The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-11-29
copyrighted, 1896, by John Monk Foster
IN APTBR 1.-THE POOR MAN IS
ALL-A- u

10 of the finest streets in one of Scot
lands busiest towns. a couple of men were
tod in conversation some years ago. one
of them was Mr. alexander Blair, the rich
n,oollen manufacturer. He was about 50
,,esrs of age, was fat, communicating,
and his success was writ large In his every
word and gesture.
His companion was half his years, was
aarlr dnely-built, and his strong and pas
.,onate will were revealed in his fine eyes
and nowerful face. This man was David
leslie: and while the elder pulled away,
,r,passvely at his cigar. the younger one
smoke. warmly. appealingly, long.
Here may be set down so much of David
1asIie's antecedents as it is necessary the
roaler should know. He was poor man
oorning his livelihood as a clerk-although
.or,a of the best blood in Scotland ran in
bic veins. and his aristocratic relatives
might easily have found him some snug
onnointment had he not been too proud to
osk the slightest favor at their hands. He
mas the only son of a father who had
.ouandered a considerable fortune, leaving
his wife to die almost in penury, and his
son TO fight hard for existence.
II may be added that Alexander Blair,
,,bo was a widower, had one fair daughter,
,,t+b whom David Leslie had fallen in
1--we and by whom he was loved in return.
10 was there that evening to tell his love
% the woollen merchant, and to ask him
10 sanction his wooing of Mildred Blair.
presently, Leslie ceased speaking, and
Nth face somewhat paled by the anxiety
j., his mind. he awaited the others reply.
There was a moments silence, and then
the elder man spoke.
1.-THE thing is impossible, sir, utterly i'm
posstbler' Blair exclaimed in quick, en-
nbatic tone as he rose to his feet.
"rmpossibe?" David Leslie echoed, I'M
able to utter aught else.
eyes. quite so, assure you. You might
as well have asked me to make my wool
len manufactures over to you, as to ask
mo for nv daughters hand. l can only
eynrsss nv surprise that you should have
vantured to ask such a thing Milly is
TOO Young yet to think of marrying any
one and when she does marry her hus-
band must be her equal in every way. l
am sorry to have to speak like this, but
tbe truth had better be told at once"
lie demanded sullenly, as he rose also.
Most certainly it is" Blair replied,
land I trust the matter will end here.
90 not understand how you were induced
10 come here on such an Grand 1 feel
orite sure that Milly has not given you
reason to believe that she was DESTROYS
Of becoming your wife"
you are mistaken in thinking So" the
young man replied hotly. ''Milly loves
me, and she has promised to become my
wife so soon as you will permit her to
marry me"
She is fooling you, manv' cried Alex
ander Hair, testify. "She has only been
amusing herself at your expense She IS
not such fool as to ruin her whole lie
ny loving and marrying a poor devil when
dozen rich men are half-crazed about
her"
Yea wrong your daughter and insult
NE by such expressions" again Leslie
cried notify, "and you may yet regret the
tone you have thought fit to adopt in
this Interview. 1 will trouble you no
longer Good morning"
Stay moment. What do you mean
to do?'
simply this. 1 love your daughter; I
am satisfied that she loves me, and as
there seems to be small chance of obtain
ing your consent to our engagement-not
to speak of our MARRIAGE may take
it into my head to make short work of
Of you."
My daughter would never disgrace her
SELF by an elopement,' the elder man re-
torted with a sneer, though the others
confident tone had filled his breast with
some misgiVings
The disgrace will rest upon those who
force her into the act" Leslie rejoined,
speaking more calmly.
1 don't believe that AIilly cares toss
up for you; and you grossly exaggerate
your power over her. 1 am absolutely
certain of that!'
Perhaps L do; anyhow, I am not here
10 discuss that. / have heard all l care
TO near, and have said all wish to say"
with these words David Leslie strobe
away, leaving Blair to his reflections.
Ater bordering few minutes on what
mad passed between him and his visitor
BAR rang the bell and ordered the ser
want to send his daughter to him imme-
uiatey; and presently Mildred Blair en-
tered the room.
She was beautiful blonde ofs2O or so,
with a slight willowy figure not over
strong physically, but possessed of a fine
n1elhgence and calm resolute character.
She loved David Leslie with all her hearts
strength, and had long since determined
10 marry no other man.
forthwith the father began to pur out
distorted version of his interview with
Leslie, dilating on the insolence of his
olerk' and expressing himself as confident
mat no child of his could ever stoop to
love such a fellow.
Quietly Milly listened until her father
nad done; then she calmly avowed her
IoFe Tor Leslie, and intimated her intention
10 marry him only. This called forth a
Storm of words from Blair but despite
an MS arguments, entreatles, and curses
the girl remained steadfast to her lover;
anu at last the woollen merchant began to
perceive that Leslie had in nowise exag-
serated his influence over Mildred.
rms thought. caused Blair extreme UNI
easihess, and the matter occupied him for
nearly all the rest of the day.
CHAPTER II-BLAIR'S PROPOSAL.
AT noon the day following Leslie re-
SseiVed letter. and on breaking 1t open
Ae was surprised to find that his CORE
Spondent was Alexander Blair; and he
was still more astonished to learn from
me note that the manufacturer desired
I'm TO call again that evening at the man
SION in Moray place.
Wondering rybxr 10