Holbrook argus., 1912-12-24

ss&@gZ "Never mind, fa-
 ther," interrupted the smiling girl, ''if it has one dia- mond less that you wished I'll survive the shock"
 If it were only thati Paula, have always respected your common sense too highly to deceive you about business matters, so I will not con ceal from you that the Casten deal went against me, and I am penniless. Every newspaper in town will have the details within few days. l am an old man and do not care, but naru- rally my keenest regret is for you. though nobody can say that your old daddy didn't give up every cent he possessed for what he knew to be right and just"
 Paula covered her eyes with her hand, while the father watched her anxiously.
 Don't take it hard, dearie," he begged. Well not starve, though it will be struggle for a while"
 Father" she said calmly, T am not taking it hard; was only won- dering how much we could scrape to- gether to continue fighting. Men like Casten have no right on this earth I'm ashamed to admit it, but as far as I am concerned, I'm glad, truly glad It's a blow for you, but don't worry about me. You know always desired to make my own way, but it's next to impossible for rich mans daughters. r1 4o1v place, my hands were too full. All care about is that we get e1ough to go after Casten. There's Christmas party at Barham's tonight, but I'd rather stay here and talk things over with you"
 'Pollie girl, you have no idea how you have frightened my worry" said HTr. Mercer huskily. "I know you'd rather not, but by all means go to your party. It's most important that the true state of affairs is not sus- Eected until absolutely necessary. I'll spend the evening across the street with Judge Simms. When your moth er was alive, the judge and his wife Rnd she and I never failed to cele- brate Christmas eve together, and they'd be hurt if stayed away"
 Paula kissed him absently and ran upstairs to dress. She was far from underestimating the disaster, and the suddenness of it startled her.
 Its one thing to talk about earn Ing your living and another thing to do it." she told herself. You are a success so far because you are your fathers daughter. It'll mean hard york. Still, work overcomes heart. aches and teaches one to forget!"
 She brushed the powder-puff across her nose, and descended. At the door of the library stood MT. Mercer.
 ''I forgot to tell you, Paula, that found it necessary to put Dr. Grant In possession of the facts.'
 Paula turned away at mention ot he young physician, and started tow ards the door.
 Goodnight, dearie-have a jolly ime!" called her father.
 Paula swept into the waiting auto mobile and settling down for the Ions drive into the suburbs, rapidly evolved numerous plans, meanwhile noting the Christmas gayety on all sides. The air rang with the excited chatter O children returning from belated shop ping or sightseeing tours, and min gled with their merry voices were tn. subdued conversations of their elders The sparkling snow, sleighbells bright lights and holiday decoration struck a sympathetic note in he heart The huge motor nurred softly and as Paula reached up to arrang the rich red ribbons which held holly wreaths against the glass doors an windows, her conscience smote he because of her real gladness.
 I'm forgetting what it means t poor father" she soliloquized. 'It' no fun for a man of his age to star all over again"
 A quick stop threw her on the fiool and by the time she had regained he feet and jumped out to investigate the chauffeur was. lifting a prostrat body from beneath the wheels. A Rwed crowd gathered swiftly. Tn chauffeur was eXonerated from blam, as several men had seen the littl newsboy run in front of the automt bile and slip and fall on the snow street.
 That's Tim Brownie lives i Rosa alley-just over there, ma aam volunteered another -ito-face newsy, stepping to pick up tue sea tered papers.
 sFIl take him home" announce Paula bravely.