The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1903-07-24

ahe table.
LOOK out for my two visitors he
said. Explain 10 them that tele-
gram calls me away from home, and
that ] must,spend an hour in the city.
If catch the $50 ! can return by the
1890" He looked at his watch. Eff
teen minutes 10 reach the station" He
drew away from the table. Hold
them both here until get back"
'Just mention their names again,
father"
"John Hammond and Barclay Hill.
You've heard me speak OF John. Hes
u son Of old Jared Hammond. and no
earthly good. Fellow full OF visions.
Nothing practical about him. Always
hard up OF course he's coming for
loan. I've no idea how much he owes
me. Poor visionary vagabond."
But why do you let him impose
upon you, father"
Cease of soft heart, ] guess, dear.
knew his old father so well. and I'D
hate 10 think he might be in actual
want. Better keep him here until l
get back. I'll investigate him sharply
this time, and If he isn't perfectly
frank with me I'll turn him adrlft for
good and all"
Easy, old daddy" laughed the girl.
"And who is the other manW
Barclay Hill, the confidential ad-
wiser Of Barham g. Goldie. Looks after
all their legal business, you know, and
gets whopping big salary. Wonder
full head for figures. Goldie told me
they trusted everything to him. He's
coming here TO settle a little deal that
we have planned together. If IL goes
through, my dear, il means six months
abroad for the pair Of us. There, I'll
have to hustle for the train"
And he hurried into the hall and n
moment later was gone.
Hester Palmer tucked back few
struggling locks and smoothed down
the folds of her pretty gown.
Its a shame" she murmured, that
papa allows himself TO be so dread
fully imposed upon. Son Of an old
friend indeed! As if that relieved the
man from all the ordinary moral obli-
cations. I'll see what ] can do to con
vince him to the contrary"
And then Hester's attention was ar
rested by the click of the iron gate at
the foot Of the lawn.
A man was coming up the gravel
walk He was tall man, attired in
black, man with gray hair and gray
beard. He was pale and stopped
little. and his glasses covered pair or
bright gray eyes.
He took off his soft hat and gravely
bowed TO Hester
"Is Mr. Richard Palmer nj homer
Hester smiled down at him from the
porch. What strong old face il was
and what fine gray eyes. And the
polse of the head-no wonder the shoul-
ders stopped under the burden Of gar
nered wisdom.
MY father is not in. He was sud
denly called to the city He expects To
return before noon, and lie begs you TO
wait"
II thank you" ne said. Il will cheer
fully wait"
Hester ushcred him in.
"You will find il cool here in the
study, sir. There are papers and books
that may interest you. Make yourself
quite at home"
Thank you. young lady" said the
elderly man, as he dropped into the
easiest chair. And might i ask you
for biscuit and perhaps n cup of
tea? The walk has been little fatig
uing"
Certainly" cried Hester. II will
send the maid with them
She gave the order and was turning
back toward the study when she was
stopped 10y a merry whistle. Somebody
was coming up the walk. She went Ia
the door. A young man was approach
ing ana whistling as he approached.
He was dressed in a gray summer suit,
and q straw hat danglod from one of
his hands. He stopped short when he
caught sight of Hester. His whistle
stopped, too.
81 beg your pardon he said with Il
sudden smile. I'm afraid l was lit
lie noisy"
Hester admitted to herself that his
face wasn't wholly weak. If anything
il was more inclined TO he crafty.
There was q twinkle about his eyes
that she didn't appropve. And he
seemed altogether too free in his man
ners
You have called to see my father"
She said in her coldest tones.
IL think | may safely answer yes
he replied with a little bow. That is,
If can take il for granted that ! am
addressing the charming daughter of
Mr. Richard Palmer"
IL am Miss Palmer" Helen answered.
"Will you come in? My father expect
cd you. He has been called away. but
will return before noon. He requested
me to ask you TO wait"
THANK you for conveying tie mes
sage" said the young man as he fol-
course / will wait ! am used TO Wait
ing"
Hester pictured him waiting outside
the doors Of his victims for the crumbs
they might see fit TO toss him. What
right had lie to appear so careless and
Indifferent? She pointed to chair and
lie seated himself. She took q chair on
the opposite side of the room. She
must not neglect the little sermon she
had mentally promised him.
My father has spoken of you" she
said
Indeed. Agreeably, I hopeT
Hester hesltated.