The Lamar register., 1912-12-25
The Se6sh1,ess
of Pride

,apped restlessly on the closely clipped
grass underfoot.
Philip. too. was psrturbed. He hat
been deeply in love with his fair com
panion for many weeks. and now, al
hs gazed into her limpid eyes and con
tsmplated the perfect form. the ex
uuisite beauty Of her face. the velvet
softnsss Of her skin. It was almost
more than he could do to restrain the
mad words Of love which struggled for
attsrance.
But he dared not tell her Of his pas
sion.
What right had he. . clerk on Q
small salary. to love the daughter OF
wealthy banker!
II am sorry you must 30 back to
town tomorrow. Philip. Wouldn't II
be jolly II you could remain up here in
he hills another week? Elsie said
lust to bring the conversation around
20 personal topics.
Thank you. Elsie, you don't know
now hate to leave here-you. shall
miss all this-but 1t will live long in
ny memory"
You must come again: there will
always be a welcome for you in our
home. Now we must Join the others"
Let us say 'goodby' here. under
he roses
"Goodby?"
Yes: you know l leave at in the
morning. I cannot expect you to dis.
:urb your rest at such an early hour
"0oodby. Philip. wish-I-oh.
we'll. good night and goodby!"
Silently he bent over her hand and
pressed his burning lips to its soft
surface.
The next moment she was gone, and
he light Of the world had ned with
aer.
On the train the next morning Philip
bought q paper. and the first thing
hat met his eye as he glanced over
he headlines was:
POOLE 4 HARTLEY FAIL
Banking House Closes Its Doors
Many Smaller Firms Go Under.
Announcement Causes Dismay in Fl.
nancial Circles.
A. he read the account Of the abso
Iute failure Of Elsie's father and his
business associates. Philip made q
great resolve. He would 60 back to
Hillcrest on the first train. and be.
tore Elsie had seen . morning paper
would ask her to be his wife.
His pride would not allow him to
tell her Of his love last night; but now,
whom he knew Of her fathers ruin, he
would not let her pride prompt her to
refuse his offer. He left the train at
tho first stop. telephoned the bank
which employed him. got the details OF
the failure from fellow-clerk to make
sure there was no mistake. and board.
Cd . train for Hillcrest.
He found Elsie In tho breakfast
room, gayly entertaining her guests
with stories Of her childhood days on
. western ranch.
why. Philip. you didn't go, or you
missed your train; how jolly to have
you with US another day." she ex.
claimed as he entered the room. Beg.
ging a word with her alone as soon as
he could. he took her again to the rose
bower. and there told her Of his love
and begged her to marry him.
But. Philip. l couldn't think of it
There n such a difference in our posi-.
lions. I. . millionaire's daughter, and
you only . bank clerk! Why, you
couldn't provide me with evening slip
pers. not to mention bread and butter
No. certainly not. Philip. cannot
marry you"
For . moment Philip was stunned
Then. anger blazed up in him. com
pletely drowning his finer feelings. for
be know the girl cared for him.
Quietly taking the paper from his
pocket. he pointed to the front page
with staring headlines Of her fathers
ruin.
Yen would show mo that now.
Philip?" and there was . look Of pity
and contempt In her eyes. II know all
about It yesterday afternoon. Father
telsphoned mo as soon a. he was sure
pf It himself. You are almost q day
loo late with your magnanimous offer
u marriage"
but, Elsie. thought"
"Oh. yes. you thought all along Just
THAT I have told you. You allowed
,ouf foolish pride t. come first before
our love for me or mine for you. II
'asr 1--we had been strong and brave