The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1910-01-07

Living fire in his little eyes
'' avss. sir" replied his son, quietly.
pAre you aware that you are depriv'
NO of the services Of a most ca
n NJ e. young woman?" snapped the
su ~ had not thought of that, dad" adj
lifted Allan with an amused smile
= forgot that Grace was
@Who?" interrupted Mr.. Babcock,
fgcely' ,,.na cir As1
u,s saving, l have forgotten that
s sso was your secretary and neces-
wv tn YOUR comfort. l just fell in
, ,s.s with her and now l find that she
= necessary to my happiness!" He
;, ni1od affectionately at the father who
S.d never yet denied him any reason
able wish.
'' aStuff and nonsense! You can fall
ant Of love just as fast as you fell in,
voung man! Don't poster me with
.uv more fol-de-rol about marrying
wss Richmond. ! can't spare her.
Allan Babcock flushed redly and
a,onped his tone of respectful atten-
,Ion. A look very much like that OF
NJ, father settled about his firm
mnuth and hardened it.
DO you really mean, father that
vou will sstrange yourself from me-
~ marry Grace Richmond"
1T has always been my belief"
.vaded John Babcock, sternly, that
ne possession of money begets a GER
tain wisdom in the care Of it. A per-
en- 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,
No becomes a spendthrift and the Sc
cuel Is ruin. Miss Richmond always
has been poor-she will squander ev-
ery cent you earn on frills and furbe-
logs! Marry a girl in your own set
one who has been accustomed to lux
ury, even if she is pauper now and
III warrant"
Then you refuse to sanction my en-
ragement?" interrupted Allan, coldly.
John Babcock's eyes glistened like
POINTS Of fame. Marry her." he cried
vrathfully, land you will nver receive
apenny Of my money!"
ut isn't a question Of money be-
tween Grace and me- returned Allan,
proudly.
Perhaps It's question Of money
On her side, young man." retorted his
tsther as 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
bis 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
Babcock had always liked the quiet
dignity of her dress and manner and
her unquestioned refinement had al
ways commanded the respect Of hel
irascible employer.
But now he glared at her defiantly
and 1t inwardly pleased him to note
that she returned the glare with hel
customary glance of level Indifference
I viii dictate" he said briefly.
She sat down on the other side o.
the great oaken desk and drew pencil
and notebook toward her. Mr.. Bah
cock wheeled about in his chair as il
TO avoid her eyes, then he as quickly
spun around and faced her, belliger
emily. Every separate hair of hi!
snowy white whiskers seemed Il
bristle with aggressiveness. Under
bis hard stare her gaze fell to the
book In her hand.
take this letter, please" he said
harshly:
Miss Grace Richmond,
Care John Babcock & Co..
"S1a, Wall Street, New York.
Dear Madam-My son informs mt
hat you have honored him by con
senting to become his wife. 1t is onl.
ialf you should know that in case yos
% become my sons wife, l will leave
every penny possess to the Home TO-
lnbecile Young Men,
"Yours respectfully"
When you have transcribed thu
letter. Miss Richmond, you may aft,
3 ny signature and mail it at once
That's all"
Very we'll, sir" she said with he
usual pleasant nod of understanding
and then without betraying recognl
uon Of the insulting letter he had die
hted, she closed the door softly be
alna her and went straight to tn
niue ONCE set aside for her use
mere with very bright eyes and
plnk flush In her cheeks, she wrot
.ae words John Babcock had dictates
una when she had finished the lette
saO signed his name with wicke'
flourish on the final "k," she wrot
8 another letter.
sne read this one carefully befor
lnclOsing Il in a dainty uhita anunlnn