The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-04
CHAPTER ~.
An American hieiress.

M 'iSHSoSs
~INCE a year before. when for the
- sake of his family honor and
- the happiness of Rose Middle
hurst and his nephew. Robert
Stanley. Lord Cecil had made good the
young officers recklessly incurred obi
cations, bis financial affairs had gone
steadily from bad to worse. until the
climax of annoyance was reached in
the letter which he now held In his
hand.
"My Lord Cecil" the communication
ran, I'VE regret to inform your lord
ship that your account is overdrawn
/ by fG10 9s Your lordships only re-
naming property. Croftlaigh manor,
is mortgaged to the limit. AS your
agents. we have complied with the in
sistent demands of number of your
creditors and arranged that they shall
call upon you this morning to effect, IL
possible, settlement" Followed the
signature of Messrs. Brownelowe &
Co, limited, bankers.
With an expression of infinite bore
dom Lord Cecil addressed the faithful
James, who. with the skill of long
practice. was engaged in repairing
ripped seam In well cut but equally
well worn frock coat.
"a number of, ah. persons, will pres
emily present themselves" he said
wearily. You will. James. upon this
occasion. admit them. although. as
your discerning eye will at once de-
termine. they will be those banes of
existence known as creditors. Since
Brownelowe & Co. have seen fit to
arrange an interview for them without
consulting my convenience. | appre-
hend that these are money changers
of Importance in the market place"
James stifled heavy sigh. Times
were indeed out of joint when the
only nobleman in all Britsss, who.
through immemorial right, might ad-
dress the king as my lord" COM
placently received importunate trades
people.
Before the cold courtesy of Lord Ce-
cil's greeting the someySlt clustering
manner of the visitors swiftly van
ished. Almost apologetically the spokes-
man for the party informed him that
their combined claims amounted to
$4,000 and that they needed the money.
saw, but l haven't it, y know" my
Lord Cecil remarked dispassionately
and stared vacantly at the visitors,
who shuff1ed uncomfortably, but made
no helpful suggestion.
by Jove, have it-' he suddenly ex-
claimed. "I'll marry an American heir
ess, y know, and pay you ALL"
The creditors exchanged glances of
relief and nodded their admiration at
his lordship's brilliant solution of the
problem.
THAT will be most agreeable your
ludship," the spokesman declared
your ludship is most kind. We will
be 'appy to await your ludship's mar
riage. though we venture to 'ope 1t will
not be long before the 'appy occasion
takes place"
With bows the visitors moved to-
ward the door. their spirits much i'm
proved, but were brought to a sudden
halt by Lord Cecil!s next words.
"But I'll need funds for the trip to
America. y know" he suggested.
| Sorrowfully the creditors exchanged
glances, nodded and produced rolls of
banknotes. James disdainfully ac-
cepted the proffered collection and
with stern glance silenced one stout
tradesman who muttered In his throat
something that sounded like sending
good money after bad"
Pack at once, James" Lord Cecil
directed when the door had closed be-
hind the departing visitors and cheer
fully lit a cigarette.