Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1914-03-05

A MERCENARY AFFAIR
BY EDITH DoANE-

to James Corey, everyone wondered
why on earth Helen had not chosen
younger man.
Until almost In the same breath, Il
leaked out that Mr.. Palmer, who was
broke on the market, had plunged
once too often-had indeed been face
to face with bankruptcy until James
Corey came 10 his rescue.
Then the world, as represented by
society in Glenwood Park-proffered
congratulations and smiled discreetly.
OF course, if the Palmers accepted
James Corey's money, they mnst ac-
cept its giyer, too,
The Park was apt to assemble In
formally at the Country club for five
o'clock tea There was something
pleasantly coy in gathering around
the low China-laden table on the wide
club house porch. But now choco-
late cooled forgotten, tea boiled qui-
I ely away, while their possessors Gag
erly discussed this marriage of con
yenience in their midst
The poor girl Is deliberately sac
rificing herself" declared Mrs. Law
renee tragically waving a tea cake.
And she is so pretty" put in lit
tie Mrs. Brooks irreleyantly.
! Her youth has been bartered for
/ gold" said Mrs. Ellis, who had a
fondness for light fiction
And he is so much older
Money isn't everything"
Perhaps even yet she may be saved
from it," faltered little Mrs Brooks.
hopefully.
why save herr briskly interrupt
/ cd Mrs Wylle, Joining the group and
taking the cup of fragrant tea offered
her Mr.. Corey is honorable, char
! table, rch--a good man in every re-
spect She ought to be proud OF him.
I'm sure | cant imagine what more
she could want"
Five pairs OF eyes confronted Mrs.
Wylie in shocked surprise.
Wei, I'm sure l hope she takes
your view OF it, said Mrs. Lawrence
gloomily.
III he only were younger He's as
old as-as Father Abraham"
obi Il Mr. Palmer had not been
in such straits"
still, it is lovely to be able to cling
TO ones faith in human nature as you
do.
I'm clinging to nothing said Mrs.
Wylie stubbornly, but, for my part !
think she's a very lucky girl"
oh, OF course. everybody prospects
him"
And he is very rich man"
but it is so evident that she did
it to save her father"
"Rcsides-there is her cousin. Tom
Breuster," said Mrs Brooks softly.
Tom Breuster was an ordinarI sort
of fellow-fairly good looking, fairly
clever. In fact he did not amount to
much one way or the other but he
happened to imagine himself very
much IN love with Helen. and when
her engagement was announced burst
in on his aunt with a storm Of indig
nation
What's this you've done?" he de
manded vehemently why was kept
in ignorance all this timer"
Il don't understand YOU" returned
Mrs Palmer coldly.
Don't you?' be went on ruthlessly
Then I'll explain. You have engaged
Helen to a man for whom she has not
the smallest spark of affection. Tx
save yourseyes--for the sake of mere
mouey-mere worldly position-yot
and her father have consented 10 sac
riiice that poor girl body and soul
You must be insane to talk to me
like this" returned his aunt Jelly
There is no reason why Helen SHOULD
not marry Mr.. Corey-or any one else
she chooses"
Lot us conflne ourselves to Mr.
Corey, She has no right to marrl
) him at all events
',Io?" said she; "and why?"
Because a loyeless marriage cal
never be right"
But who says it isn't love
match?" she went on, forgetting he
anger In her desire to convince
him of the futility of iuterferin,
WIN Helen GuBdbculSul WI
Corey is a charming man. Why no
care for him?'
She doesn't II isn't her own dc
ing. You are sacrificing her
AS though / could make Helel
marry any one she did not wish To-,
returned Mrs. Palmer with loy
laugh. My dear boy If you fee
like that, pray so away until 20
come TO your senses"
Il shall not 80 away until hay
seen Helen he said doggedly
Tom, / beg YOU to-
why are you two glowering a
each other like Kilkenny cats?" erie
fresh young voice from the door
way How are you, Tommy an
Helen Palmer, slender, dark-eyed. ola
all In soft shimmering gray, entere
the room and held out her hand il
smiling greeting
Now that the moment has arrived
words failed him.
Noting his hesitation, she smiled q
him again Have you come to pro
fer your congratulations in person