The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1912-08-23


said.
A friendship sprang up between
them which proved source OF grea
pleasure. Maud tactfully declined Mr.
| ClitfOrd's simple invitations, yoWlne
| that she preferred the beach to all III
door amuSements. The real reason
was that she knew he was poor and
could not afford even a slight sum.
One day they were sitting on the
beach chatting when two fashionably
dressed girls settled down near them.
The hat of one blew off ard she jump
ed to her feet in pursuit. 1t landed at
Maud's feet, and as she arose to re-
turn it, she and the owner came face
70 face. The girl laughed harshly,
caught up the hat, and without a
! word Of thanks, went back to her com.
panlCn.
That's the gifted Miss Gault who
pounds the piano at the Seabreeze
with some obscure nobody. We really
must 60 over there some night and
listen to the cat concert she observ-
ed sarcasticaily.
Mr.. Clifford glanced at Maud.
He knew that she must have heard,
yet her expression was one of utter
Indifference.
I'm so sorry, Miss Gault," he
said.
ut really doesn't matter, l assure
you," returned Maud. Her father is
the most corrupt politician in our
state. My father, when governor,
fought him and his interests for years.
He ruined dad at last. Poor man, he
died peNAiless. All he was able to
leave me was a stony bit OF farmland,
while this man Warsh and his daugh-
ter are rolling in wealth. No wonder
she is bitter--their money never pro-
cured a social position for her.
The young man exclaimed in sur.
prise: why, you must be Governor
Iault's daughter! l admired him more
than any man in public life. 1t is
III honor to meet his daughter. He
put up a brave fight to protect his
state from Warsh, and it will be re-
pembered by the people for many a
ong day"
They shook hands and straightway
orgot all about the incident in dis.
ussing the estimable qualities of the
ate governor.
Mr.. Clifford stayed all summer, and
elore October came he and Maud
iere engaged to be married.
Il will not always be poor, nor will
~ wife ever repent her choice he
ssured her.
Maud glanced at him proudly. In
oite of his questionable garments,
II. Ciifford's bearing and appearance
as that Of a nam who is bound to
eet with success.
AS though that makes any differ
ice" she whispered.
Summer drilted into autumn, and ,
'adually the merry guests were de. .
lrtlng to their homes. For Maud
ID Mr.. Clifford those days were
oudless. Miss Warsh kept her word,
Id more than once Maud discerned
n hooking face among the diners.
ne evening her harsh tones were all.
bic all over the dining room as she
stled into it.
"Oh, girls, Robert Merrell Just ar.
'ed. He came in the most stunning i
otor imaginable. l saw him when b
the hotel a minute ago. He's t
the desk now signing the regis. v
r." c
Breathless excitement followed this v
nouncement. Robert Merrill was I.
% OF Americas foremost capitalists. i.
aud sat on the little PLATFORM pri. e.
tely specializing as to the appear. d
&c OF the famous man. When it was Il
ne Tor her solo, she straightway for. Il
t all about him.
she was conscious OF q q
~ OF conversation, which died down Il
an expectant pause. She glanced -
and saw two gentlemen enter the = =
ming room. The elder she recog. g
zed at once as Robert Merrell. Ho =; :,
Is conversing with a companion in "
anectlonate, interested manner =
I'd the other man was John Clifford.
1T was fortunate for Maud that her
10 ended just then, for she saw her
nee and Mr.. Merrell coming towards
r.
This is my future wife," announced
:. Clifford proudly.
The great Merrell held out his hand
d as Maud placed her own in it.
ew her towards him and kissed her
eek.
I am most happy to meet you, nv
ar ne said simply. For years this
surd boy of mine has been afraid
1t his wealth would influence girl
his favor. have always wished
n TO marry young. Also, | am
'ased to have him love Gault's
L."
His wealth. stammered Maud.
Nerrell looked from her to Clifford
surprise.
I've never told her, father" the tt
ing man observed. Turning to Vi
'ud he added, James Clifford is NV W
l-name. l am writing book on el