Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-02-28
Iv.-Continued.

CHAPTER V.-Continued.
There was the suspicion Of a sob In
Marion's voice. The fact was that the
twins had suddenly discovered that
this materialistic age is very selfish.
1t is true that they had deliberately
made q test Of their acquaintances and
suitors and had even predicted to each
other the resultof their experiment; but
1t Is hard for generous, impulsive girls
to come face to face with the sordid
tendencies Of human nature. They
found 1t difficult to believe that the fiat
terry and adulation which had surround.
ed them since their return to the me
tropolis had been paid to their bank
accounts, not to themselves. And, then.
they had been bitterly disappointed as
regards the Daltons. They had fOndly
believed that these men were made of
better stuff than the average society
man.
But they had not seen the Daltons
since the m Of their financial fall
had gone forth. 1t is true that the
young lawyers had openly made
love to them, and had, in fact, held
themselves somewhat aloof from the
all-conquering twins; but there Is a
subtle telegraphy of the eyes which is
more effective than words and Marion
and Vera had felt that the Daltons
cared more for them than did the men
who talked Of love while longing for
wealth.
II fear you are right, Marion" re-
marked Vera sadly. "Our heroic treat
ment of society has made us the great
est sufferers. Perhaps, after all, it
would be better to restore to our front
door the old legend: The sign of the
Mighty Dollar. 1t is hard to be neglect.
ed after all our triumphs."
swell, I'm willing to remain poor just
n mor day. If none of u old
friends come to us before tomorrow
night Wen speculate again and win
back Our millions"
Agreed" said Vera. ut Is foolish
to throw away u only magnet. We
have learned a sad lesson. Hereafter
we will crush put our girlish impulses
and become Us hard, cold and calculat-
Ing as the world around u.s."
These were bitter words to come from
20 sweet q mouth. She had hardly fin
ished them when a servant brought in
to her a card.
"Mr. Weldon" exclaimed Vera, ex-
citedly. ''The last man In the city 1
expected to see ut this time. I'll 20
down to him, May. l really believe l
am glad he has called. l never used to
like him, but perhaps / have done him
an injustice"
As she entered the drawing-room,
Weldon came forward in a quiet, digni-
fleG way and took her hand. Like most
men who have gray hair and a dark
mustache he possessed unquestionable
beauty. His complexion was fresh, his
eyes cold and searching and about his
personality there lowered the atmos-
phere Of power. He was a dangerous
man for an unsophisticated girl to
cope with.
Il am very glad to see you, Mr.. We'll
dOn," said Vera, seating herself near
III ~ " I'LL lCll liz IN Ac VI IL
petite monde"
Weldon smiled. 81 did not come to
gossip, Miss Vera. but to talk about
myself"
Indeed? Would not that be gossip"
Under certain circumstances, yes.
But l wish to place my display Of
egotism above the plane of frivolity."
go on; I am interested in your ex-
pertinent"
"And l am in yours" said Weldon to
himself. Then aloud:
mot long ago l made to you a pro-
pOsal Of marriage. You refused my
suit. Now, Miss Vera, l have seen a
great deal Of the world and l ask the
privilege of being frank with you. OF
course there were reasons ut that time
why you should suspect the motives of
anyone who made love- to you. I wish
to prove to you now that il you doubt
ed the disinterestedness of my affec-
ton you did me a wrong. / loved you
then and love you now for yourself
alone. I am not a rich man, but l
have enough to support us in comfort,
II not in luxury. l hereby renew my
suit. Happiness and wealth are sell
dom allies. An honest man'slove Is the
best fortune a girl have"
There was a magnetism about the
man well nigh irresistible. His social
success had been due to the fact that
he was by nature a perfect actor, and
in this instance his rendition Of the
role Of a frank, manly lover was a
work Of genius.
There We're tears in Vera's eyes as
she gave him her hand.
II accept your proposal, Mr. Weldon.
Frankly, / do not love you as a girl
should love a man to marry him, but
circumstances have placed your char
acter in a new light to me. I once did
you an injustice, as you intimate. If
a repair that wrong by becoming
your wife. I feel it is my duty to do So"
There was a GOODNESS about this ar
rangement that would have repealed
many men, but Weldon simply smiled
In triumph as he bent reverently and
kissed her white, smooth brow. He
saw that she IA greatly agitated and
dfscreetly said:
Il will leave you now, my darling.
II you wish it, I will return this even
a"4H@ ~.