San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-08-20

Mr. Chelm looked at me with blank
sort of gaze Every likely" he OBJ
served. with dry smile, well. as |
was saying, this, like the others, was
profitable, and Prime not only had en-
riched himself but some Of his Gus
toners who had taken the risk with
him. The money was paid to him and
he made reports of the same to his Gus
toners, But the same day Dale came
in and asked Prime to loan him over
night the sum he had just paid in as
personal favor Prime says he hest
tated, not because he suspected any
thing, but on grounds of common pru-
denCe. 1t seemed to him. however, that
it would be churlish and punctilious to
refuse to accommodate the man to
whom he owed his good fortune, and so
he lent the money. Next day Dale failed
disgracefully Of course Mr. Prime
feels bound in honor to pay his Gus
toners their profits, which happen to
exceed his capital This is the whole
story"
Il see And what do you advise me
to No;" asked, after pause.
"DoT' MIR. Chelm shrugged his shout
ders. II do not see that you can do
anything
Il can pay his debts"
You can pay his debts and you can
found home for unsuccessful merchant
princes if you choose, but not with my
consent"
He has behaved very honorably."
Pooh Any honest man would do the
same"
You say he will be here at twelve?"
"At twelve"
why did you ask him to come back"
you interrogate like lawyer. told
him / would communicate with my
principal"
Did he ask for help?"
Not at all He was ready to stand
the racket, he said He merely wished
to state the facts He blamed himself
for lack of discretion and could not
contradict him He was immaculate as
ever in his personal appearance, but he
looked pale.
Poor fellow!'
Eyes, it is unfortunate, admit. But
it will teach him a lesson. A man who
wishes to become merchant prince can
not afford to trust anybody"
what doctrine"
Business and sentiment are incom-
patible."
was silent moment. "Mr. Chelm,
when he comes here at twelve | want
you to tell him that he shall not fail and
that | will pay his debts"
Miss Harlan, do not be so foolish, l
beseech your
But | will do this only on one con-
dition, and that is-that he will marry
me-"
"Whatr
blushed before the lawyers gaze and
exclamation.
Marry your
Yes. Mr.. Chelm. Do not be too
much surprised. Trust me, l know
what ] am doing. believe me. Have l
not hitherto usually been moderately
sensible?"
up to this time have regarded you
as an uncommonly wise young woman;
but this is sheer madness"
LAS you please But you will COM
ply with my request if insist
He will accept the offer"
"If he does, you are to give me away,
you remember. But | am sure he will
not accept"
You were sure he would make a
fortune
But it was you who put the idea of
marrying him into my head"
II am to be made to bear the blame of
course There is one hope, however-he
thinks you sixty-ive."
"Ah! but he must be undeceived. You
must tell him am young and very beau
tiful."
What madness is this, Virginia."
Trust me, Mr.. Chelm, and do what
ask you"
Every we'll"
you will tell him?"
"If you insist.
And shall be in the other room and
overhear it all. Stop. one thing more.
In case he refuses, make him promise to
come to see me this afternoon for half
hour. That at least he will not have the
courtesy to deny me. But only if he re-
fuses, mind.
"Do you really wish me to make this
offer?" said Mr. Chelm, as a last appeal.
81 was never more in earnest in my
life, replied.
A half hour later Mr.. Prime entered,
followed as usual by Ike. / had made
Mr.. Chelm promise that he would leave
no argument unused to induce Francis
to accept my offer. He looked pale and
worn, but there was nothing despairing
-. ,+I,,r,r-;pa +boD manly in his mir