Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-11-08
Her Check
A Story OF Old
New York
BY +. A. mitchell
BY +. A. mitchell

were stroIling on the Battery IN the
city of New York. At that time the
residential area bordering the park
which inherlts its name from the old
New Amsterdam fort located on the
ground. was very different section
from what II IS now. Today II IS in
tersected by elevated railroads. and
the loungers there are chiefly emf
grants or persons out Of employment.
Then in the houses bordering upon the
park lived the most arstocratic fami
lies of old New York
The gentleman mentioned was tall
digniiicd and wore the costume Of the
times. a beaver hat. RULED shirt front
blue coat with brass buttons and a
iaring skirt: his paniaoons. rs they
were then called. tight except where
they covered his boots The lady Wore
the bonnet of the period. skirt a Ia
directoirc. her shoulders covered with
lace shawl She was u descendant
OF one Of the original Dutch settlers
and a widow
Il am going To ask YOU once more
Mrs. Van Zandt, and for the last time
said the man. with that disniiicd court
illness which has now passed into
oblivion. TO make me happy. You
may remember that year ago. on this
very spot. | asked you TO honor IN"
by becoming my wife You told me
that you lived and would live only for
your son. Since then you have treated
me. II not rs lover at least rs 4
dear friend. II Is this that has en-
boldencd me 10 ask You 10 reconsider
your refusal and confer upon me the
greatest happiness woman can be
stow upon Il man"
Having made this stilted proposal
he waited for a reply. In accordance
with the custom OF those times the
lady's hand rested on his arm. He felt
her hand trcmble. After a few mo-
inents Of silence she said
Il trust. Mr. Travers, that you viii
not think me insensiblc of the honor
you would confer upon me; an honor.
! must admit OF which | am scarcely
worthy But il my son required my
undivided attention Il year ago he
needs ii still more now. Since you are
my very dear friend. will coniide in
YOU that he has become involved has
involved me-in a gambling debt. This
Major Tllford. who has recently come
to New York. and who has secured
social recognition by some of our best
families. has succeeded In winning
from Frank at cards some $1,000"
THE rascal muttcrcd Mr.. Travers.
II have drawn my check for the
amount. and Frank viii tomorrow pay
the indebtedness He has given me
his solemn promise never again 70 play
at cards for money. But ! know
shall have trouble IN Keeping him
from the temptation Now you can I'M
derstand why he needs my first con-
siicratlon
The lovers wor silent Tor u time
Thrv were standing on the southern
most part &c thu Battery lookina
down the bay \ few ships were az
anchor. while one was coming under
full sail THROUGH the Narrow~ the
setting sun gliding her canvas Present,
~ Mr. TravcrS said
"will you permit me to hand your
check 10 Major Tilford. madam"
with what object"
1T may bc better that your son
should have nothing more to do with
the man"
Perhaps YOU are right | shall con
slider myself under deep obligation
TO you. my dear Mr. Travers. II YOU
will act In the matter for me
ION the contrary. feel highly
honorcd by your confidence.
They returned 90 Mrs. Van Iandt's
home. modest two story brick build |
Ing. In place of which modern sky |
scraper now stands and Mrs. Van
Zandt took from lady's mahogany |
writing desk with claw feet a check |
and handed Il 10 MIR TravcrS He
bent aud kissed the hand from which
he received it and. carefully avoiding
turning his back e. its owner. with |
drew
That same evening party Of gentle
men were supplns NJ Fraunccs' tavern.
among their number Major Tilford
Mr. Travers entered the dining room
and taking a seat, called for wine
Then he wrote on the back ~ one of
his visiting cards "a request for u few
words In private with Major Tilford
aud sent the card 10 that gentleman.
The latter arose and. going 10 the table
where MIR Travcr> sal. bowed and said:
II am nj YOUR service, sir
Il ann commissioned 10 hand Won
check for money taken from boy
IN his teens. who should have been
protected instead Of swindled by You.
He handed Tilfori Mrs Van Zaudts
cheek. Int the latter drew back. lie
had no sense Of honor. bnt could not
tell 10 what this matter might lead.
He assumed SENSE 81 honor he did
not feel
Are YOU aware. sir" he said. that
this is M insult no gentleman can
brook: Were II not Tor the prejudice