The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-02-27
THE sEcRETARY's REPORT.

dangerous to Russell's peace of mind,
except that he had no peace of mind
during those days. The worry of pro-
yiding for his personal expenses, which
were ever increasing; his anxiety re-
garding the motor company; his fear
lest Deering should hear of certain oper-
ations in the stock and should call a
halt on the whole professional
these considerations kept Russell in a
condition unfavorable to love. Alice
had conquered him only so far that he
felt he was not good enough to be in her
society. The recognition of this fact by
any young man is symptom, but it
may never lead to a proposal or to re-
form. If Russell had considered the
subject at all, he would have said at
once that he could not permit himself
to fall in love with Alice without gross
treachery to his friend. But as yet he
thought only that she oughtn't to be al
lowed to know him, and he wondered
that her father should permit it.
"Old Ray must know the condition
I'm in," thought Russell. Il wonder
that he doesn't politely hint thatI'd
better stay away from his house.. Sup
pose some crash should come and two
or three of my creditors should combine
to put me in Jail. 1t would not be pleas
ant for Miss Ray"
He was surprised that Ray should re-
new his invitations to the villa. Russell
felt like an impostor when he accepted
them; and at last he began to refuse,
but as rule the old millionaire would
take the young man by the arm and
walk him down to the yacht as if he
were under arrest. Russell realized
that he had won a place in the old fell
lows affections, and This made him feel
meancr than ever about the whole affair.
1t was possible that Ray did not know
all about him, Russell reflected. He
might be blinded by prejudice in his
favor; he might accept him because of
Browns assurances. Brown had been
on the most intimate terms with the
family in the days when the son whom
Ray had lost had been youth at col
lege, Alice only little girl. At any
rate no resolved to go to Ray, make a
clean breast of the whole matter and
give the old man fair chance to kick
him out of the house. This would mean
financial ruin, but Russell didn't care
for that. He was in O. fit of. despond-
ency-a mental condition emipently fa-
vorable to virtue, for hope is the tempter
after all.
The occasion came on day in the last
of September when Ray proposed anoth-
er Sunday at the villa.
I s'Mr. Ray Russell. s'your kind
| ness blinds you to reasons why should
not be a guest at your house."
The old man started and looked
searchingly into Russelrs face.
Perhaps it does, said he, "and per-
haps it doesn't. 1 may see the reasons
betterthan you think Ido."
"Then why do you ask me to come?
/ should not be offended if you did not.
or even if you forbade me to enter your
door. If could still retain the benefit
of your counsel which you have often
so kindly given me here in your office,
it would be much more than could rea-
sonably expect. Though l have never
had home, | am powerfully sensible of
the jealous care which must be en-
ployed to guard one. ] am reckless
fellow. pursuing o. career Of most un.
certain issue, through ways which are
not the best. 1t seems to me that l
should never meet Miss Ray again. Par
don me for even mentioning her name. u
you're blue, young man, ,"said Ray,
Asthat's what's the matter with you.
You're career will come out all right.
and you'll be a RICH man, I've picked
you out as fellow with very level
head, and don't make many mistakes y
IF ever get rich," Russell replied.
'ft will be by such methods as that deal
with Remington and others by which a
man might feel disgraCed.n .-z.