The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1901-10-18
,ee@@Se@eee94@@@@Se3&~@4e
TIE F0RTUNE-HUNTBRs.
BY GILBERT DAYLE.

August, but there was shade in the
Park, and | was sitting there. deep in
my refectiors. These had been made
interesting by a chance call Lad paid
on a young man OF my acquaintance,
who rented some rooms in Piccadilly.
He had been good enough to confde in
me, and had even asked my advice in
the composition Of letter Of weighty
import This | willingly gave, and it
ended in my taking the epistle away
with me under a solemn promise to
post
"Of course, It's altogether ridiculous
and Unnecessary" l murmured to my
self as I lighted a cigarette. "But, pom
my word. like him for It; it's refresh-
ingi"
I placed the letter beside me on the
seat SO that l should not forget it. and
then I caught sight of somebody knew
quite well, and another person whom /
wished / didn't know at ALL
They were walking together, and he
was talking eagerly to her. He was ad-
mittedly handsome in a certain way.
but it wasn't my way-and his hair was
UNANIMOUSLY long. knew him casually
as Benjamin Maurel, young artist sup
posed to be rising" more particularly
by himself.
They were passing within yard or
so OF my seat, and my stick slipped to
the ground. Marjory-she was a pretty
young cousin of mine-turned her head
and saw me. / raised my hat, and had
the satisfaction Of seeing little wave Of
color sweep over her cheek as she gave
me smiling nod in return. They walk
ed few yards farther, then she stop
ped, and, after few moments more
conversation, held out her hand to
Maurel. | heard him say "Au revoir,
then, until this afternoon" and was
much pleased to see him take his de-
parture hastily slipped the letter in
my pocket as Marjory turned and came
tripping over the grass to me.
"Of course. ! must run against you
the first thing!" she said, with smiling
little pout. why on earth don't you
leave town like everybody else?"
caught a glimpse OF her face; there
was a little look there which knew Of
old. Something had happened; had to
be careful-that's what it meant
"I.et me see. | began, putting my
cigarette "A fortnight ago you retired
with your uncle and aunt to Dorlngton
TO recuperate after the season. Now.
with the town house shut up, find you
strolling in the Park with that charm
ing young genius, Bernard Maurel. All,
you came up for some shopping, and
met him by cha see?"
She turned to me with little gesture
OF impatlence.
Il never beat about the bush with
you. Julianl" she cried; THE fact is I'm
girl no longer-Tve left Dorington,
and I'm going to lead my own life-not
be forced to marry man with a title
and no money-the first fortune hunter
that comes alongl"
"Oh, Redstroke's the troublel" l ex-
claimed softly.
Gradually the whole story came out.
Now that she was q and had come into
her fortune, her uncle aud aunt only de-
sired that she should marry well, and
that they should be free Of the RESPONSE /
bility Of looking after her, a motive
which /, knowing her, could fully appre-
cIate. Young Lord Redstroke had struck
the worthy pair as being particularly
eligible, and they had somewhat un-
wisely forced the pace to an extent
which had made Marjory settle the
matter in her own way.
"Just think. Julian-he was invited
down to Dorington and accepted. / was
to be made Lady Redstoke forthwith,
whether liked it or notl"
Seems rather a pity you didn't, doesn't
it2" suggested.
Her eyes flashed;
Il can't express The contempt feel
for a man who would marry a girl-not
loving her-but just for her money!"
she cried. Il left early this morning
without saying good-by TO anyone
but directly got 10 town, posted a note
10 aunt telling her Of the step had
taken"
You haven't quite defined its exact
nature?" l began.
I'm going TO be absolutely free--liye
amongst the only real people. who live
not for the appearance. but the beauties
OF lifel" She paused. And when the
time comes. 1 shall marry the man
love-not a mere .ortune hunter with
title"
rose, too. and We tEalled along to-
gether
III sounds perfectly heavenly" l OBJ
servea