The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1909-01-30

| He finally decided to sell diamond
shares, and rang up his broker on the
| telephone
Il want to sell fifty thousand pounds
| worth of diamond scrip" was the or
| der.
'How's the market?' he inquired saw
agely.
"As bad as it can be-persistent SELL
ing" was the reply
| 1t was 1915 next morning and Mr..
| Bernard Martin was once more seated
| at his desk.
He had just been in telephone COM
munication with his broker, and had
heard that there had been startling
recovery both in diamonds and dia-
mond shares
The persistent selling which had de-
pressed prices yesterday had suddenly
ceased, and all values were on the up
| grade. The brokers' opinion was that
"the slump was going to be followed
by BOOM" and his urgent advice
| was ito buy"
In front of him on the desk was the
check for 100000 The thought of part
ing with it dismayed him, but the
| thought of what he was going to pur-
chase with it-viz., the breaking Of
his rebellious daughters spirit-thrill-
ed him with an exul1ant sense of tri-
umph.
Harold Vere's appointment was for
II o'clock. so he wouldn't be long now.
There came a knock a. the door, and
Florence appeared
Harold is here, father Shall tell
him to come in?"
How did you know he was coming?"
he vociferated.
He told me, of course"
Told you, did he? Then he has less
shame than even l gave him credit for.
Did he tell you why he was coming,
miss?''
"Oh, yes, he told mel"
well, what do you think of him
now"
What have always thought of him!
But | think it particularly mean and
horrld of you, father!" Then she
turned to the door and called: Come
In, Harold! Fathers ready for you!"
Harold We're came in and wished Mr..
Martin good morning in a pleasant,
CHEEKY voice, and Mr.. Martin replied
with an unintelligible snort:
Here's the affidavit you've got to
sign. We're; and you're on your oath.
mind. Listen, girl, and then perhaps
you'll be able to judge whether this beg
carly scamp Is after you or your
money"
I'm listening. father" said Flor
ence, with perfec, composure.
Mr. Martin then began to read in a
loud and angry tone of voice, as fol-
lows:
Il, Harold We're, stock and share
broker, solemnly make oath and say,
that in consideration Of the sum Of
$4,000 of which hereby acknowledge
tn ereceiDt, will never marry Florence
Martin, daughter of Bernard Martin,
Esq.
Il bind myself never to see her, or
speak to her, or write to her from this
day forth, or to hold any communica-
ton with her, directly or indirectly, so
long as live; and further undertake
to leave England within week from
the present date, and never return to
it,"
"Now kiss the Book, and then sign
Mr.. Martin pushed Testament
across the table and shot triumphant
glance at Florence.
"Mr. Martin, l am quite prepared to
promise never to marry your daughter,
even without this" said Harold, toying
with the check
NO quibbling, sir! 1 acquainted you
beforehand with the terms Of the at
fidavit. No quibbling!"
You tell him, Florence" whispered
Harold.
Certainly, Father, Harold Is quite
ready to promise never to marry me.
because we are married already" She
pointedly displayed the third finger of
her left hand. "You see my wedding
ring, father? We were married yes
terday. And now you've got to for
give u.s."
Mr.. Martins first movement was
characteristic. He started up, stretch
ed across the table, snatched the check
from Harold's hand and tore it to
pieces He resumed his seat and
glanced at the pair. Then he said:
Very we'll, go and starve!"
"Oh, no, father! We hope you won't
send us away like this; but If you do
we shan't starve. Harold has simply
made stacks of money in the last day
or two, haven't you. Harold?"
Then Harold spoke
Il can't tell you what I'm worth to