Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-05-30

how 6WoeGly simple ana tOucnln& An
MES rendering was to this giddy per-
Torrance.
Taking leave. he truthfully said 1t
had been delightful evening. It had
been dream; q fragment of Heaven
descended to earth, and Sophia was
the light thereof ~
James Emmert's gorgeous mansion
| was fit temple to enshrine the object
of Richard Perchmont's love, and
would that all worshipers were as con-
slant as he. His life was ecstacy.
With Sophia he threaded the tinsel
| mazes of fashionable Argus-eyed door
keeper, exclusiveness. who guards the
portals of society having benignly
passed him in. He had eaten the
lotus of social success; his former life,
his old friends. were forgotten; mother
and sister were neglected; Annie was
obscured.
A year flashed by. and the senior
| partner announced the customary din
ner. which was similar to that given
by the retiring partner, except that. in
addition to the other members and
families, such employees as he chose to
invite, with their families, were pres
emit.
Perchmont's heart Where else could
the humble employees be so duly inn
pressed with his Importance? Tom
Wilgus needed such impressing more
than any, for he had SO far forgotten
himself several times as to call him
...Dick." and he determined to impart
a lesson.
He did not accompany his mother
and sister. Sophia had proclaimed
that she would not go without his
escort What would the dinner be
without her? What is day without
sunshlne? What is Hamlet without
Hamlet? He obeyed. still thinking,
poor fool, that it was his own delight
full free will.
Whether the assembled employees
were properly awed by his imposing
entrance is not known. but certain it
is that Joshua-like surprise caused
this society sun to stand still
stunned.
In select little group-Sydney
Deaker smiling his interest; his kindly
little wife beaming her admiration;
Dicks mother and sister flushed with
worthy pride-sat Annie Jermyn tell
ing story.
In sullen wonder he stood apart,
noting the good impression Annie was
making, and when the story ended in
a burst of applause the party sep
arated. and old Sydney proudly led
Annie through the rooms on a tour of
introduction. He instantly sought his
mother and asked:
''How did Annie get hereF''
She looked mild resentment at him,
and quietly replied:
'.Mr. Wilgus brought her."
''Where is hep
HE excused himself for a time.
believe he said he had work at the of
fice.''
''That fellows too slow for our pur-
poses," Richard muttered. following
old Deaker and Annie with wonder
| ing eyes; then turned at Sophia's
| order. She said:
''Come for walk in the hall.
Where have you been so long? can't
| endure this room! It is filed with
those low clerks. I hope when you
get to be a senior you'll stop these dis
gushing mixtures. "
She spoke angrily, but Dick thought
he detected anxiety. too. in her man
ner. AS they promenaded the hall she
| grew quite restless, and plainly anx-
ious. He walked quietly by her,
thinking of old Deaker and Annie, and
too ill-humored to ask the cause of her
| nervousness.
| They walked into the sitting-room
at the end of the hall, and from there
heard the servant admit some one at
the front door.
There's papa, nowr' Sophia ex-
claimed, Frightening; and Dick. re-
| membering Chat the gathering did lack
a customary brilliancy. saw that this
had been the cause of her anxiety.
1t was not the gorgeous Emmert
who had arrived, but plodding Tom
Wilgus, greatly excited. with face
spotted red by unusual exertion.
where are Mr.. Alfred and Edward
Deakerp' they heard him ask.
Both gentlemen fastened from an
adjoining room, and Sydney appeared,
startled, at the parlor door.
Il must have an interview with
you, gentlemen. at once" Tom said.
Sophia, trembling, caught Richard
arm.
s.Where is Emmert?' asked the old
gentleman, as he and his two sons,
with Dick and Wilgus. entered the
library and closed the door.
He hasn't been here" Edward re-
piled. Nov, Wilgus, what is it?''
Then Tom slowly told how he had
watched Emmert's extravaganza, and.
knowing that he had lost heavily in a
late speculation and needed funds to
save himself. he had come to suspect
him. and had only that evening fin
ished a careful examination of EN-
merits books as treasurer of the firm.
He was in his Office this evening
while was there continued Tom,
land rushed out past me, trying to
hide his face, but I saw it was pale and
excited. I hurried to his Office and
found his check-book. Three checks