Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-29
st. 1t was Austria they had planned "a little

The door closed behind him. He found himself con-
fronting the he had to ask for his daughter
It was grim face that he saw, set in hard, nfexlbe
lines Baamaines business face. For the first time
tnge Of doubt 50 faint as to be hardly perceptibe,
crossed the younger mans mind. Balanalne had risen
and stood facing him. Both were tall men, almost
of height and they measured glances the doubt IN
Heskeths mind gave way to another sensation TIN
CLING of the that meant effort fight, something
that braced the mental faculties the ring of crossed
steel tautens the muscles of swordsman .
As Baamaine'S swept over the visitor, his ex-
preston changed. He held his hand, and Hesketh
grasped it. then down in the chair placed for him
opposite the window.
to weigh every word. Now he spoke slowly, ponder
ously. You wished to see me"
Before replying, Hesketh deliberately placed his hat
and stick adjacent chair close observer might
have found characteristics oddly alike in the two
Then he looked full at Balamaine.
Il have come on no business matter, Mr. Balamaine,
but on a personal | love Nan, and she-thank
God-loves me-" He spoke with an undercurrent OF
fervor. MAY conclude that you will not withhold
your consent to marriage?"
1t was hardly query The quiet self confidence OF
the words brought Balamane's heavy brows together
in frown. Upon the writing table stood small bronze
statuette of a workman leaning on his pickax He lifted
the thing up and put down again. if weighing it in
his hand Then he gave his attention again to Hesketh
: You seem very certain OF my consent, ne remarked
dryly.
The young man S tanned face took degree more
color. why not?" he said Nan loves me- there is
nothing in my life to my discredit. You will want to
put me through my facngs, and you naturally want to
know the kind of man your daughter is marrying She
has told me all that you are and have been to each
other and of course
He broke off, some of his self confidence torn away
by the Older mans expression. He half rose; but Bala
names great hand waved him back.
Come, that's better, he said Il like you to be
frank with me. I'm not the man to beat about the
bush myself You're outspoken with me; I'm going to
speak my mind to you and you get few hard knocks
well. guess my little girls worth en-.
HE rose and took leisurey turn round the room,
then came back to his chair, and leaning forward,
you, and you to think you've fallen in love with
Nan. No. wait,-dont begin interrupting me,-you
shall have your say later. You've known each other
for week. she tells me- and last night at ball matters
to head
1t was all hideousy commonplace put that way.
Fortunately Heskeths sense of humor came to his aid
comment. Marshall Baamaine, fdgeting again with
the bronze statuette nodded to himself.
And where did you meet before that? At another
ball, she told me. And before that? At the opera.
And before that" he paused Hesketh imperturbabe,
Hesketh's eyes back to him from the bronze
figure. Forgive for interrupting; but you evil
IDENTIFY like to be accurate 1t was at theater supper
given by the Craweys."
Balamaine waved his hand in acknowledgment of the
correction What want to point out is the fact that
once have you and she met when either was at
disadvantage. You have both been your very best
behavior, well dressed, pleased with your company,
surrounded by all the glamour of wealth and beauty.
What can you know of my daughter? She, apparently,
has the most exalted notions OF your worth
He glanced at HeSketh. His last words had
brought glow to the young mans eyes; but still he
made comment.
Balls, theaters, suppers, dinners, concerts, each
word touched upon gained frmer note of all
very well for women, perhaps; but mans chief OBJ
ject in life-bah'
He pushed away the bronze, then grasped it again,
using it object lesson with which to point his
words I'll give my girl to wastrel of ife No man
shall have her who can't do honest day work, what
ever it may be, mental or physical! Amusements
all very WE'LL but the chief aim of existence they
lead to nothing but disaster There are too many of
your kind going, Mr. Hesketh."