Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-02-14

moment There is an old aunt of mine
over in Camden who is i'll, and | might
possibly be summoned to her bedside.
Wei. then. let il go. I'll STAY al
home, and go TO the bank, as intended.
myself, | said, feeling quite disap.
pointed
But II say | will be at the bank
you may depend on me, Mr.. Conway
sick aunt or not" Jackson went on
he really seemed so willing to do me
the favor that ! could only reply.
Thank you very much. I'll depend on
you 1t will be doing me great favor
indeed I'll reciprocate some dav."
Not another word, Mr.. Conway. on
the subject. Go and enjoy Yourself"
Then he regarded me with a smile as he
continued: Il suppose it is Miss Nor.
ley that you intend to visit. Now
am Just on my way to see her father
at his Office"
On, you are acquainted with the
Morleys. then? | remarked, somewhat
coldly. for Gid not relish his bringing,
Florence Morley's name into the con-
versatioi
Only ightly acquainted. 1 am in.
IL q lS" business ventures
with MI '.orley. My acquaintance ex-
tends NJ .urther,' Jackson said.
lretu ID to my lodgings light-heart-
ed and ppy at the prospect of again
seeing Il - sweet girl whom | had loved
and worSaiped for some time in secret.
SO then Horace jackson was ac-
quainted with Mr.. Morley. l could not
but feel greater respect for Jackson.
For MIR. Morley was one of the most in
huential and highly-thought-of men in
Philadelphia, and, besides, was one of
the trustees of the bank. jackson had
never boosted of his relations with
such an influential man; indeed / had
never even heard hiil mention the fact
before this.
had felt all along that it would be
presumptuous for me to aspire to be
Florence Morley's husband. But this
evening she was so gracious, SO sweet
and lovable, that it was impossible for
me to resist the impulse to tell her of
my love. To my intense happiness [
discovered that my humble self was by
no means an object of Indifference to
her.
Mr.. Morley was of a dignified, COM
handing presence, and rather ove~awed
me. 1t would be no easy matter to ask
his consent to marry his daughter
Florence was his only child, and all the
purposes of the fathers life seemed To
center in his motherless daughter. Still
L knew | must approach him some day.
and there was comfort in the fact that
he had always met me in kindly, if
dignihed and reserved, manner. He
had never given me any cause to think
that my attentions to his daughter
were obnoxious to him: but then those
attentions had been extended out of
friendship only. How he would be af-
fected by the knowledge that I was.
from this evening. the accepted lover of
his daughter, | could not surmise. 1
could only hope that Florence's infu
ence, which was we'll aware was DOW
erful with her father. might prevail
The dear girls heart was mine atany
rate. for she had told me so. and be-
heved her words.
After the evenings enjoyment with
drew TO the hotel near the depot. where
l passed the rest of the night in happy
antlcipations OF the future.
The train which took me back TO the
city was few minutes late. and when
arrived nj the bank il lacked but ten
minutes of opening time
Had been late. either the president
or the treasurer would have had to be
called upon TO open the vault and it is
doubtful IT either of them remem.
bered the combination. The bond teller
aud the head receiving teller shared
Mr.. Morley arose from his chair.
There was a kindly CLEAN in his eyes,
and an expression on his face of-sad-
ness, was it? AT any rate, there was
undoubtedly touch of sorrow in his
voice when he spoke again. 1t seemed
somewhat strange to me at the time.
He had obtained the promise he wished,
but it did not seem to give him the pleas
ure naturally expected it would.
He extended his hand. Mr.. Conway,
you are a man of honor" he said. 81
deem it favor to shake hands with
you. 1 sincerely hope your innocence
may be established. But" he hest
tated here, do not be over-sanguine.
Robberies have occurred before which
have ever remained mysteries. 1 must
confess, although i am one of the
trustees and am therefore an interested
party, am not so sure the perpetrators
of this last robbery will ever be dis
covered. There seems to be not the
slightest clew to work ON. 1 do not
say this to cause you pain, but simply
to warn you against entertaining hopes
which may never be realized"
Go Be Continued