The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-12-19

ther," interrupted
the smiling GIRL 'if it has one dia-
mond less that you wished, I'll survive
the shock"
IF it were only that! 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 Caster 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 natu-
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 while"
Father" she said calmly, 81 am
not taking it hard; I was only won
dering how much we could scrape to-
gether to continue fighting. Men like
Caster 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 blow for you. but don't worry
about me. You know I always desired
to make my own way. but it's next to
impossible for rich mans daughters.
Then when I had to take mothers
place, my hands were too full All
care about is that we get enough to
go after Caster. 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 lightened my worry" said
Mr.. 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-
pected 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
1
brate Christmas eve together, and
they'd be hurt if I stayed away"
Paula kissed him absently and ran
upstairs to dress. She was far from
Understanding the disaster, and the
suddenness of it startled her.
tits 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
work. 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 Mr. Mercer.
81 forgot to tell you, Paula, that I
found it necessary to put DR.. Grant
in possession Of the facts.'
Paula turned away at mention of
the young physician, and started tow
ards the door.
"Good-night, dearie-have a jolly
time!" called her father.
Paula swept into the waiting auto
mobile and settling down for the long
drive into the suburbs, rapidly evolved
numerous plans, meanwhile noting the
Christmas gayety on all sides. The
air rang with the excited chatter Of
children returning from belated shop
ping or sightseeing tours, and min
gled with their merry voices were the
subdued conversations of their elders
The sparkling snow sleighbells,
bright lights and holiday decorations
struck sympathetic note in her
heart. The huge motor purred softly,
and as Paula reached up to arrange
the rich red ribbons which held holly
wreaths against the glass doors and
her conscience smote her
because Of her real gladness.
I'm forgetting what It means to
poor father" she soliloquized. TITS
no fun for a man of his age to start
all over again"
A quick stop threw her on the floor,
and by the time she had regained her
Feet and jumped out to investigate,
he chauffeur was lifting a PROSTATE
body from beneath the wheels. An
awed crowd gathered swiftly. The
chauffeur was exonerated from blame.
IS several men had seen the little
lewsboy run in front of the automo-
bile and slip and fall on the snowy
street.
That's Tim Brownie lives In
Rose alley-just over there, ma'am,"
another white-faced
1ewsy, STOPPING to pick up the scat
cred papers. 755s . s..
TN take him home announced
Paula bravely.