Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-12-26


slowly resumed his seat ut his desk
and pulled the directory to him. In al
moment he had found this names
Vincent, Abner; promoter. IEes 2120
hillside avenue
Then he carefully copied the address
on card.
Six weeks later Abner Vincent and
his wife and Mary were sitting on the
porch of their modest little cottage. 1t
We're deepening beneath the vines and
the naples.
Il can't understand 1t a bit,r Abner
was saying in his fussy little voice.
Here's young Tennis been coming
round more'n month every night or
two and pumping me all about that
new aerostatic company until guess
there isn't fresh question left for
him to ask me. Seems perfectly salts
fed, too. but somehow he fails to put
up the 100000. By George, If he doesn't
come to time pretty soon I'll give some
other fellow the chance, or I'll bring
oat one of my other schemes. But I
want Henry Tennis. 1t isn't his money
alone-I want his name"
Are you always so particular about
the names of your-your Victims? ?"
asked Mary with sarcastic information
she couldn't suppress.
Mary" said her mother in sooth-
ing voice.
'.Xictiml' repeated her father queru-
lously Henry Tennis victim. 1
guess not. Why, there isn't slirewd-
er or more successful invester on the
street. II Henry Tennis goes into
thing, there's money in it. And from
the very start, from the very moment
he sent for me TO come to his office.
he's seemed all wrapped up in my
latest idea. But he doesn't put up the
money"
Father" said Mary, trying hard to
control her voice, what did you mean
by saying that Mr.. Tennis was young
and inexperienced and a reckless prodi-
gal?H
man.
You did, rcplielAIary. a ring of in
dignation in her voice; you said he
was easy picling.n
We'll, that" shufHed Abner, was
just figure OF speech. / must have
said it before really knew him. But
hush, think he is coming UP the
street"
Henry Tennis stepped lightly
through the gateway, hat in hand
Good evening, all," he cried with
the easy air of an old friend. "Ah, Mr..
Vincent he added, .'if the ladies' will
excuse us, / want just q word or two
on business with you''
Certainly" cried the little man,
busting up. This way, Mr.. Vincent
and he led the caller into n lighted
apartment
1t wasn'ta long Interview. When the
men came back to the porch, Tennis did
not take the chair that was offered
him.
Perhaps Miss Mary would enjoy
little stroll" he said. looking toward
the dark corner of the porch where
the girls white dress family glimmer-
ed.
''I guess she would" said the father.
and there was nervous energy in his
tone that seemed quite unusual.
The girl hesitated. Then he arose
and fetched her hat, and the two went
down. the street together.
Miss Mary" said Tennis presently,
81 want to confess to you that aIn
an arrant fraud. have been coming
to your home ON the pretense OF busl-
ness with your father-for 1t was n
pretense. Can you guess what really
brought me? Mary, when you went
out of my office that eventfu1 morning
/ made up my mind that you shouldn't
go out of my life. VIII you be my
wife2v
The girl was silent.
Put your hand in mine, dear, IL It
means yes"
And now" said Henry moment
later with an ecstatfc sigh of satfsfac-
ten, and now for another confess
lon. Do you know that up to the day
you came to see me had never even
heard of your fatherY'
.HenrylD cried the startled girl.
WAS it all fathers romnncingYy
Il guess It was. But when his ro-
mancing ended mine began"
How undutiful you must have
thought me. how forwardi But father
had angered me so And-and my
warning was all thrown away?
Thrown awayiD cried Tennis. .tNot
a bit of 1t. 1t warned me of the utter
emptiness of a bachelors selfish life.
Why my dear girl, there's nobody
loolliugw
In the East cliildlessness is considered
IL