Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1900-04-27
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auailed before him.
Old John Asley was of the cold
chool," whatever that may mean.
hnd young John Asley was of the
\ new school" very new, in fact, went
In heavily for athletics, ran up a 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 very pretty girl, and, Of
course, wanted to marry her.
Now, old John Asley not only had
no sympathy with his sons matri-
mopial schemes, but he rather re-
garded the young man and all his
likes and ambitions as altogether un-
heard of, and, therefore, dangerous
and to be frowned on.
1t was natural that he should plan
vfor 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 it's 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 Hot 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
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temperament and he changed his
tactics. He suggested that John have
his aunt ask tho 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. !"
rTms was She 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 house was decorated
and ablaze. Johns eyes sparkled
when he led Miss Bennett up to intro
ducs her to his father.
FEATHER, this is Miss Bennett" he
said,
He saw his father give the girl n
puzzling look and heard him stihe an
exclamation of surprise. Then he
noticed that the girl was blushing and
seemed in some way i'll at ease.
3, ''How do you do, Miss Grace" said
his father, with the easy familiarity of
an old man. "We are very glad to
see YOU here" Then some one else
came up and the girl hurried away.
Several times at dinner J ohm saw
his 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-
PLANTATION. All he would say was that
If Miss Bennett ouly had as much
money as Alice Cooper hewould with
draw all his objections and make John
liberal allowance.
Miss Cooper was daughter OF an
ex-resident, who, dying, had left his
only child, Alice, 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
old man even chuckled as he handed
John the notes in way that only
: made matters worse.
John went to New York, taking
along Midnight with him. He was
too much attached to the horse to
leave him behind, and looked forward
to some delighted gallops with Miss
Bennett.
For two days lie hung about the
hotel, Tuning and trying to make up
his mind to call on Miss Bennett. One
morning he decided to take ride in
the park before breakfast.
Midnight was handful and needed
all his attention for some time. After
n good gallop he quieted down and
began to act like a rational horse
again. :.
John was walking him along the
bride path and came on little crowd
of persons, including some of the park
workmen and mounted policeman.
Standing near the group was hand
some Kentucky saddler, trembling all
over and showing unmistakable signs
Of having run away. The side saddle
on him was hanging on his flank and
his mouth dripped blood from an in
side cut. There was blood on the po-
l;c.man's arm. His horse was quietly
Watching the proceedings with mild,
steady eyes. He had seen SO many
similar accidents that 1T was really
quite bore to him. :.
John drew Midnight up and tried
n get a look at the person they
seemed to be bending over. AS he
nushed his way into the crowd he
caught glimpse Of the face and ut
tered an exclamation Of surprise and