The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-10-02
r Il will not be the least use for
him 10 come, uncle, as have
firmly resolved not to marry

born such; IL man get his wealth Dy
his own exertions, il is quite another
thing"
my dear" said Mr.. Bagstock, rather
1ryly, III you had said that you had re-
solved not TO marry a man solely for
his riches, should call il very sen
siblc decision; but, Az 1t is, j can't say
q great deal for its wisdom or justice.
I happen 10 know a number or most
excellent men who have the misfor-
tune TO be rich, as well as some of
quite the contrary description, who
don't own hundred dollars worth OF
property, and never will"
"True, uncle; and / don't deny that
there are many worthy people among
our rich men. What i do say liz that
the sons OF rich men are generally the
most useless and worthless portion OF
the community. Just look around our
own circle, for instance, and tell me If
you can find one, cursed with n rich
father, who is not utterly bankrupt in
truth, energy. self-reliance; in fact,
everything that constitutes true manly
worth"
Kate VernoD's soft, dark eyes
sparklcd, and the rich color in her
cheeks grew brighter as she uttered
these words.
Mr.. Bagstock smiled as he looked
upon her glowing countcnance.
Unfortunately, there is too much
truth i'm what you say, Kate. But,
though right in theory, you are wrong
In fact. John Armstrong has been
brought up TO work. His father put
him in his counting-room as soon as he
left school, giving him the duties and
salary OF the lowest clerk in IL; and,
though he was only promoted accord
Ing merit, he worked himself mp To the
position of head bOokkeepcr. Mr.. Arm
strong then took him into the firm, Civ
ing him certain share of the profits.
He is n young man of excellent prin-
eiples."
II certainly ought 10 know that,
nncle," said Kate, turning her head
away, with an impatient gesture; u
have had John Armstrong; manifold
perfections dlnncd into my ears ever
since can remember. ] am sorry that
you have TO so away at this time; but
as Cousin Jane is with me, we shall
get along very well, | dare say"
81 hope that you will not only receive
him kindly, Kate, but do your best 10
make his visit pleasant; If not for his
sake. out Of respect TO the memory OF
the father that so loved him. You know
he has never seen you, and may regard
the idea with as little favor rs you
seem TO DO"
On the evening OF the same day on
which the above conversation took
place, John Armstrong sat alone in his
counting room. There was not sound
In the warehouse, so busy and active
through the day; his clerks had all
gone home. but he still fingered,
though il was considerably past his
usual hour for leaving.
lie held q letter in his hand from Mr..
BagstOck, stating that his niece and
ward, Kate Vernon, bad now reached
the age OF eighteen, and. as il had been
the wish OF both his father and hers
that their meeting should not take
place before that tire, he deemed il
advisable, as an act OF justice TO both,
that il should not be- delayed further
John Armstrong; brow wore
thoughtful and perplcxcd expression.
lie had loved and revCred his father
above al human beings, ana felt how
sacred was his dying wish that he
would form the acquaintance OF his
friends daughter before committing
himself elsewhere. And yet his heart
revolted at the thought of being thus
fettered in regard TO q step upon which
his lifelong happiness depended.
MotherleSS and sistcrlcss, his heart
had often yearned for the joy, the sym.
pathy only to be found in the compan-
ioRship Of loved and loving wife, but
he had been 40 often smiled upon by
schcming mammas and ambitious
daughters, whose only lure was the re.
port OF bis great wealth, that he had
grown little cynical in regard to
women. He wanted 10 he loved for
himself alone--as what man does not z
1.-THE rich merchant may be received
gladly" he muttered. but would John
Armstrong; self meet with 80 much
favor in her sight? All, wCll we shall
see"
"Mr. John Armstrong, presume
Let me introduce you TO my cousin,
Miss Janc dudley"
The stately stranger bowed pro-
foundly, first 10 the fair speaker and
then TO her companion, whose lovely
eountcnaDce looked still lovclicr from
fbe brighter bushes that mantlcd II as
he fixed upon il his admiring gaze.
81 am sorry TO undcceive you" hc
said, smiling. but, unfortunately, !
have no such claim upon your favor rs
that name should give. Unfortunately
I'm more senses than one" ke added
galIantly. with another bow 20 Kate.
my name is John Thomas" he con
tinued, handing her n letter. 81 an
but an humble clerk in the establish
ynent Of which Mr.. Armstrong is the
head. He gave me this letter OF intro
duction TO you. and also commissioned
me TO express bis regrets that the i'm
pcrative claims Of business should oh
Iige him TO postpone a few weeks th,
pleasure he has 80 long anticipated"
Miss Vernon seemed TO take this an
nouncement very coolly; but not ~
with her companion, whose eyes locke,
still brighter from the scorn that shi
made no effort TO conceal.
''Mr. Armstrong seems to be entirel.
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