The daily tribune., 1908-05-12
Her FIRST
CUSTOM Err
ly oxnthla arsy.

Well. I'm going to, anyway" Dc.
clared Emily Smythe. And what ID Z
middle-aged guardian going to do when
l7-year-old girl who knows she has
money and thinks she has ideas
pouts?
It's for Margaret" continued Emily
Margaret was cripple. the daughter
Of washerwoman. II think that the
rich should
"All light, all right" agreed Mr..
Rand. He had already heard more
than he wanted to of Emily's ideas
regarding the obligations of the very
rich.
Mr.. Rand bought the shop Emily
coveted, and in two weeks 1t boosted
new sign, e. Smith & Co."
Margaret is the Co." explained
Emily. and f. Smith is IT,
Mr.. Rand knew that the shop
backed Emily's property. which itself
faced upon one OF the most aristocrat-
ic streets of the city. but what he did
not know was that every morning q
gray little figure slipped out of the
back door OF the Smythe mansion,
darted into the rear door of Margaret's
mothers plain little cottage and
thence to the shop, where "E. Smith"
herself sold cigars and thimbles daily
''It is such lark!" Emily confided
to Margaret; Il love 70 study the Gus
toners"
Her first customer was a tall, dark
man with serious eyes and firm
chin. He came every day. and Emily
studied him. Their conversation
turned usually to the sins of the very
rich. and because they agreed and be-
cause Emily loved to study the Gus
toners she was deliciously happy for
six months. Then the blow fell.
Mrs. Rand struck the blow. "Of
course, you must come out this sea.
SOM"
Then, Of course. I WON'T" declared
the girl. 'I hate society"
THE Invitations are addressed"
said the older woman blandly. They
will be mailed tomorrow.
So in two short weeks Emily, look
ing exquisitely lovely in white muslin
and pink rosebuds, made her bow to
polite society.
There, that ends IT." she confided
to Miss Wilson as she laid aside her
fnery. That's all want of the
aristocracy. I'm 18 to-day. No more
guardians or guardians wives!"
Miss Wilson smiled. Since the
girls parents demise Miss Wilson had
managed Emily by letting her think
she was doing exactly as she pleased.
So once more the little shop bright
ened under the magic of her presence,
and once again the first customer
found It bewitchingly attractive
Il guess It's wicked to be rich" Of
fered "E. Smith, as her first Gus
toner leaned over the counter on the
morning after her debut.
1T needn't be-" he smiled into her
troubled eyes. III the rich wouldn't let
themselves grow idle and useless. Just
yesterday" he went on, there was a
great fuss over on the avenue because
q Miss Smythe was 1S She'll grow
up as empty-headed as the other wom-
en- are"
will she?" faltered the girl
Now you" he continued. you'll
] wish you'd let me come to see you. I
have something to tell you"
Emily blushed and gave the address
OF Margaret's mother That evening
he called, but Miss Wilson was there
serenely watchful. He came again
and again, and Miss Wilson was al
ways there, until one evening she al
lowed Emily to run over ahead OF her.
promising to come after her at ten
o'clock.
As the man entered he cast a quick
glance around the little parlor
Emily" he cried, Emily, Emily, dear,
| love you!" He did not see the light
shining In the blue eyes. But, dear.
| have deceived you. am not Frank
Barber. the bookkeeper down town, Rs
you have thought me. / am Frank
Reginald Barber. son of Newton
Phelps-Barber"
The girl gave 4 little gasp; the
Phelps.Barbers were richer than she
was.
Il have been doing settlement work
down here. You see. ] am not one Of
the useless rich. DO you think that
you can learn to love me. dear. lit
tle?"
She went into the arms that we're
open TO her and nestled against the
mans heart. I'm so glad you're rich.
dearest. for"
Yes. my darling7"
For now you won't mind because
am that emp'y.headed Emily Smythe.
will youT"
An Interesting Question.