El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-10-21
The Herald's
Daily Short Story

with mortgages, and Mr.. Blunden then
and there conceived the idea of devot-
ing himself to developing Myra's es-
tates. He had advanced a great deal
Of his own capital to speculative
builders, who had paid him good
round rent, and, as the years went by,
the fields that had been so unproduct-
i've were bringing in splendid rent
roll. and all the liabilities had cleared
themselves except those on himself,
which, if ever he had to claim them,
would make vast difference to Myra
But such necessity, Mr.. Blunden
felt sure would never arise; he had
done it simply for his boys sake. and
when Curtis married Myra, that would
be sufficient reward for all his toll.
I will speak to Curtis tonight" he
determined.
That night after dinner the old man
preached the object of his life to his
son. and, with pale face. Curtis lis
tened
Its all very well, pater," he said, at
last You speak as if you were GER
tain Myra would marry me- What
would you do supposing she refused
me?"
Il should find another home for the
ungrateful girl and cease every at
tempt to look after her property. L
have done it for you, my boy
And Curtis. who felt certain he would
keep his word, answered:
I'm sorry, sir. but I can't entertain
the proposal for a moment. Myra's a
nice girl, as a sister, but as a wife
why, it's impossible!"
Nevertheless, it must be-" returned
the other doggedly.
TT shall not be-" said the son, with
rising color.
His father sprang from his chair, all
his terrible temper getting the upper
hand and exclaimed.
Either you propose to Myra or you
leave my house and trust to your own
you, but only tomorrow Do you
think I am going to have the plans of
a lifetime defeated by obstinacy like
yours? Alter your mind or 60"
L will go tonight if you wish, sir"
returned his SON.
IF you do" said the old man. with
terrible emphasis. you will never come
back-never come backr and be left
the room angrily.
Angry as his father, Curtis hastily
went upstairs, packed his valise, and
then strobe down to see Myra.
He found her in the drawing room,
and, as his eyes rested on her, some
how he felt she had never seemed so
dear as now, when he knew he must
lose her.
Goodbye, Myra." he said. putting out
his hand. I'm off for good. The pater
and L have Quarreled."
'Nonsensei" she said smilingIy. I'll
work the pater round. You stop and
tomorrow morning you'll be fast
friends again. What is it about?"
Curtis felt his heart beating wildly.
Perhaps if he told her the truth, she
might-she might consent even yet
But he put it from him as unworthy
thought, and simply said:
oh. about certain plans in life he
has for me with which I don't agree
I'd better leave for time, but prom
Use to let me know if anything goes
wrong with him, won't you, and. above
all, don't speak to him about this quar-
rel. L never exaeted a pledge from you
before, so give me your word. Myra."
And, moved by his insistence, she
promised, fully expecting that. like
many a quarrel between them before,
II would be all over in a week
But the weeks had dragged into
months, and they were back at their
own home, and still there was no sign
of relenting on the part Of Mr. Blum
den, though the last six months had
aged him terribly. Myra waited in
vain for the least sign of eagerness to
see his son. or to hear of him. Com
passionately she left Curtis's letters to
herself about, as if by accident, and al