquaintance, who assisted at their
social functions and returned their
hospitality by similar entertain
ments. In fact, thePonsonby Walkers
were rather fashionable people, and
it was. perhaps, envy as much as any,
thing else which caused some of their
neighbors to speak disparagingly of
them. The prevailing impression
among honest, unsophisticated folk
was that Mr.. Ponsonby Walker was
a parsonage in thecity cfscarcely less
Importance and standing than a
Rothschild or Barring; and no one
was more deeply imbued with this
idea than young Claude Damien.
But three-and twenty is a eredulous
age, and a passionate admiration
for mans daughter is apt to shed
u kind of golden halo around the
young lady's parents. Claude Dam
len would never have thought of
suspecting Mrs. Ponsonby Walker
of being dull and commonplace, nor
did he everdoubt that Mr.. Ponsonby
Walker was merchant prince OF
almost untold wealth. Under these
circumstances it is not surprising
that the young gentleman felt seri-
Gus misgivings on the subject of his
attachment to Mr.. Ponsonby
Walkers only daughter Miriam, for
he guessed instinctively that the
financier would sternly discourage
his pretensions.
But Miriam Walker was an impul-
sive, warmhearted girl, and having
lured Claude Damien 10 his tate by
receiving his attentions with marked
favor, she scoffed a. his idea
that his poverty was an insur.
mountable bar to their union. She
fervently vowed that, whatever heI
fathers decision might be, she would
always regard Claude as her atfianced
husband, and prevailed upon the
young man to demend the parental
consent and benediction. She sue
ceededin almost persuading him that
Mr.. Ponsonby Walker belonged tC
the benevolent order of fathers who
are disposed to overlook such trihine
drawbacks as absence OF income anC
expectations in n daughters sutton
Claude Damien could not quite bring
himself to regard Mr.. PonsonbJ
Walker in that amiable and fatuoul
light, but, rendered desperate by tht
state of his affections, he screwed NJ
his courage and CHILLED upon Miriam
father one day at his office in TIN
city.
"What can | do for you, Mr.. Dam
ien?" inquired the financier, in "a pat
ronizing, condescending tone, a.
. Claude entered with his heart thump
ing against his ribs like u gathering
ram.
"You do not recognize me, sir,
said Claude, nervously observing
: that Mr.. Ponsonby Walker read hi
/ name from his card with a hesitation
which showed that it wasunfamIliar
81 had the pleasure of being intro
duced to you once at the house of {
mutual friend. Major StaDhope."
"Ahl to be sure. You're a son o
: the late Gen. Damien. i remembet
perfectly said Mr.. Ponsonby Walk
er. encouragingly.
"Can | have IL lew minutes privat
!, conversation with you, sir?" muir
INJURED the young man.
swell, / am very much overwhelm
i ed with business just now. hav
an important meeting of the boarC
of the Grand Eldorato DIAMOND
Mining company at 3 o'clock" SAT-
Mr.. Ponsonby Walker, with import
ance. "We ARE proceeding to alot
ment, Mr.. Damien" he added sig
nificantly.
| "0hI indeedl' observed Claude.
/, "Yes; splendid property, Mr.
Damien; splendid property" sal
Mr.. Ponsonby Walker, rubbing hi
hands. "As II friend of Maj. Stan
, hopes, / advise you to apply at ono
' for some shares"
7 "No-no, thank you," interpose