The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1909-04-02
OR 4 TALE OF MONEY MADNESS

ined himself to be man "full of af-
fairs" who had quite the average
share of troubles. Save for the abb
sence of his son. however, they were
crumpled rose leaves. The very
breath of heaven. thanks to his Sis
ter's care, was not suffered to visit
his cheek too roughly.
At this very moment, when the
cigars have been produced at his
pleasant Trinity rooms (for under
the influence of the genial weed the
talk grows deeper and wider, and
carries the thought with it,, and
while his part is but to encourage
guests who need no spur, Miss Maria
has another ana less agreeable TASK
before her. The girl who calls her
aunt, and whom she loves more dear
ly far than most women love their
nieces, is alone with her in the draw
ing-room for a few minutes, pre-
viously to their going upstairs to
dress for the ball.
'Sophy, 1 have a word or two to
say to YOU
"Yes, Aunt Maria"
She looked mp with such a sweet
smile of simplicity and assent that it
almost put to fight Aunt Maria's in
tended probation.
'Whatever imprudence the girl
commits" she says to herself, "she
has certainly no thought of wrong
doing, nor can 1 think her capable
of dunlicitv- If she were conscious
of having done anything am1ss she
would certainly look frightened.
There was not flaw in this logic,
only the logician did not understand
how very much more frightened
Sophy had been during the last half
hour than she was now. When one
has had loaded pistol close to ones
ear for little, the production of one,
that is not loaded can be borne with
comparative equanimity.
What has happened tonight,
Sopky, has distressed me, and I am
sure my dear brother also, exceeding
ly."
Sophys beautiful eyes expressed a
mild surprise.
E'Is it possible that you can be un-
aware Of what happened on the river?
that that very forward young man,
Mr.. Perry, had the bad taste to drink:
your health in public under our very.
windows?"
And was that such very bad taste,
Aunt Maria?" inquired the young
girl demurely.
pray, pray, Sophy, do not treat
this matter with lightness. 1t was
most infamous taste. 1t would have
been bad taste even if he had been
engaged to you, which, as you well
know, can never, never happen
Sophy smiled; it was very differ
ent smile from her former one; it
had confidence in it, but also sad
ness.
well, at all events, for very long
time to come" continued Aunt Maria,
there is no possibility of your mar
rying him; should you ever do so it
win be in direct antagonism both to-
myself and your guardian, and I don't
think we have deserved of you to
have, l do not say our wishes only,
but our most serious convictions set
at naught."
'You have deserved nothing of ne
but love and gratitude" said Sopiy.
with the tears in her eyes. ''Whaf-
ever happens, l shall never fo:33-;
how much l owe you
"And yet you propose to repay
us with disobedience?" observed
Aunt Maria dryly. Then, as if un-
able to maintain so stern a tone,
even for moment, she added gently,
'It is not for our sakes, Sophy, as
you we'll know, but for your own,
that we are SO strenuous upol this
point. When you come of age you
will be Independent of us, and can
Go as you like. There are many per
sons who under :he same circurl
stances would be Glad enough to get
rid of such a responsibility as you
must needs be to us. But when you
leave us you will still be in our
hearts; your future will affect us as.
much as your present does at this
hour, only we shall no longer hays
the power to shape it. Even now,
if your guardian knew as much as |.
do-how often Mr.. Perry comes here,
how often You make excuses for.
meeting him elsewhere-it would
make him miserable. And yet it is
not for his sake, but for your own,
that I entreat you to give up this
man"
sophy, huddled upon the sofa, with
her little hands hiding her pretty
face, answered only by her sobs.
cit is better for you to cry now,
my dear" continued Aunt Maria,
with a tender tremor nevertheless in
her own voice, than when things are
past crying for. I heard tonight
some talk Of MI. Perry, which those
who uttered it little thought had any
personal interest for me- He is a
man of bad temper, as we'll as of
bad habits; not a tavorite even with
those who know him best, and among
whom he has gained some pre-emi-
nence; he is good oar, it seems,
and that is ala poor recommended
tion for partner in life. | own he
is very handsome, but you Will not
think so when he frowns at you.
Such men soon get tired of their
pretty playthings. Indeed, have no.
ticed that of late weeks his manner
to yourself is not what it used to be;
he takes less trouble to please you,
perhaps because he feels sure of you.
| earnestly trust that he has as yet no
ground for such a confidence"
Sophy moaned.
You are not engaged to him."
put in the other, quickly.
''No. Aunt Maria, no." murmured
the girl.
. ''Then part from him, l beseech
you. while there is yet time. People
have already begun to talk Of you.