The herald., 1896-10-28
THE MILLIONAIRE.


called. She was lingering the necklace of
pearls that Mr.. Donald Ferguson had sent
her last week, just as q trifiing birthday
present. 1t bad cost hundreds said the
jeweler to whom her proud mother had
shown it casually, There was also the little
gold watch with the monogram IN. W."
wrought in diamonds on the back. That
had arrived on Christmas eve, an hour or
two before Mr.. Ferguson himself.
"It's no good" sighed Mamie. "It has
got to be- Poor Ralph must see it."
Then she went down to "poor Ralph"
He was standing gazing raptly at
Maimies latest photograph. 1t was in
gold frame, the frame the gift to Mrs.
Wrottesley Of the inevitable Mr.. Ferguson.
"She deserves to be mounted in gold,
and in gold she shall be mounted If you
will allow me-" MIR. Ferguson had said,
and of course, Maimie's mother had no
objection.
"Mr Ruyton," Mamie whispered.
He turned and showed her his saddened
face.
cts got to that, has itp' he said. "Aft-
er being Ralph for about score Of years
too"
my dear old boy" then said Mamie
impulsively, circumstances have got to
Dc accePtett, anu IL 10 uso tliHhlnB any
thing else."
$50 1 suppose. Circumstances embel-
lished by about million sterling"
"You have no right to reproach me like
thatp'
"Nog Then reckon no one has that
right. However (Ralph pulled himself
together and looked the gallant fellow he
was), as have no intention of surrendering
without o murmur, let me say my little
word and depart"
"What have you to say?" asked Mamie.
Her voice trembled ever SO slightly.
why, just this, Mamie, If you will
excuse the liberty take with your name.
love you as fondly as man can love q
woman, and If l do not marry you sup
pose l shall so single to the grave. But
that wouldn't matter much, expect The
main thing is this: I've had lift in my
department. and my income is now as0O
per annum. On that, if you would look
on me with favor
He hesitated. In spite of his restained,
half ironical hu1nor, the yearning tone
got into his words
1t is impossible, Ralph. Quite impos-
sible."
Ralph shrugged his shoulGS&e.."-
$50 I supposed" he remarked. "You
may as well have my scalp, though. I've
been told ladies enjoy these conquests
when their scar and yellow leaf time
comes"
"You are cruel" murmured Mamie.
Gam II Then l apologize. Until three
months ago was under the impression
that we were all the world to each other,
and that suitable income was the only
hindrance to me as an acceptable suitor for
your dear hand"
II never said so."
ono. 1t was your mother. Therefore
1 will infer nothing. Goodby." -'', 81
Maimie's blue eyes. had tears in them.
She knew now what this parting meant to
her cs well as to him. She did not put her
hand into his for a moment or two. She
did not even look at him.
1t was not without strong effort that
Ralph kept from taking her in his arms in
spite of everything. Those tears madden
ed him.
"Goodby. Maimie," he said again, "and
good luck.''
"Goodby, Ralph, " she then replied, with
mufled sob in her throat. His hand
closed upon hers, and held 1t while he
could have counted ten.
81 do not despair" he said, "for both
suspect and hate my rival"
There was rustic of silk and in sailed
Mrs. Wrottesley She had heard these last
words and was angry.
"My daughter will marry Mr. Ferguson
next month";" she said, with tho stoniness
of demeanor that must have reconciled her
late husband to his early demise. "There
can be no question about rivalry in this
matter. Good afternoon, Mr.. Ruyton.
Ring the bell, Maimie.''
Ralph Ruyton went back to town both
irritated and depressed. Not being a very
original young man, he could think of no
more original way of fighting the great
Donald Ferguson, late of Melbourne and
Coolgardie, than Of calling in the aid Of q
detective.
Mr.. James Porter, the detective he en-
gagged, encouraged him nightly by not
laughing when he heard all Ralph had to
say.
"there's nothing really against him that
know of, butt
"But there's very large field Of posi-
bilities Quite SO. When does this mar
rage take placer"
''In five or six weeks, suppose" said
Ralph dismally.
"We must thank heaven for the inven-
tion of telegraphy. You wish no expenses
spareds"
Cup to few hundred, you know, I"
Ralph replied.
every good. Then will be off to the
city immediately. If Mr.. Ferguson has
any virtues and any. failings, shall eer-
tainly hear OF them'the
"Then may really hope?"
"To the extent of the few hundreds you
can afford to spend in tho matter, Mr..
Ruyton," said the detective.
In these words there seemed to Ralph,
after the expiration Of a week, no encour-
agement.
Mr. Porter had absolutely nothing to
tell him in derogation of Mr.. Ferguson's
pocket, which had perhaps naturally ap-
peared his only assailable side.
"I wish, SIR" said the, detective, "that
my credit was as good as this Australian
gentleman's. Folks smack their lips when
they speak Of him."
Whereat Ralph groaned.
1--WE may as well stop, then," he MUIR
INJURED.
But Mr. Porter waved his hand in rather
a superior manner.
"You just leave it with me-" he said
''We've not done with him yet. I'll tell
you soon enough when it's hopeless
case.'
And SO Ralph went his way with a
shoulder shrug and made all manner OF
foolish mistakes at the Office, for the nearer
Maimie's wedding day approached the less