The Ordway new era., 1912-08-23

I
before long the evening was over. The
young mans name was James Clif.
ford. and he was an author, he
said.
A friendship sprang up between
them which proved source OF great
pleasure. Maud tactfully declined Mr..
Clifford's simple invitations, vowing
that she preferred the beach to all In.
door amusements. The real reason
was that she knew he was poor and
could not afford even q 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 OF and she jump
| ed to her feet in pursuit. 1t landed at
Maud's feet. and as she arose to re-
turn 1t. she and the owner came face
to face. The girl laughed harshly.
caught up the hat. and without
word of thanks, went back to her com.
panion.
That's the gifted Miss Gault who
pounds the piano at the Seabreeze,
with some obscure nobody. We really
must go over there some night and
listen to the cat concert" she observ.
ed sarcastically.
Mr.. Clifford glanced at Maud.
He knew that she must have heard.
yet her expression was one Of utter
Indifference.
I'm 30 sorry. Miss Gault." he
said.
ut really doesn't matter. I assure
you." returned Maud. Her father II
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 penniless. All he was able to
leave me was 4 stony bit Of farmland.
while this man Warsh and his daugh.
ter are rolling In wealth. No wonder
she 10 bitter-their money never pro-
cured a social position for her."
Tho young man exclaimed In sur
prise: why, you must be Governor
Gault's daughter! admired him more
than any man in public life. It is
an honor to meet his daughter. He
put up brave fight to protect his
state from Warsh. and 1t will be re-
membered by the people for many .
long day."
They shook hands and straightway
forgot all about the incident In dis
cussing tho estimable qualities OF the
late governor.
Mr.. Clifford stayed all summer. and
before October came he and Maud
were engaged to be married.
| II will not always be poor. nor will
my wife ever repent her choice" he
assured her.
Maud glanced at him proudly. In
spite OF his Questionable garments,
Mr.. Clinord's bearing and appearance
was that of . man who IL bound to
meet with success.
"As though that makes any differ
ence," she whispered.
Summer drifted into autumn. and
gradually the merry guests were de-
parting to their homes. For Maud
and Mr.. Clifford those days were
cloudless. Miss Warsh kept her word.
and more than once Maud discerned
her mocking face among the diners.
One evening her harsh tones were au-
dible all over the dining room as she
rustled into It.
"Oh, girls, Robert Merrell Just ar
rived. He came In the most stunning
motor imaginable. / saw him when
entered the hotel . minute ago. He's
at the desk now signing the regis
ter"
Breathless excitement followed this
announcement. Robert Merrill was
one OF Americas foremost capitalists.
Maud sat on the little patform pri.
vately specializing as to the appear.
ance OF the famous man. When 1t was
time for her solo. she straightway for
got all about him.
buzz OF conversation, which died down
to an expectant pause. She glanced
up and saw two gentlemen enter the
dining room. The elder she recog-
nized ut once as Robert Merrell. He
was conversing with o companion in
an a1ectionate. interested manner.
And the other man was John Clifford!
1t was fortunate for Maud that her
solo ended Just then. for she saw her
fance and Mr.. Merrell coming towards
her.
This is my future wife," announced
Mr.. Clifford proudly.
| Inc great Merrell nelo out MS mana
and as Maud placed her own in 1t.
drew her towards him and kissed her
cheek.
II am most happy to meet you, my
DEAR" he said simply. For years this
absurd boy Of mine has been afraid
that his wealth would influence a girl
in his favor. l have always wished
him to marry young. Also, am
pleased to have him love Gault's
girl"
"His wealth." stammered Maud.