Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1890-08-15

announced cheerfully TO his friends
that he was dead broke aud was going
to work he found no trouble in dispos-
ing of these symbols of his former
wealth. He had n number of handsome
diamonds. which Tiffany took back.
He gave his debtors mortgages upon
the property of his dead mother. which
he would come into the next year; and
the debts about covered it all. Then
with the money from his treasures he
rented small Office downtown and
hung out his shingle. In this office he
slept on bed that was a desk in tho
daytime and he took his meals at the
Dairy Kitchen and his lunch ut Scent
counters. The world was kind to him
and his friends took it rs supreme
Joke that this young son of II million
aire was seemingly reduced to hard
work and poverty. He had plenty of
brains and soon his ability gave him
a reputation. He put the little girl
ut an elegant school and when the year
was up he paid the bills in full. 1t was
hard self-denial for him ut first, but he
grew to love and take pride in his
profession. In five years he was max
ing n magnificent income and took his
/ old stand in the gay, wealthy world
when he felt like it, but his life had
grown too broad and serious in its am
billions for him ever to be devotee of
fashion again. He saw the little girl
every now and then and he taught her
to call him uncle" and as such he
was accepted by the teachers and
schoolgirls.
He met his father out quite often and
they always greeted each other aifably
before the world. No one knew save
themselves that there had been differ
ence between them.
When the girl reached Is Lysle Je-
rome found himself in state of utter
perplexity. What was he to do with
her, sure enough? He couldn't send
her back to the tisherman's hut; he
couldn't set up IN establishment, and
adopt her, and bring her out into So
ciety.
A happy thought struck HIM, and re-
suited in his finding himself in Mrs.
DeLancey's lovely morning room,
waiting for that leader of fashion TO
enter. Mrs. Delaney was q woman
that even women couldn't help liking,
and all men. save her homely old huS-
band, adored her. Enrol himself had
been making harmless love to her since
his boyhood. She was 50 now, but she
didn't look ont of the twenties as she
entered the apartment in a morning
gown of pompadour silk, all frills and
lace.
MY dear boy" she said tenderly,
all her fair, fresh, dimpled face alight,
80 glad to see you. Your visits are
to be priced now that they are so rare
and YOU are getting so distinguished
{ Maybe" he says uneasily. "you
won't be so glad when / tell you what
/ want. 1t has occurred to me that
having no children you'd like to adopt
one. have girl whom | want you
to adopt"
His fair listener looked at him as if
she thought him joking or crazy.
! Il am in earnest" he said seriously,
and then he told her the story, and of
his present helpless position.
/ And this" she says, has been the
reason for your sudden going to work
and making Il man of yourself-rare
/ thing for an only child and rich mans
! son To do. | think you do owe that
girl more than she owes YOU and I've
/ half mind TO help you with her."
You are an angel, " he says grateful
! ly, land | am your slave for life if you
will take charge of herr
My dear boy, do not declare your
self my slave for life any more; rather
let me be mother to YOU and II grand
mother to the child of your adoption.
] I e
| have been growing desperate recently
and threatening myself with enteringa
convent or doing the charity act.
was just on the verge of Summing
when you came. This girl will be a
! blessed relief. She shall be the orphan
child of dead friend. and l shall in
terest myself in her success. OF course
she is pretty. l know you know me
too we'll TO ask me to chaperone an
ugly girl. You know / loathe ugly
people.
Il think she is very pretty, but l will
bring her to you first and let you see
her. Now, about business arrange
mcnts. / will support her entirely,
and" His face flushed holly. "As
I've heretofore chosen her clothes |
really would enjoy helping you select
her wardrobe for the debut this winter.
Since | ceased being dude myself my
chief pleasure was in having her dressed
well. really think she is the best
dressed girl in New York"
You say it with the pride of
mother" she laughed. What is the
girl named?"
! Marion Trcsvant."
The woman before him gave a
startled movements land her face turned
old and pale She bit her lip convul-
sively
81 knew \ man OF that name once, :"
she said, under her breath. rs if to her.
self; then. rousing herself and rising:
Go now, dear boy. I've an engage
ment for lunch. Go. and bring the
girl to me tomorrow; and now good-by."
Tho next morning found Jerome
with his charge awaiting Mrs. DeLan-
ccy in the same room. The man re-
garded the young girl with pleased
satisfaction as she stood before him,
taking in with delightful eyes all the
charm and daintiness of the bright
room. She was n tall girl. graceful and