Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-03-31
the old millionaire, it was scarcely to

be wondered at.
"Of course" he admitted, somewhat
impatiently, there is a good deal Of
truth in your argument, even though
it be rather blunt one, Yet are not
some men happy with the love of q
good wife,"
"A few-alas! very few" Statham
replied. Think of our greatest men.
/ Nearly all of them have had skeletons
in their cupboards because Of their
early infatuations. OF some, their do
nestle uphappfness is we'll known.
Others have, however, hidden it from
the world, preferring to suffer than to
humiliate themselves or admit their
foolishness, he said with calm cyni-
c1sm. To-day you think me heartless,
without sentiment. because you are in
! experienced. Twenty years hence, re-
collect my words, and you will be full
ly in accord with me, and probably re-
greet deeply not having followed my
advice"
With his thin hand he turned over
some papers idly. and then after a
moments pause, his manner changed,
and he said with a good humored
laugh:
"You won't listen to me, know,
Rolfe. So what is the use of expound-
ing my theory?'
at is very veluable,'' the young man
declared, deferentially. 81 know that
you are antagonistic towards women.
All London is aware of that
"And they think me eccentric-eh?"
he laughed well. do not want
them. Society I have no use for. 1t is
all too shallow. too ephemeral, and
too much make believe. If / wished to
go into society tomorrow, it would
welcome me. The door of every house
in this neighborhood would be opened
to me- Why? Because by money is the
kew by which I can enter"
The most exclusive set would be de-
! lighted to come here eat my dinners,
listen to my music, and borrow my
money. But who among the whole of
that narrow, fast-living little world
would care to know me as poor
man? I have known what is it to be
poor, Rolfe." he went on; poorer
than yourself The world knows moth
ing of my past-of the romance of my
life. One day, when l am dead. it may
perhaps know But until then I pre-
serve my secret"
He was leaning back in his padded
chair, staring straight before him, just
as he had been an hour ago.
Eyes" he continued; 81 recollect
one cold January night, when passed
along the pavement yonder,' and he
ierked his finger in the direction of
the street 81 was penniless, hungry,
and chilled to the bone. A man in ev-
ening dress was coming from this
very house, and begged from him a
few coppers, for had tasted nothing
that day, and, further, nv poor moth
err was diving at home-dying of star
walton. The man refused and cursed
me for daring to ask charity. I turn
ed upon him and cursed him in re-
turn, and vowed that if ever had
money I would live one day in his
house. He ieered at me and called me
a maniac.
"But strangely enough, my words
were prophetic My fortune turned.
II Drospered J am today living in the
house Of the man who cursed me, and
J that man himself was compel'ed to
beg charity of me! All. yes!" he ex-
claimed suddenly. rising from his
chair with sigh "The world little
dreams, of what my past has been.
Only one man knows-the man whom
you told me, Rolfe little time ago,
was IN England and alive"
4 "what-the man Adams?" exclaim-
ed Rolfe, in surprise.
/ "Yes." replied his emnlover, In a
hoarse. changed voice. Gle knows
everything"
"Thines that would be detrimental
to you?" asked the private secretary
SLOWLY.
"He is unscrnpulous, and would
rrove certain things that-well, II
adrnit to Won in strictest confidence
Rolfe-+hat it would be impossible fol-
me TO fnce.
Charlie stared at him in utter amaze
ment
"Then Won have satisfied yourself
that what told Won is correct?"
ct dishelieved YOU when you told
me p"t no longer doubt"
"Why?"
"Recause have seen him today :
seen him with my own eyes. He was
standing outside. there AGAINST the
rai1ines. watching the house,
"And did he see you?"
Gle saw and recognized me-"
Charlie gave vent to low whistle
,
: situation As private secretary he was
in old Statham's confidence to Ger
!, tain extent. but never before had he
| made snch an admission of fear a!
: that he had just done.
, Where is he now?'
81 don't know Gone TO prepare hi
couD for nv ruin most probably,
was the old mans response. in ;
strained. unnatural voice But listen
Rolfe have told Won, TODAY what
would tell no other man, In YOU
have reposed many condolences. be
cause I know You well enough to b.
confident that you will never betra.
them
"You honor me, sir, by thos
words" the young man said II en-
deavor to serve Won faithfully as it i
? my duty. am not forgetful of all tina
Y YOU have done for my sister and my
SELF
r 81 know that you are CRATE
9 Rolfe," he said. placing his bon
y hand uDon the young mans shoulder