The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-07-21
DICKS ORPHAN

Interference" she said. she has
chosen her own clothes ever since she
was ton years old.
"Oh" stammered Dick blanklys
conscious that he was talking al
cross purposes with Eligabeth's come
panion. Deity he changed tho subs
-et and waited for the appearance or
this precocious Elizabeth, who wan
undoubtedly little older than he had
had reason to believe Miles Weldon
was such a careless fellow 1t would
be just like him to forget the aGQ
Of his only child.
"a few years more won't mak0
much difference he was thinking
when the door opaaed and girl en-
tered.
4 girl Of nineteen she was. with
let mouth that smiled at him with
small Oval face Trained In misty blac1
hair; a pair OF hazel eyes ana SCARF
let mouth that smiled at him with
charming shyneas.
Elizabeth. this is your guardiaM
MIR Ielting," said Mrs. Armstrong
iemurely.
Is Dick bent low ovsr the girls
slender hand he recovered h iseaua-
nimity.
Il was Ioklng for nine-year
girl" he said. with his charming
smile. I'm afraid / had relegated
you to the schoolsoom for tenoionx
years"
Elizabeth laughed softly. How
dreadful when / have just hidden
goodby to 1t forever!''
Il even contemplated selecting your
clothes" went ON Dick gravely
Horrors You will forgive mesi
too; but / thought you would prove
10 be quite-an old gentleman"
blushed Elizabeth, thereby increase
ing her loneliness. You see. my
fathers hair was white--and (
thought You were his friend--and
were of the same age"
Your father was fifteen years
older than l." explained Dick, rather
hastily. He did not want this beau~s
tifuI ward Of his to look upon him
as an Old man. Hs stole q shy, anx.s
ious glance into an opposite mirror to-
reassure himself as to his appearances
and therein cangh+ tho amused glanca{
OF Mrs, Armstrong.
ooh, you are years younger than
my father" said Elizabeth, kindly.
Thanks" murmured Dick, and
then producing the letter he. had re-
eeived from her father he gave 1t to-
her. ~
She read it with tender eyes hlleA
Win tears. A iH4Slaha has OVEN
made" she said as SHE gave it back
to him. This Is a letter my father
must have written ten years ago.
when he suffered bad attack OF heart
disease and believed himself to be
dying There Is later letter writ
ten during his last illness. In the
confusion following his death the
lawyer. Mr.. Feltsom. must have for-'
warded you the wrong letter. HG
had charge Of the papers"
II am glad" said Dick heartily, and
then because he could not explain to-
them how glad he was no made ar
rangements for them to dine with him
that evening and hurried away.
Gordon Joined them at dinner. and
his amazement at sight of Dick's
charge was delightful to witness. To
Dicks ei4gsast, the fat, goed~Hatured
clubman appeared more impressed
with tho charms of Mrs. Armstrong
than with those of the beautiful girl.
How Isl your orphan" he asked
Dick one day.
Il hope she is happy returned
Dick, with a tender smile, for She
has lust promised to marry me-
Glorious" cried Gordon. with =
squeeze of his big hand. I'VE will
make it n double wedding"
Not Mrs. Armstrong
None other or course, / know she
hasn't n son and ] ought to marry
money, but I'm simply gone on her.
Dick. and I'll change nv whols mode
of life lust to gain her" Then anx-
iously. Haven't YOU heard that ii
was cheaper for two to live than only
one?"
Lets all try It." said Dick soberly.