Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-06
CLAUDE DAMIEN's MILLION.

CLAUDE DAMIEN'S MILLION.
5 Queens Gate looked little askance at Mr..
Ponsonby Walker, though he occupied one Of
the biggest houses there and dispensed lavish
hospitality. He was tall, stout, red-faced,
elderly gentleman, with q familiar manner
and 3ovial laugh, addicted to spotless white
waistcoats, 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 Tor any Of his friends who chose to seek
his advice and assistance. But, though his
wife wore diamonds and he kept up a consider
able establishment there was q vague feeling
OF distrust regarding his alleged wealth. Bust
ness men shook their heads at the mention of
his name, and limited that, though he described
himself as fnancier, he dealt with other peo-
Pies money rather than his own, and was
chiefly engaged in the mysterious occupation
OF promoting public companies.
These rumors, however. did not prevent the
Ponsonby Walkers from having a large circle
OF friends and acquaintance, who assisted at
their social functions and returned their hospi-
taiity by similar entertainments. In fact, the
fonsonby Walkers were rather fashionable peo-
pie, and 1T was. perhaps, envy as much as any
tning else which caused SOME OF theft neighbors
to speak disparagingly of them. The prevail
ing Impression among honest. unsophisticated
folk was that Mr.. Ponsonby Walker was per-
sonage in the city of scarcely less importance
and standing than a Rothschild or a Barring;
and no one was more deeply imbued with this
idea than young Claude Damien. But three
and-twenty is u credulous age, and a passionate
admiration for mans daughter is apt to shed
kind OF golden halo around the young lady's
parents. Claude Damien would never have
thought Dnnsnnhy
OF being dull and commonplace, nor did he
ever doubt that Mr.. Ponsonby Walker was q
merchant prince of almost untold wealth
Under these circumstances it is not surprising
that the young gentleman felt serious misgiv-
lngs on the subject OF his attachment to Mr..
Ponsonby Walkers only daughter Miriam. for
he guessed instinctively that the fnancier
would sternly discourage his pretensions.
But Miriam Walker was an impulsive. warm
hearted girl, and having lured Claude Damien
to his fate by receiving his attentions with
marked favor, she scoffed at his idea that his
poverty was an insurmountable bar to their
union. She fervently vowed that, whatever
her fathers decision might be, she would al
ways regard Claude as her affianced husband
and prevailed upon the young man to demend
the parental consent and benediction. She
succeeded In almost persuading him that Mr..
Ponsonby Walker belonged to the benevolent
order OF fathers who are disposed TO overlook
such trifiing drawbacks as absence of income
and expectations in daughters sutton. Claude
Damien could not quite bring himself to regard
MIR. POnsonby Walker in that amiable and fatu-
GUS light. but, rendered desperate by the state
OF his affections, he screwed up his courage
and called upon Miriam's father one day at his
Office in the city,
What can do for you, Mr.. Damien?" in
CURED the fnancier, i'll a patronizing. conde-
scending tone, as Claude entered with his heart
humping against his ribs like a battering- RAM
"fou do not recognize me. SIR" said Claude,
nervousiy observing that Mr.. POnsonby Walker
read his name from his card with a hesitation
which showed that it was unfamiliar. Il had
the pleasure of being introduced to you once
at the house OF mutual friend, Major STAN
hope"
"Ah! to be sure. You're son of the late
Gen: Damien. remember perfectly" said
Mr.. Ponsonby Walker, encouragingly.
Can have few minutes private CONVEX
sation with you. sir?" murmured the young
man.
We'll. 1 am very much overwhelmed with
business just now. have an important meet
ing OF the board of the Grand Eldorato Dia-
mond Mining company at 8 o'clock" said Mr..
Ponsonby Walker, with Importance. I'VE are
proceeding to allotment, Mr.. Damien" he
added significantly.
.'Oh. indeed' observed Claude.
Yes; splendid property, Mr.. Damien; a
splendid property" said Mr.. Ponsonby Walker,
rubbing his hands. las friend of Mai. Stan
shares"
''No-no, thank you,'' interposed Claude, with
an omlnous sinking at his heart 1.-The fact is,
have called to ask your permission to become
engaged to your daughter Miriam"
ITO my daughter Miriam-to Miss Ponsonby
Walker!' exclaimed the financier, staring at
the young man with undisguised amazement
Have you spoken to her on the subiect?''
Yes; last night, at Mrs. Anstruthers ball, -
said Claude eagerly.
Really, this is very serious" said Mr.. Pom
sonby Walker solomenly. Il have heard moth
ing OF it. Will you have the goodness, Mr.
Damien, to state your position and prospects?''
Poor Claude Damien realized, with painful
force, the utter hopelessness-not to say temer-
ity-of his mission, as he proceeded. IN falter-
ing accents, to describe his unfortunate circum-
stances; and it is hardly surprising that the
brief statement caused Mr.. Ponsonby Walker
to grow crimson with indignation.
DO you mean to tell me, Mr.. Damien, that
you have no means, no occupation, and no ex-
pectations whatever" exclaimed the financier,
falling back in his chair, and gazing at him
with contemptuous amazement; mo relatives,
even, or friends to whom you can look for as
sistancen
II have an uncle-my poor mothers brother
living in America. have heard that he is
rich and bachelor" said Claude, from sheer
desperation.
well! and what is his name? and what will
he do for your" inquired Mr.. Ponsonby Walker
little more encouragingly.
His name is William Barnes. He emil
grated many years ago, and I believe he lives
at Princess Town, Kansas county. But 1
have no right to expect that he will do any,
thing for me-" added poor Claude. blushing
hotly. Indeed, he has never answered the
letter which wrote to him some months ago.
when my father died.
upon my word, this is absolutely prepos-
terous!" exclaimed Mr.. Ponsonby Walker,
bounding from his chair and glaring at his un-
fortunate visitor from the center of the hearth
rug. ''Do you seriously suppose for an instant,
Mr.. Damien, that can consent to your engage
ing yourself to ahem! - Miss Ponsonby
Walker"
81 love your daughter, sir, very deeply, and
am doing my best to seek employment 1
hoped, perhaps, that you might consent condi-
tionally upon my"
''Pshaw!" Mr.. Damien: you are wasting nv
time and your OWL" interposed Mr.. Ponsonby
Walker with an angry gesture. Understand,
please once for all, that forbid you to speak
to my daughter again. Your conduct, sir, is
Notwithstanding less than impairment
In fact, I-I-Mr. Damien, oblige me by leav-
ing the room this instant"
Mr.. Ponsonby Walker was purple in the face
with furious indignation, and he even made
step toward Claude as though he meditated
violence. The young man had sense enough
to perceive that to attempt to prolong the in
terview would probably lead to a regretable
scene. and he therefore prudently withdrew,
feeling more deeply Inundated and crestfallen
than he had ever done in his life.
The truth was that Claude Damien xvoo &ho~