Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-09-04

turn II, she and the owner came face
to face. The girl laughed harshly.
caught up the hat. and without q
word Of thanks. went back 10 her com
panion.
That's the gifted Miss Gault who
pounds the piano at the seabresEa.
with some oba9ure nobody. We really
must 90 over there some night and
listen 10 the cat concert" she observ-
ed sarcastieally.
Mr.. Clifford glanced az Maud.
lie know that she must have heard.
yet her expression was one OF utter
Indifference.
I'm 30 sorry. Miss aault- he
said.
1T really doesn't matter. ] assure
you" returned Maud. 'Her father IL
the most corrupt politician in our
state. My father. when governor.
fought him and his interests for yearA
He ruined dad at last Poor man. he
died penniless. All be was able to
leave me was stony bit OF farmland.
while this man Warsh and his daugh-
tor are rolling In wealth. No wonder
she is bitter-their money never pro.
cured = social position for her"
The young man exclaimed In sur
prise: Why. you must be Governor
Gault's daughterl | admired him more
than any man In public life. 1t Is
an honor to meet his daughter. He
put up a brave fight 10 protect his
state from Warsh, and It will be re-
membered by the people for many q
long day"
They shook hands and straightway
forgot all about the incident In dis
cussing the esumable qualities OF the
late governor.
Mr. Clifford stayed all summer. and
before October came he and Maud
were engaged to be married.
Il win 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 q man who Is 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 discernet
her mOcking face among the diners
One evening her harsh tones we're au
dible all over the dining room a. she
rustled into It.
"Oh, girls, Robert Merrell Just ar
rived. He came In the most STUNNING
motor imaginable. l saw him wher
l entered the hotel a minute ago. He'I
at the desk now signing the regis
ter"
Breathless excitement followed thii
announcement Robert Merrill wa
one of Americas foremost capitalists
Maud sat on the little Platform pri
vately specializing as to the appear
ance OF the famous man. When 1t wa
time for her solo. she straightway for
got all about him.
Suddenly she was conscious OF
buzz of conversation, which died dow
to an expectant pause. She glance,
up and saw two gentlemen enter tn
dining room The elder she recog
niDed at once as Robert Merrell H
was conversing with a companion Il
an affectionate, interested manner
And the other man was John Clifford
1t was fortunate for Maud that he
solo ended just then, for she saw he
fiance and Mr.. Merrell coming toward
her.
This is my future wife," announce,
Mr.. Clifford proudly.
The great Merrell held out his han,
and as Maud placed her own in II
drew her towards him and kissed he
cheek.
Il am most happy to meet you, m
DEAR" he said simply. For years thi
absurd boy Of mine has been afrai
that his wealth would influence a gil
In his favor. l have always wishe
him to marry young. Also, l ar
pleased to have him love Gault'
girl"
His wealth." stammered Maud.
Merrell looked from her to ClifIor
in surprise.
I've never told her, father" tn
young man observed Turning t
Maud he added, James Clifford is m
pen-name. l am writing a book O
The Worth of Social Position A
James Merrell am received wit
open arms. AS James Clifford, I
quote Miss Warsh, l am an obscur
nobody. 1t has been an interestin
experiment. took the liberty of asl
ing the hotel people to release you 70
the short time which remains Of tn
season, and tomorrow we will be ma,
ried. This is why my father is herr
own this hotel Come now, dea
we will all dine together"
The trio passed on to a table Of
livious Of the frantic curloslty-in fax
oblivious to everything but their ow
happiness. So Miss Warsh's bitter r,
mark that the sly mink knew 1t a
along" dissolved into. the rosy hu
Of cOntentment which surrounde
them.