Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-09-10
Copyright, 1901, by NJ. j. Phillips.)

Col. wood had always approved of Rich
ard Beaufort. the son of his best friend.
The young Richard had grown from "a
manly boy into Il stalwart, manly man.
And now the colonel's dearest wish seemed
coming true, for Beaufort with a smiling
embarrassment which sat well on his hand
some face, had confessed his love for the
colonels one eve lamb. and asked her hand
in marriage.
Il have not spoken to Grace" Beaufort
was saying; Il hoped to find her in this
afternoon. But l am glad I've told you
And so am l, Dick smiled the older
man. Il don't know any one I'd rather
have for a son-in-law, in view of the fact
that Son-in-law, like old age and taxes
can be relied upon to put in an appearance
And you haven't spoken to the lady in the
case? The present generation seems to be
behind old fellows in some things"
A shadow crossed the young mans face.
ITO tell the truth, colonel he said
frankly, I'm not so sure that speaking to
Grace will do any good. Since McLane
came to Marlborough l notice change"
The colonel laughed easily. THAT awk-
ward southerner? Why, Dick. he's only a
life insurance agent: L don't believe he
could buy gasoline for your automobiles
Il know that, colonel; but surely you
don't imagine my money would make any
difference to Grace. do you? If 1 thought
so l wouldn't be here now
The other nodded slowly. True enough.
The money wouldn't. But were talking
nonsense. Grace knows your father and l
have been planning a match between you
two since you were in long clothes. Her
future in life has been fixed; she is to
marry you and live happy ever after
I'm ready and willing to fulfill my part
in that horoscope, replied the young man,
his ready smile returning, land only hope
that Grace feels the same way. But Nc
Lane"
"Pshaw! I won't hear of such thing
You aren't going to throw up the sponge
for such a looking man as McLane?
Il know his looks are against him., but
he's gentleman nevertheless. Well, 1
must be going. III be out of town for a
day or two, but when l come back
You'll storm the fortress like man.
We had little argument with the south
In sixty-one. You know how that came out
Well, you've got your south to fight now
and know you'll win They shook hands
warmly, and the younger man, gathering
up his hat and stick whistled as he passed
out into the street.
The very absurdity of Dicks misgivings,
the colonel assured himself, kept him dwell
ing upon the matter after the young man
had gone. Dick Beaufort, the catch of the
year, good-looking, unspoiled Dick with his
millions, his motor cars and his horses,
fearing. a shabby fellow who buttonholes
people to buy life insurance. Absurd,
He was in this frame of mind when his
daughter, glowing from a long walk into
the country, stole in unawares and kissed
him on the tip of an ear.
The colonel was not of the temperament
to delay upon the question which was dis
turbing him. Grace" he began, abruptly,
Dick has been here. He says he loves you
dearly. You know there is no man in the
world l would rather see you marry than
Dick"
The girl had grown a little pale and her
fingers were not quite steady as she
fumbled with her glove.
But don't want to marry Dick. father"
And why not, pray?" The girl was
silent.
Dick feared you had grown fond of John
McLane. Is that the reason?'
Yes, father; we've love each other,
and he was coming tonight toto ask for
me-"
II cannot allow you to throw yourself
away, Grace. sad the colonel, quietly.
You will not marry this man with my APP
prevail
And John says he will not take me with
out it. He says it is the boast of the Nc
Lanes of Lexington that honor has always
come first They We're brave words, but
the girl was crying little as she LETT the
room
Won't take her without, ehY' the colonel