The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-10-23
, THE HARDNESS OF ADAM STARK.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

r T had been an affection OF raplo
growth. They met at the home OF
a mutual friend, and one glance
2 started the tIain that leads to
that most intlaminable and dangerous
of magazines, the heart Of youth.
George Cranston knew it was pre-
sumptuCus folly Tor him to lift his
eyes to Helen Stark, and yet when
they were lifted he did not veil them.
They met again q little later, this
time in the park, where she was
walking. She had not forgotten him.
In fact, her glance was so friendly
that George instirctively shortened his
steps and walked little way by her
side. Oh, the delicious daring OF 1t.
Oh, that never-tc-b e-forgotten stroll!
Small matter what they said. George
could not have told a half-hour later.
He only knew it was stolen sweet,
and that earth was q paradise and
Helen an angel.
And Adam Stark?
At that name earth became lost
paradise, and George a hopeless out
cast beyond its gates.
Nevertheless, the course Of true lore
ran without interruption for fully six
months. George saw Helen at inter-
walls, some short, some painfully long,
and several times he called upon her
at her home. They were decorous
calls, from which he retired at an
early hour, feeling that the grandeur
of the great reception room Ill ac-
corded with his idea of q cozy and
tender tete-a-tete. And then one
evening he suddenly told her Of his
love and stood amazed at his own
boldnesS as she paused with downcast
vestibule, where, hat in hand, he
waited for her answer. But when her
eyes were raised he read the answer
in their gentle depths, and the stars
sang to him, and the night wind
crooned to him, and he walked home
on pillows Of air.
And Adam Stark?
"You must ask father very soon,
George" Helen had said. II can't
look him in the face with clear con-
science until he knows"
And Georges heart sank to the re-
gion Of his trim patent feathers.
II will ask him right away" he
murmured.
She saw his troubled look and put
her hand little timidly on his arm.
Father isn't nearly as hard as some
people imagine" she said. He is
very, very good and kind to me.'
(which l am afraid offers no par
ticular encouragement for me-" said
George. little disconsolately. Don't
you know Of some sesame, dear, that
will touch his aGamantine heart?'
Tell him that-that I love you, dear
George Helen slowly answered.
George left the bank at o'clock the
next afternoon and walked briskly to
the sky-scraping beehive that included
in its teeming midst the Offices of the
great capitalist. George had put his
teeth together hard and told himself
not to be q coward, and yet he men
tally asked several times if he meant
to funk and show the white feather.
But he pressed steadily forward and
presented his card in the outer office.
The attendant who took it looked at
him q little superciliously. but came
back with the information that Mr..
Stark would see him presently. He
seated himself on onc OF the row of
chairs against the wall and waited
which was much harder work than
he anticipated, even though it brought
brief respite. And then, q little later,
he found himself in the presence of
Helen's father.
Ihe famous manipulation Of millions
d!d not look up when he entered, and
he waited hat in hand until his pres
ence was noticed. Presently the cold
gray eyes Of the old man turned to-
ward him. Then they fell upon the
card before his long, white fingers.
well, young man." he said, in
sharp. iIcisive tones, what can I do
for you"
George came forward promptly and
stood beside the desk.
Il must beg to trespass upon your
time for several minutes, SIR" he said
In steady voice, and trust thar our
interview may not be interrupted until
you have heard me out"
The old man gave him a sharp, steel.
~ glance.
What you have to say concerns
business Of Importance then"
1T does"
"Of importance to you?"
ITO both of u.s."
again the old man stared at him
Then he touched 4 bell and the at
tendant entered.
Henry said the capitalist, 'see
that nobody interrupts US for ten
minutes. Now. Sir" and he fingered
the pile of papers before him impa.
tiently.
"Mr. Stark George began with =
little quaver in his voice. Il crave
your kindest consideration. nm,
about to ask of you very great fav.
or" His throat was dry ard his voice
EpundedA Aqt!ite unnatural to his sensi.
tive ears.
"1c this the business that concerns
Us bosh," inquired the cid man, dryly
"Yes, SIR" said George, stoutly; "i,
concerns US both very. very .deeply.r