Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-29
A RIAL ARTISTS DAUGHTER,
THE MIXED ROMANCE OF TWO CITY BANK
ERS' SPENDTHRIFT SONS.
BY ]. M. MONROE.
WRITTEN roR THE p1spArcH.l

OF the name OF belQOn q OO.s
bankers" synonym of security.
They had also built two magnih-
cent fortunes, which their profigate sons
occupied themselves most aSsiduously in
spending. The old men were both dead at
the time of which L write; but the
company" was alive, and had devolved the
running of the business; for the present
"senior" partners were almost strangers to
the Office. These latter were rather inclined
to be of the fast sort, and although their
knowledge of the banking business was
limited, let it be said, to their credit, that
in the scientific game of billiards they were
most proficient. The fair sex spoke of them
in awe-strieken tones as being ''very rapid,
and vet, judging from the number OF matri-
monial traps set for them, this was not consld-
cred as particularly derogatory character
istic They had been classmates at college
together, and their friendship had Outlived
their graduation days.
Jesse Beldon was the elder, yet probably
had little more of that commodity called
common sense;" compared to the other, he
was Quiet. He was not, however, one OF
those Young men who follow the old maxim
to ''think twice before you act; ne gener-
ally thought once.
Charley Bracken never thought at all.
He was one of the genus good fellow, ana
was we'll liked by all. He was generous TO
a fault: but there were deeper elements IN
his character than showed themselves on the
snrface He was a true friend, but could
hate as well as love. In spite OF his dandy
ism and wild wavs old, gray-haired fathers
had often said: "There's some good IN
Charley Bracken.
The reader will pardon my introducing
him Cor her) into such a scene OF confusion
rs was presented bv the rooms of our friends
one pleasant morning in early summer.
ReIdon, who was reclining on soia, with
\ cigar in each hand, manufacturing rings
Of s7noLe with zeal which was commend
able. suspended his occupation for mo-
ment to ask:
"Charlev, do you really intend to marry
that Leonard girl?"
S'pose I'll have to, % he answered, with a
confessional air.
''Why?"
"Well, it has always been kind of
understood thing, you know, ever since
Nellie and 1 first made mud pies together,
that we'd be married some day; but never
regularly engaged myself till last spring.
''What did YOU do that fOr?"
"Had told woman inquired after my
inteutiops-wantedt to know whether l was
trifing with innocent affections, and all
that sort of thing. 1 got scared and pro-
posed. explained Charley, punctuating his
remarks with pufs of smoke. 81 don't
mind it much, though" he continued, lex
cent the old woman. I'd Just as lief marry
a pretty girl like Nell; but don't like to
marry the whole family"
'sWhat will become OF me?" asked Bel
don, rather gloomily.
"Get married yourself and settle down. !"
'Thank you; do not care for any of that
"Wel,'' said Charley, as he lighted a
cigar, "do what you think best; I'm not
your keeper"
i'The idea of marrying at 22,' said Bel
don; "break 1t.of, Charley, you're not old
enough"
'sTbe deuce!' exclaimed Charley. This
was the unkindest cut OF all. He had been
called Young" Further than his first ex-
clamation, however, he said nothing.
Neither of the pair felt in a sufficiently
good humor to carry on an animated quar-
rel: consequently nothing was said for some
time, until Charley, who had been gazing
abstractedly out OF the window, became sud-
denly interested in something outside.
"Look here, Jesse, who is this girl?" he
asked.
body knew her."
"Whv?''
"She's discussed, and sometimes praised,
SYou haven't told me who she was yet -
Jessie Carson-artist's daughter"
"Kuow her?"
"Only by sight"
"How has she distinguished herself9"
Beldon punctured his lips.
'sDon't ask me- he said; "other women
say she's too sprightly, / believe. You ought
to hear the old women talkT'
''The critical old cronies! She is the
prettiest girl ever saw" and he stroked
his blonde mustache approvingly.
''She has pretty name, admitted Bel
don.
"YOur name-yes. You ought to marry
her!''
''Some poor goose will be tied down to the
young fyaway, 1 suppose, " said Beldon,
with a sarcastic tone.
Charley Bracken was still smarting over
being called young" A sudden idea
struck him. Here was his revenge: "If [
have any diplomacy" he thought "Jesse
Beldon shall be that same poor goose" He
said aloud: HE don't need pity"
For the next two days succeeding this
conversation Mr.. Charles Bracken had all
the appearance of a man with an object in
life He was twice seen in an undeniable
hurry. These symptoms of excitement in
one of such lazy temperament naturally
exc1ted curiosity aud concern.
On the third day he entered Beldon's
apartments with bored air and said: "I
can't stand this weather any longer, Jesse;
let's 90 somewhere to rusticateI'
Brscken laughed. 81 thought YOU had
enough rustication during your college
davs. Where do you want to go? Boston
by water?"
HAlI right. How soon?"
BOAT leaves in an hour. Not much
time"
We will draw the curtain on the scene
which ensued. Suffice it to sav that our
friends reached the boat just three minutes
before it started. In due course of time
sumner was announced, at which meal
BeIdon felt his arm suddenly and violently
nudged.
"Rv Jovel look down at the other end of
the table" said the nudger.
Beldon looked. Next to the captain sat
Miss Carson.
"Same girl we were talking about the
other day" said Beldon.
"Yes," said Bracken; "quite a coinci-
dence."
The nudger smiled.
When, after supper they went on deck
thev found Miss Carson was before them
The sun was now setting. 1t passed below
the horizon like an immense molten ball,
slowly sinking in the sea.
"Isn't it grandP' she said.
"Quite imposing" answered Charley,
with cool impudence.
She turned with an air of surprise. ssI
beg your pardon, sir. 1 thought 1t was the
captain behind me, " she said with a smile,