The Mena weekly star., 1909-07-15

| tho the marks of gentleman, then Nfr case 'O'"'eu
 Her sarcasm fell without effect u,o, nc old lawyer who, for thirty years had Mi'ns'ood the numerous charges of small shot from excited opponents, and occa. sionai bombs from irate judges. As though she had not spoken, he continued
 The wonder is that you ever thawed sufficiently to permit him to apnroaeh you. My Godl" striking his knee with his elenched hand, "Egbert Carlyle s oaughter welded to that boor Elba. if can never be. When you requested me 10 make inquiry concerning his wealth | thought of nothing more than a bu,i. ness transaction. Tonight, when you told me Of your intention, l thought you rest. ing, Elba, if living, what would vour father say9 If the dead ever comes paeK, you may expect his spirit at the wedding feast. If not his spirit the ghost of misery will haunt you tbrouph the coming years. "
 am far more democratic than my father was. recognize a mans richt to elevate himself, if he can, no matter how obscure the position in which nature has placed him. To demand of Fate his rights, with no feeling of having de- frauded some blue blooded pet of the aristocracy, lolling on velvet cushions. waiting for the dispenser of favors to drop the best things of life in his lap. Has 1t ever occurred to you, Judge Lath am, that, from this same despised lower class, have sprung many of our greatest statesmen, philosophers and philanthro. pists. v
 "Sueh fallaeous argument is not worthy of reply, Elba" The lawyer shrugged his shoulders impatiently. 'But since the man s recently acquired wealth has elevated him slightly above his orig inal position, into which of the three do you hope to see him develop9 But suppose he already appears to you in the light of an embryo philanthropist H;s offer to relieve present necessities, germ likely to ripen into the full fruit. ''
 As he intended, the mans words stung the proud sensitive girl to the quick. She flushed painfully, and said coIdly, HNo matter what my ideas or plans may be, I regret having confded them to one whom l had mistaken for a friend. Please forget, Judge Latham, that I troubled you for advice and assistance, the offence will never be repeated !"
 The girl rose with an air that said plainly she wished to end the interview
 "Not advice, Elba. God knows I wish you had asked that. If I did not know that your words were wrung from you by suffering, I might feel offended, as it is, in my heart is only tender pity, longing to save you from sorrow as I would one of my own daughters This side of heaven you have no truer friend. Under happier circumstances you 9ould afford to ignore that friendship but to. night you need an experienced friend to guide you. Upon the friendship that ex- isted between your father and myself, I am going to presume still further. I am going to put to you the plain pointed question. What prompts you to this sac rifcel It is nothing less. You know that in your heart you shrink with loath ing from the contemplated marriage
 els it sordid love of wealth, or a silly ambition to return to the society from which the loss of money barred you, Elbai Trust and tell me everything"
 The girl hesitated while she studied the face opposite. There she saw only deep interest in her welfare. Remember ing his kindness to her father, when de- serted by others, her doubts vanished. She knew that to him she could lay bare her heart. In a voice broken by sobs, she said: "Judge Latham, do you know me so little as to attribute to me eith- CT of the motives so base. l am home less and starving. This man offers me home and food v
 The look of annoyance on the man s face gave place to an expression of pain ed astonishment. He said slowly, "I do not understand
 "There is nothing enigmatical about my words. she interrupted, nor IS my .a., unparelleled, you meet such every day. in the busy walks of life. A starv- ipe woman puts her pride in her pocket, empty of all else, and accepts relief when proffered, although by parvenu. Nor are the terms entirely original, you We heard of such before, no doubt v
 "Your figurative speech of starva- tion--'
 "Not figurative, Judge Latham,' she broke in excitedly, "but literal. Judge Latham, for days together, we have noth' ipp but dry bread, and tea, without su' m, or cream. We have sold everything that would bring dollar except what wc were compelled to use, and what you see in this room. My foolish pride prompt- ed me to keep this room intact, knowing that dismantled parlor would puo'ish .o tbs world our poverty. Judge bath- am. I I'm between Scylla and Oharypdis' ou one side is starvation for the heipiess