The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-10-09

began to realize how very few friends
the average person can rely upon. Hell
acquaintance in bygone days had
been legion in number. but with the
change in her social position they be-
came wonderfully scarce. Three or
four of her girlhood chums remained
faithful to the deposed princess OF
pressed their admiration of the man
ner in which she confronted her ad-
verse destiny, but they were shining
exceptions to the general rule.
Perhaps the sharpest sting of all
was contained in the knowledge that
Lionel Wayne was utterly unworthy
of the good opinion she once held of
him. From the day when he first
learned of her fathers financial ruin
that astute gentleman had kept care
fully out Of sight, and never even
came forward to express his sympathy.
Yet Gertrude, In spite Of the disap-
pointment which the revelation of his
true character inflicted upon her sen.
sitive nature, felt thankful that she
had found him out in time to save her
self from the bitterness of loveless
marriage. Whether Winslow would
prove equally faithless remained to be
seen. Business had summoned him to
California before the downfall of the
Desboroughs had become public, and
he was still absent from the city. Ger
trude's belief in mankind had been
severely shattered by her experience,
and she hardly knew what to hope for
when he returned.
Time will show" she said with a
wise shake of her little head, and ad-
dressed herself anew to the fight for
existence.
A month had passed away, and Ger
trude, weary from a hard days work,
was reclining on a sofa in the parlor
of their fat, an open book beside her,
while her father sat placidly smoking
a cigar and busted himself with a
formidable array of papers covered
with, endless rows of figures. A loud
knock at the door caused Gertrude to
spring to her feet, and an instant later
| the tall form OF Hugh Winslow ap-
| peared on the threshold. The color
rose to the girls face at the sight Of
| the unexpected visitor, but Winslow
gave her no time for a commonplace
salutation. Before she could speak
her small hands were caught tightly
in his strong ones and the glow of
affection in his eyes told her that he
| was still the same stalwart and I'M
complaining lover who had submitted
so meekly to her caprices in the past.
MY own little girl" he murmured,
gently, and Gertrude's wealth of brown
tresses rested quietly on his breast.
You young folks seem to have set
tied this matter very satisfactorily
between you," broke in Merton Des-
borough's voice. He smiled as he
spoke, and Winslow grasped the ex-
financier's hand and shook it warmly.
Thank heaven for your misfortune"
he said, fervently; sit has gained me
the heart of the dearest girl on earth.
Her money was the only bar between
US, Mr.. Desborough."
Merton Desborough's eyes were
moist with feeling as he gazed at the
| speaker. You are, just the kind OF
man / fancied you to be-" he said,
finally. Gertrude knows by this time
what valuation to put upon fair-weath-
err friends and money-seeking suitors.
And now I'll let you both into a secret.
My supposed ruin was nothing but a
scheme to test the worth of those who
sought my daughters hand. Merton
Desborough is just as heavy a weight
| in the financial scales as he was seven
| weeks ago. / don't regret the expert.
ment. for 1t not only proved Gertrude's
courage and affection, but also gave
her a husband who really loves her
for herself"
| One of Gertrude's arms crept around
her fathers neck and the other rested
upon Winslow's broad shoulder.
| THE two people / love most in the
whole, wide world" she said, salty.
Il am very happy girl tonight.
papa"
| Attitude of Birds In Flight.