The Lamar register., 1910-04-13
The Babcock
Millions
by cLAR1ssA MAcKIE
(Copyrisht, 10. By Associated Literary Presa.

kN0pyn80t, lNtB, Dy AbsOchtoo AAs1tAhy Ehcea-I
$50 you want to marry my secre-
tary?" asked John Babcock with smol-
dering fire in his little eyes.
Yes. SIR" replied his son. quietly,
Are you aware that you are depriv-
ing me of the services Of a most ca
pable young woman?" snapped the
elder man.
II had not thought of that. dad" ad-
mitted Allan with an amused smile.
II forgot that Grace was"
"who?" interrupted Mr.. Babcock.
fiercely.
"Grace-Miss Richmond. sir. Az ]
was saying, I have forgotten that
Grace was your secretary and neces-
sary to your comfort. Just fell In
love with her and now ind that she
is necessary to my happiness" He
smiled affectionately at the father who
had never yet denied him any reason
able wish.
STUFF and nonsense! You can fall
out Of love Just as fast as you fell in.
young man! Don't poster me with
any more fol-de-rol about marrying
Miss Richmond. can't spare her.
Allan Babcock flushed redly and
dropped his tone Of respectful atten-
ton. A look very much like that Of
his father settled about his arm
mouth and hardened 1t.
DO you really mean. father. that
you will estrange yourself from me
II ! marry Grace Richmond?"
ut has always been my belief"
evaded John Babcock, sternly. that
the possession of money begets q GER
tain wisdom in the care Of 1t. A per-
son who has been poor all his life.
suddenly becomes rich beyond his
widest dreams-what is the result?
Ignorant OF the true value Of money.
he becomes a spendthrift and the Sc
quel Is ruin. Miss Richmond always
has been poor-she will squander ev.
cry cent you earn on frills and furbe-
lows! Marry a girl in your own set
one who has been accustomed to lux
ury. even II she is a pauper now and
I'll warrant"
Then you refuse to sanction my en-
gagement?" interrupted Allan. coldly.
John Babcock's eyes glistened like
points Of flame. Marry her." he cried
wrathfully. "and you will nver receive
penny Of my money!"
"It isn't q question Of money be-
tween Grace and me- returned Allan.
proudly.
perhaps It's a question Of money
on her side, young man." retorted his
father. ~ he whirled about In his
chair and turned his back on his son.
When the door had closed behind
Allan. Mr. Babcock pressed . button
on his desk.
Presently the door opened to admit
his private secretary. She was tall
and slender. with grave gray eyes and
and q crown Of softly plated brown
hair above the white brow. John
Babcock had always liked the quiet
dignity Of her dress and manner and
her unquestioned refinement had a.
ways commanded the respect Of her
irascibie employer.
But now he glared At her denantly
and II inwsrdly pleased him to note
that she returned the glare with her
customary glance Of level indifference.
II will dictate" he said briefly.
She sat down on the other side Of
the great oaken desk and drew pencil
and notebook toward her. Mr.. Bah
cock wheeled about In his chair a. II
TO avoid her eyes. then he ~ quickly
spun around and faced her. belliger-
emily. Every separate hair Of his
snowy white whiskers seemed to
bristie with aggressiveness. Under
fal1 ~ thA
book In her hand.
take this letter. please" he said.
harshly:
Miss Grace Richmond.
Care John Babcock 4 Co.,
asia, Wall Street. New York.
Dear Madam-My son informs me
that you have honored him BY CON
senting to become his wife. It Is only
fair you should know that In case you
do become my sons wife. I will leave
every penny / possess to the Home for
Imbecile Young Men!
Yours respectfully"
p when you have transcribed the
letter, Miss Richmond. you may afix
my signature and mail II at once.
That's ALL"
VERY well, SIR" she aid with her
usual pleasant nod Of understanding.
and then without betraying recogni-
ton Of the insulting letter he had die
tated. she closed the door softly be-
hind her and went straight to the
little once set aside for her use.
There. with very bright eyes and .
pink flush in her cheeks. she wrote
the words John Babcock had dictated
and when she had finished the letter
and signed his name with q wicked
flourish on the final "k." she wrote
another letter.
She read this one carefully before
Inclosing 1t In a dainty white envelope
bearing her own initial.
"Mr. John Babcock.
my Dear Sir: Replying to your es-
teemed favor of this date. beg to
saw that the disposal of your millions