The Monticellonian., 1904-08-11


 was surprising how much less tired his eyes were than before he ran into the girl. They were radiant and spark ling Only the erowsfeet about them | told that they were not those of a boy
 She went along home and he turned and watched her jaunty step and noted the 1.-the figure, half girlish, half wom- anish. and the flame of a great desire leaped into his heart He walked down the street toward his hotel, whis- ting like schoolboy. His business anxieties seemed a thousand miles away. He realized that he needed ev- cry ounce of brain and energy he had to meet the business crisis which he faced. He stopped whistling and frowned. What was he doing-a man of his age and experience, and in his predicament spending valuable hours walking about the street with a schoolgirl? And what business had he to be giving time and thought to any thing else but his tangled affairs. He set forth decisively to apply himself to the great problem confronting him.
 After all his brain seemed clearer and his heart certainly beat stronger for the incident Ard the girl-ah, wasn't she a beauty He thrilled again at thought of her black eyes. She had said tonight at St. Marks. Yes, he would be there. He wondered bit a ahnIt biS p1atha Ia boa in ed his wardrobe for some months, having had no time for social diver sions. So his mind bounded back from the business problem and re- mained glued to the olive. oval face and the ruby lips and the flashing orbs of Hattie Menard.
 Presently he found himself in his l room arraying himself, and later | walked into the carnival at St. Marks. He knew many people there. but had eyes only for one. He saw her pres ently, costumed as gypsy, in the fortune-teller's booth. Straightway he went there and greeted her as an old friend. Of course he had his palm read. The contact of her little hand drove him into ecstacies he had never known. He sought to prelong the con- versation and invited her to the. ice cream booth.
 You must remember. sir" she said, with downcast eyes. that we have never been formally introduced.
 "Oh, that's it. is it?" he replied and straightway sought her uncle, Hiram Stone, whom he knew slightly. Adroit management brought the two back to the vicinity of the fortuneteller's. Hat tie greeted her uncle and he introduced her perfunctorially to Dennison, add ing:
 Niece of mine I'm putting through the schools. Harrum- -scarrum sort of girl, but I've got to do it on account of Rachel. What were you saying about N. P?
 But N P. was not in Dennison's mind aud he shook Stone abruptly.
 Later he asked Hattie if he might cali. and received permission, of which he asailed himself On the following evening, much to Stones bewilder- ment On the following afternoon he met her with a buggy as she left sc.lool and took her riding. Saturday he took her to the golf links and Sun day afternoon for long ride. By this time he was making the most ardent love to her He spent only enough time at his office to read the mail and give a few directions. On that Sun day ride he threw discretion to the winds and begged her to become his wife After some teasing, she accept ed him and 1t was agreed. inasmuch as Uncle Hiram might interpose ob- i jections and delay matters, to slip quietly away Monday morning and be married in a neighborirg town. After honeymoon of two days they re turned and occupied apartments al Dennison's hotel and he went briskly to his office to meet his banker, his creditors and his packers. He did not drag his feet as he did when he walked out discouraged and forlorn the week before He walked briskly and confidently and it was noticeable that his eyes sparkled and the crows feet were gone.
 Well. I guess you've raised the money. Dennison," said the banker, smiling.
 Not at all" replied Dennison seating himself confidently. "The fact is I haven't tried. In fact l haven't had time. I've been too busy getting married
 "Married!" exclaimed the party in unison.
 "Oh, yes replied Dennison. And congratulate me, gentlemen. I have found the sweetest girl in the world You see I was fool enough to think that credit and business and work and success was all there is to life. I've learned differently There's something else and I've found it.
 But about the business?' gasped the banker.
 Well, I've been thinking about that bit coming down this morning Il looks to me just this way Here is the business. You know the condition We're making money and if you will leave me alone I'll pull out and there'll be profits galore in few months Ii you force me now, I'll have to let il go to smash and we'll all lose together It's up to you. I'll do the best 1 can and no man will lose a cent through me But I have got through worrying T