Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1910-03-24
The BabCOCk
Millions
BY CLARISSA MAcKIE

so you want to marry my secre-
tary?" asked John Babeoek with smol.
dering fire in his little eyes.
Yes. sir" replied his son. quietly.
"Are you aware that you are depriy.
ing me Of the services Of a most ca
pable young woman?" snapped the
elder man.
Il had not thought of that. dad" ad-
mitted Allan with an amused smile.
Il forgot that Grace was"
Who" interrupted Mr.. Babcock.
fiercely.
"Grace-Miss Richmond. sir. AS
was saying. / have forgotten that
Grace was your secretary and neces-
sary to your comfort. Just fell in
love with her and now | find 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 mani 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. look very much like that OF
his father settled about his firm
mouth and hardened It.
do you really mean. father, that
you will estrange yourself from me-
II marry Grace Richmond"
1T has always been my belief,
evaded John Babcock. sternly. that
the possession Of money begets a GER
tain wisdom in the care of II. 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 10 lux
ury, even If 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
"and you will nver receive
a penny of my money!"
lit isn't a question of money be-
tween Grace and me. returned Allan,
"Perhaps it's a question of money 4
on her side, young man." retorted his
father, as he whirled about in his
chair and turned his back on his son.
When the door had closed behind
Allan, Mr. Babcock pressed a button
on his desk.
Presently the door opened to admit
his private secretary. She was tall
and slender. with grave gray eyes and
and a crown of softly plated brown
hair above the white brow. John
had always liked the quiet
dignity OF her dress and manner and
her unquestioned refinement had al
ways commanded the respect of her
Irascible employer.
But now he glared at her defiantly
and 1t inwardly pleased him to note
that she returned the glare with her
customary glance OF level indifference.
81 will dictate" he said briefly.
She sat down on the other side Of
he great oaken desk and drew pencil
and notebook toward her. Mr.. Bah
,ock wheeled about in his chair as IL
% avoid her eyes, then he as quickly
Ipun around and faced her, belliger-
entity. Every separate hair of his
snowy white whiskers seemed to
,ristle with aggressiveness. Under
lis hard stare her gaze fell to the
book in her hand.
Take this letter. please" he said.
iarshly:
Miss Grace Richmond,
Care John Babcock & Co.,
"S1a, Wall Street, New York.
Dear Madam-My son informs me
hat you have honored him by con-
Ienting to become his wife. II is only
air you should know that in case you
10 become my sons wife, I will leave
very penny pOSbSbS W tue AAOuuc AoA
mbecile Young Men!
Yours respectfully"
when you have Transcribed the
etter, Miss Richmond. you may afix
ny signature and mail ii at once.
That's all"
Very well, sir" she said with her
lsual pleasant nod of understanding,
md then without betraying recogni-
ion of the insulting letter he had die
ated. she closed the door softly be-
lind her and went straight to the
little Office set aside for her use.
There. with very bright eyes and
link flush in her cheeks. she wrote
he words John Babcock had dictated
nd when she had finished the letter
md signed his name with a wicked
flourish on the final *" she wrote
mother letter.
She read this one carefully before
nclosing it in a dainty white envelope
earring her own initial
Mr.. John Babcock.
MY Dear Sir: Replying to your es-
aemed favor of this date. I beg to
ay that the disposal OF your millions