The Opelousas courier., 1900-06-30

oA $50
young man about twenty-five,
~ and as he gazed wrathfully at
his father the old man almost
luailed before him.
Old John Asley was of the sold
school," whatever that may mean.
And young John Asley was of the
"new school," very new, in fact, went
in heavily for athletics, ran up o big
bill at college for dad" to pay, and
then skipped over to the continent,
and there, being up to date, fell in
love with q very pretty girl, and, of
course, wanted to marry her.
Now, old John Asley not only had
40 sympathy with his sons matri-
nopial schemes, but he rather re-
5arded the young man and Ill his
likes and ambitions as altogether un-
heard of, and, therefore, dangerous
and to be frowned on.
It was natural that he should plan
Tor John to enter his Office and learn
the ways of business. The old man
felt sure it was rank heresy and reck-
less foolishness to let the boy marry
till he had grounded himself in bust
ness and its methods. Now the boy
wanted to marry Miss Bennett at once
and learn the rudiments of business
afterward.
This did not suit the old man. He
admitted that he would 1ot be SO
averse to the marriage if the young
lady had any money. They discussed
the matter some time.
Old John Asley knew that his son
had his own stubborn and unresisting
temperament and he changed his
tactics. He suggested that John have
his aunt ask the girl to dinner party.
Johns aunt presided at the few enter
tainments the old man gave. This
was arranged and the invitation dis
patched to "Miss Grace Bennett,
No. - Madison avenue, New York"
This was the address she had given
John and told him it was a friends
house where she should spend the
winter. Her acceptance came by re-
turn post.
The evening OF the dinner arrived
and the splendid hsuse was decorated
and ablaze. Johns eyes sparkled
when he led Miss Bennett up to intro.
duce her to his father.
"Father, this is Miss Bennett" he
said.
He saw his father give the girl q
puzzling look and heard him stife an
exclamation OF surprise. Then he
noticed that the girl was blushing and
seemed in some way ill at ease.
"How do you do, Miss Grace, p said
his father, with the easy familiarity of
an old man. 1--WE are very glad to
see you here" Then some n else
came up and the girl hurried away.
Several times at dinner John saw
Ms father glance at the girl and then
shake with silent laughter. His hot
blood decided that his father was
ridiculing the girl of his choice and he
determined TO call him to account for it.
He drove Miss Bennett to the sta
ton to catch the late New York train
himself, and when he got back he
found his father still up. The old man
became silent and refused him any ex-
All he would say was that
Miss Bennett ouly had as much
money as Alice Cooper he would with
draw all his objections and make John
o liberal allowance.
Miss Cooper was a daughter OF an
o~x-resident, who. dying, had left his
only child, Alice, q large fortune.
John had never seen the girl and
thought then that he never wanted to.
In the middle of September young
John announced that he was going to
New York and would like some funds.
The money was forthcoming and the
Did man even chuckled as he handed
John the notes in o way that only
made matters worse.
John went to New York, taking
Midnight with him. He was
Too much attached to the horse to
leave him behind, and looked forward
some delighted gallops with Miss
Bennett.
For two days he hung about the
hotel. Tuning and trying to make up
his mind 10 call on Miss Bennett. One
morning no decided to take d riderin
the park before breakfast.
Midnight was o handful and needed
Ill his attention for some time. After
good gallop he quoted down and
began to act like q rational horse
John was walking him along the
Dridlo path and came on D little crowd
II persons. including some of the park !
Torkmcn and q mounted policeman.
Standing near tho group was q hand
Iome Kentucky saddler, trembling oil
and allowing unmistakable signs
having rnn away. The side saddle
IN him was hanging ON his flank and
lis mouth dfinped blood from an in
lido cut. There was blood on the po-
iceman'a arm. His horse was quietly
Watching tho proceedings with mild,
eyes. He had seen SO many
Iinailar accidents that il was really
quito q boro to him.
John drow Midnight MP and tried
" 8ob Y iOoA ~ Gne person they |
'oeiaed to be bending over. As he
his way into the crowd he
o glimpse of tho face and Mt
ored on exclamation Of surprise and
sorror whom no saw it was Miss Ben
lett.
DO yoH know this young lady?a
Iskod tho policeman.
Yes, said John; s'shc is Miss
5race Bennett and lives at Is
iho hurt2n
That ,Ec cant toll for susc Till the
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