Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-22

Send FOR my lawyer" said John Richard
son slowly. when his son had finished And
when be was again left alone for the first
time since the death of his wife tears
trickied down his rugged cheeks. Now he
had no wife. nor child, nor friend.
The lawyer came He had handled MT.
Richardson's affairs ever since tie lattere
retirement from business, but his services
had been little required. There had been
an unpleasantness at one time over an ex-
orbitant fee, and perhaps the man of law
was not sorry at the opportunity to repay
an unforgotten grudge. He admitted there
was evidence of popularity, and witnesses
to swear to it-servants and visitors There
were many things innocent enough at the
time but dangerous now Eccentricity and
bad temper were bad beginnings. And this
marriage now, to an outsider, would seem
to have been under some influence. AS to
the insanity commission 1t was hard for
sane man to pass the Judgment of them
al successfully. One could not have too
much hope. TIE family would testify
against him, and that was bad. Then. hav-
ing no intimate friend, and having been out
of active business life for so long, there
was really no one of consequence to speak
in behalf OF him. 1t was pretty bad. His
honest advice would be to do. as they de-
sired Have suit brought for the annuiment
Of the marriage to Alice Lawlor. and iet
the whole thing be dropped.
And what" said Mr.. Richardson, has
Alice Lawlor to say?'
"Oh, they have practically bought her on
for ten thousand dollars. She Will not con-
test the suit
There was a long pause, during which
the lawyer politely gazed at the ceiling.
bought for ten thousand dollarsD
In that case" said Mr.. Richardson slow
ly. without expression, ENTER the suit"
The lawyer rose quickly. "Of course II
will be necessary for you to remain In Sc
cuson a little time until matters are set
tied, but understand you will be removed
from this place Immediately"
Mr. Richardson did not take the prohered
hand as he said Goodbye"
The next day carriage conveyed him TO
a private sanitarium. Three months later
he was driven back home, again single
man. He was also a changed man, saying
little keeping In the background; but when
he had anything to say, II was in most
gracious manner-he had not forgotten the
threatened testimony.
II think II won't be necessary to do any
thing about managing his property said
Ethelberta. I'VE won't have any more
trouble with him. and of course We might
have difficulty in the thing anyway
Her judgment. as usual. would have oeen
excellent, had not the United States man
INTERVIEWED with a letter for John Richard
son. Old John Richardson received 1t i'm.
passiyely new John Richardson put II
in his vest pocket after reading;
"Sir-My daughter wrote you the inclosed
letter some time ago. She has been sick
MARY LAWLOR."
This was her letter:
Dear Sr-You have thrust upon me so
much humiliation and unmerited disgrace
in these last few days that you might nave
spared me the insult OF this check
ALICE LAWLOR-
The check was for $4,000.
For a long time he sat immovable, except
for the steady drumming OF f1nger-tps on
the arm Of his chair. A careless passer.oy
might have thought him contemplating me
landscape; an observant one would nave
noted the set jaw and glinting eyes. Jonn
Richardson was doing some heavy thinking.
All his property-except the mousse In town-
was In the form of marketable bonds. none
bought for speculation, but for interest on
secure investment they could DE conVee,so
into cash at little less than their race valus
at any time. He remembered young pfo4-
err remembered him the only ciVl 40
him) guest his son had ever entertairef
Probably this young man could e1niot Ootn
discretion and ability with as rewaEo IA
view the price Of a seat on the stock *
change When he rose from his CHAIR ny
had decided that two could live with Ell
necessary comforts and a few Injuries, nav
ing moderate tastes. on the income 'r''"
100000.
The next day he went to town, ostenHply
to arrange for the opening Of the city nome
for the winter and he paid two memories nS 40
the broker. Then he came back ano waited.
A certain letter came one afternoon, whcn
caused him more joy than he could conceal.
and it was with the greatest dimcutly tnat
he remained calm in exterior Tor the en-
suing hours. The next morning, early as
usual, he came to the breakfast table. The
newspaper WdS CHeIc, put HS Souio hOe opSAA
it-at first Then. with trembling fingers.
he unfolded the sheet There 1T WAS!
"MUNIFTCENT GIFTS TO PUBLIC
CHARITY.
John Richardson Gives Away Private
Fortune, etc, etc
His eye glanced hurriedly down the page:
s1OOO coo to the Childrens Hospital-$100.O 600
to the Home for Aged and INDECENT Fee
males-$1OO,0OO for public drinking foun-
tain. He stayed to read no more. Rising
from the paper he Strengthened his shout
ders and took a last look at the premises.
Then, from a much worn envelope in his
pocket, he drew a check and laid 1t at his
daughter-in-law's plate. They may need
the money now" he commented grimly. He
spread the newspaper on the table 30 that
the breakfast room, took his suit case and
shook the dust of the place from his feet
forever.
A tired woman, whose face showed recent
suffering and Illness sat in the garden of
her dear, Od-fashioned home, breathing the
sweetness Of the early autumn air. Her
closed eyes opened the gate slammed,
and a stout, familiar figure came Fastening
toward her. She rose defiantly.
"Mr. Richardson"
There, there, Alice!" he said patting her
shoulder IL she had been a child, and
giving her fine, honest embrace in spite
of herself. They separated US once, but,
by heaven. they'll never do II again."
What do you mean?" she gasped.
ut isn't worth while for them to make
trouble now, he answered, with q hearty
laugh. Little woman, come right out with
make you Alice Richardson again."