Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-19
HIS ENGAGEM ENT.
HOW DICK PATTERS SONS
WEALTH NEARLY LOST
HIM HIS BRIDE.
Prom Harper's Bszar.

- tAsoraSe cluo. inspecting with ms near
sighted eyes paper cutter of "A new type.
Before him were rangei half dozen friends,
some sitting, the rest leaning their arms on the
backs OF the chairs.
For fourteen hours Dick had been an en-
gagged man, and he had just impaired the fact
10 his present companions. who were his most
intimate friends. And they had been congrat-
alating him; and congratulations are galhngly
pstronizing.
We'll, don't be cast down." spoke up Frank
Morton, from Where he sat. like justice, on
one Of the chairs in a row. s'For today we will
promise to behave as if nothing had hap
pened."
'oh, it's not that Aud perhaps yon can help
me out" Dick reioined, turning the paper cut
Ter over and examining the other side of it for
some startling depression in design.
The chorus Of friends exclaimed: "Help your
"Hope sor' "How?"
You see" he proceeded. ''its the first time,
sad I'm thoroughly surprised"
Just withdraw if You are regretting it, and
give me a chance" put in Will Marston, who
vas known to be in love with the young lady.
~ think there is lOophole somewhere
there" Dick replied. looking up quickly, and
adjusting his glasses on his heightened nose
and dropping the paper cutter on the table be-
hind him. Then he thrust his hands into his
pockets and looked over at the pictures on the
opposite wall IL never meant to be engaged
he blurted out, stamping his foot, and biting
his Zip.
They all laughed. "Yoa were in your right
senses, weren't your asked Jimmie Wales.
Dick glanced at the speaker reproachfully.
"Was ever too much stimulated in my life2''
he demanded NO, fairly admit that l WAS
eaptivated by Miss Mainwaring. Why not?
Rat my plans were for remaining heart free for
some seasons. And. besides, my father will
harrow me to the soul"
At the mention of his father there was a
speaking silence. Moreover, / am mortally
AFRAID of that young lady. Think Of calling
with the ring today, Paulding. which finger
does it go on2" Dick asked this question of
the only youth IN the group who had been
sf6anced
What an ass you are, Patterson" Paulson
shot back; and then laughed. But he was
rather angry at the lads frivolous treatment
Of the matter Break the engagement, by all
means"
That's impossiblel- the ass answered. stand
mg up very straight, and getting fierce. I'm
man Of my word"
Then it's almost your only virtue Just now.
my boy" interpoiated Frank Morton. and,
Ike all virtues, IL can sometimes be fault.
Aou nc the last person 10 get ehgdSed AT twenty.
with your money"
Il am serious" Win Marston reiterated. 81
s1ll do my best to make Miss Msinwaring change
her mind"
mo hope. after all, " the gilded victim sighed.
shaking his head and slipping his glasses from
hfs nose with a sudden frOwn. My money is
an element which will bind her to me in spite
OF worlds. The only way out would be to hand
over my PeeuRiary expectations to you, VIII,
and that would really be eccentric"
I1,esz
matrimonial catch in the city. There was. jok-
ing aside, pathos about the situation which
has friends could not deny. He had been an
ged for, had been caught and would never be
free again. for he was excellent fellow inca
Pable Of anything underhand just at present
he was very naughty; but as he was speaking
WITH persons he could trust he did not think
he was insulting Miss Malnwaring In discussing
her affairs with has own She was always be-
ing mentioned because she was the greatest
belle among the debutantes OF the year.
''Your father may dissolve the thing for you"
put IN Jimmie Wales. soothingiy.
Dissolve me, you mean" answered the lad
He stroked his lip. miserabIv. but of course
nall amused, as young people always are.
''1sn I there an unlucky stone which could be
selected for a ring? A setting of opals around
an emerald might bring mixture of evils that
would eventually part Us. should think"
They are SAYING an opal Is capital luck il
.nythIns This damPeninS remark came
ia.
idea Of not being IN love with her.
''Millionalres seem to be made Of leather and
hsh bones" DIN Campbell declared
They laughed at him, for they were always
laughing, except Dick, who did not alter his
disconsolate expression as he averred: Love-
thought it was only name. How are Won
going to fall in lore when you're fascinated:
When you know that all their little looks are
put on Ike their ingenious solitaire flowers
When they always pick out the man with the
n tllr..
When they break heart sooner or later, if
they are but allowed to handle IT.
Ihats q candid, vague and desperate view
and no DENYING it, Campbell said grinning.
They were all aware that Dicks father had
marrleda cruel, unsatisfactory sort of a woman
and that there was no sister or near relative of
the female sex to make good impression upon
the young man and efface the grudge caused
by hls mother.
I've always told you that You were the most
unfortunate cass l meet" Jack Pauldlng srum-
bied, turning away. Then he paused to ex-
plain further. Il verify believe you will never
discover what woman can be. / have. am
TO marry girl whom you think outwardly
charming; but she is better than that Sup
posing Miss Ethel MainwarIng to be an angel,
you'd never believe it. for your causes of dis
trust as TO her motives are too upmanageabie
most unfortunate fellow, say, and rather
contemplate as he stands there"
Thanks. swfuIly," Dick grimly replied
Its ridiculous to talk in that style to him ="
Wales argued. bOtiy. You know what Dicks
opinions have always been and WHY. IL he
can't complain q little to us for waking up to
ind himself IN bonds, whom can he complain
TOT"
'Psuldkng did his duty. d" demonstrated young
Patterson, pulling himself together TO leave
the room Il was contemptiDle.'
he went oil to the jewelers.. and with re-
markable care, selected a magnificent ring
Tken he drove to his fathers ONCE.
Mr. Patterson WAS unpleasantly impressed
by the paleness of Dicks face and the dark-
ness OF his eyes as the latter said, in a low
tone:
Pop. please see me alone for a moment"
"A can't It's just moment when can't de-
vote myself to you, Bub."
Then shall blow my brains out"
Business was postponed and the room cleared
OF visitors and clerks For the nrst time the
father looked AZ his sou IN an agony Of sppre-
hsnsion.
What have you been doing?" he asked.
huskiiy.
-, Il oouldn't help il. I'm engaged to Ethel
hAtnvarlng."
There was a dead silence for a few breath.
why couldn't You help it, the msenate in
railroads finally asked
"Becaase i didn't know il was coming OF
coarse we have met everywhere She il the
most adored OF the adored I've paid her at
tentions as a matter OF routine. | seemed car
red On by wave Of delrium. She looked so
sweet and true"
Mr.. Pstserson's eyes fell. and he Ieaned b,s
chm on hs hand above the scattered papers
winch had 10 do with millions Of money.
That was the way l was ruined. Dick" he
aad, deep, qaiyering voice.