The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-06
DICKS SWEETHEART.
BY HELLE MANIArEs.

Copyright, 1905, Daily Story Pub. Co.)
 The judge met. Dick as he came out of the law ofice in which he was enl- ployed., The older man noted with surprise and approval that the youth was carefully depositing check in bank book. /
 "why, Dick" he said as they walked out. T had an idea that you were Q young yspendthrift. I am glad to see that book"
 T fear I have been a spendthrift judge. but l now have great incen- tive to be economical"
 The sad face of the judge relaxed.
 Aha! A sweetheart, Dickf
 ''Yes, sir" replied the young man. drawing himself up proudly. T am engaged"
 The judges smile of interest deep ened.
 That's sensible, Dick. Tell me of her. Is she beautiful, of course?"
 "very beautiful" exclaimed Dick, ardently. and she is as sweet and lovely as she is beautiful"
 Certainly. Has she blue eyes, Dick? She should have"
 Her eyes are simply indescribable. Like pansies. sometimes; dark pur- pie. sometimes--"
 He paused, half ashamed of his en- thusiasm. and stole 0 covert glance at the judge. who. however, looked sad and reminiscent.
 "Yes, I know the kind" he said. wistfuliy. What is her name?'
 Mary Blodgett," replied Dick. re- calling that the judges only child had been named Mary.
 Does she reside here in the city?"
 "She came here to study music. We board at the same house. That is how I met her."
 Where do her family live?"
 ''She is an orphan. Her parents died years ago. and about year ago her guardian died. So she came hero to study music. She has no relatives"
 Did her parents leave her means |"
 Dick hesitated.
 ''She has quite a comfortable in- come."
 Her parents were we'll off then," persisted the judge.
 Dick flushed and was silent a mo- ment. Then, feeling that the judge was looking at him in surprise, he blurted out:
 '@rhey were killed in a railway acci- dent, and she got the money, or the people who adopted her did. from the railroad company"
 The judge winced.
 Tt happened out West somewhere about thirteen years ago." replied Dick. Mary was in the accident, too. but was miraculously saved, Though she was only years old, it made vivid impression upon her. so have never asked her about it."
 T can understand her feelings" said the judge brokeniy. She must be 19 years old. thenT
 "Yes, sir"
 Nineteen years old" The judge turned his head away for a moment. and presently broke the silence.
 Dick. will you bring her to see me very soon. No! Take me to see her. and then I will ask her to come and see my wiRe."
 Certainly" replied Dick. well pleased.
 When the young lovers were stroll- ing down the boulevard late that af- ternoon, the judge passed them in his carriage. but he did not see them.
 50 that is your friend. the judge" said Mary. when Dick pointed to the carriage. What sad-looking man! He looks like one who has had a great grief to endure"
 'He has" replied Dick. He and his wife were in railway wreck a great many years ago, and their only little girl was killed. His wife has been an invalid ever since, and the judge feels the loss as keenly today as he did at the time. All this I know from others, as he never speaks of 1t He was quite overcome when I told him of your having lost your parents in an accident. I think that is why he wants to see you'
 'T wonder" said the young girl. musingly, If they could be the parents of the little girl I played with that day! I heard the parents were saved. l have often thought of them," and g. sad look crept into her beautiful eyes.
 Dick quickly turned her thoughts into other channels.
 The next evening the judge, with Dick. was waiting in Mary's private sitting room. The judge was stand ing before picture. absorbed in con temptation. when Mary entered.
 Miss Blodgett" said Dick, "let me present Judge Grey"