The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-10
NEITHER DID MRS. MANDlE.
BAUM THINK MUCH OF
HIS RING.

He was not particularly bright, SO
his father determined to send him
to college.
Shortly after his arrival in New
York he made the acquaintance Of
an actress whose dramatic ability
was confined principally to her Pc
destrian performances. When she
danced across the stage the hearts
of the baldheaded, venerable men,
and all those of the dudes in the
front seats, were in flutter, and
the opera glasses wobbled about.
Her name, like her garments, was
short. 1t was Blanche.
Blanche soon discovered that her
admirer was the scion of a wealthy
and aristocratic Philadelphia fam
lily, and she determined to set her
cap for him. AS Seymour was a
very susceptible young man, she
met with but little difficulty. Her
motive was strictly honorable, as
her object was matrimony. In the
meantime, however, she was not
averse to accepting presents from
the enamored youth. She also al
lowed him to pay for the cham
payne they mutually enjoyed. In
fact, her condescension went so far
that she allowed him to carry her
pet poodle when they took stroll
in Central park. 1t was generally
understood that they were engaged.
Mr.. Chaplain Sr. was very liberal
in supplying his sons wants, but
the extraordinary demands made on
him finally excited his anxiety. He
also heard rumors In regard to his
sons intimacy with a certain act
ress. A report came to his ears
that his son had presented her with
very expensive diamond ring.
Seymour was somewhat surprised
when he received a letter from his
parent to the effect that he, the
aforesaid parent, would be in New
York next day, as he desired to see
for himself how much progress the
young man was making in his stu
dies.
Seymour showed the letter to the
object of his affections.
Don't despair" he said, "the
course of true love never did run
smooth. AS soon as we are mar
ried we will surprise the old gen.
tleman and ask his forgiveness. He
will grant it on the spot, and you
will be admitted into the most Sc
lect circles of Philadelphia society,""
This was what Blanche wanted
very much, but she had her mis-
givings.
On the day following, Blanche
had just returned to her rooms from
a rehearsal when there came a
knock at the door.
Come in"
An elderly gentleman wearing
eyeglasses, and other garments, of
course, and very respectable eta
course, and a very aristocratic air,
entered. His worst fears were real
lied
"My name is Chaplain, of Phila-
delphia-the father of Seymour
Chaplain" he added significantly.
please be seated" said. Blanche
with a shipper.
"You love my son."
"And he loves me-" said Blanche
with downcast eyes. She made an
effort to blush, but If she succeeded
the result was not visible, as the
paint on her face was too thick.
"And l suppose he wants to mar
ry YOU" said the visitor, smiling
ironically.
Eyes, sir" replied Blanche. def
antly.
81 will probably have something
to say about that. | will be candid
with you. Seymour will never mar
ry you. gave my word to an old
friend years ago that Seymour
would marry his daughter. A Phil
adelphian who belongs to one of the
first families never goes back on his
word. You must return his pres
ents; 1 will buy them from you"
Blanche was absorbed in thought.
There were numerous New York
dudes who would squander thou
sands upon her. who would even fly
with her to Europe if she were
free.
you have my sons diamond ring
on your finger now. 1t is an heir