The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1915-06-10
steel She may cause me TO forget

he pTOpOSeu 10 I1dIiiot oieoh, anu
she was proud and happy. A little
child, Adeline, was born to them.
Then Harriet faded slowly away,
blessing heaven to the last for the hus-
band whose gentleness and care she
had mistaken for love.
Paul placed the little child in charge
Of a distant spin ster relative. He
planned to 50 West and seek in new
work forgetfulness of his past gloomy
experiences. Then the whole current
of his career was changed by some
what remarkable occurrence.
A young merchant in the town came
to him one day. He was only casual
acquaintance, but he had been always
pleasant and friendly with Paul.
See here, Rivers" he said, in a
free open manner, 1--WE got a proposi-
ton to make to you. It's along the
line Of business"
Il had about made up my mind to
try a new field" responded Paul.
Eyes, | heard of that-thinking of
going out West, weren't you? Well,
I'm going to try to head you off.
Here's the proposition: I've been do
ing some business in the mercantile
line here in a small way. A party has
come forward who offers to furnish
large capital to expand the business.
I've known for long time of your for
mer business experience and ability.
Now then, why don't you capitalize it?
You've been grubbing along on that
little place of yours. earning a mere
living. | want you to join me-
CAS- an Employer
mo, as a partner"
Paul was astonished. AS his visitor
went on in detail as to his prospects
aud plans, there came to the lonely
widower something of his old time am,
bition. The proposition was plain and
practicable. 1t involved large quarters,
extensive advertising, efficient man,
agement.
Many time, during a period of re-
markable business success, Paul Riv-
erty-harassed period of his life when
he had craved comforts for the dying
woman by his side(he could not afford
to purchase. Money flowed in to the
new firm. At the end of the fourth
year Paul was practically Independent.
The business so expanded that he
was obliged to go abroad once year
to buy goods. 1t was on his return
from such trip that his partner aft
er the usual warm friendly greetings,
said somewhat seriously:
Il have some bad news for you,
Rivers. Your relative who had charge
of your little daughter died during
your absence"
And Adeline?" inquired Paul anx-
iously.
Il hardly knew what to do about
her." explained his partner. However,
there appeared upon the scene
widow, a Mrs. Lyttleton, who resides
at Taunton. She offered to take
charge of the child until your return.
found that she was an estimable lady
of wealth and social standing, and
have received letters from Mrs. Lyttle-
ton weekly, reporting her little charge
contented and happy"
Taunton! A slight sense of sadness
momentarily clouded the mind of Paul
The name of that town where he had
first met Eloise Esmond, naturally
awakened poignant memories. The
next day he went to see his little
daughter. AS he neared the residence
Of Mrs. Lyttleton he discovered it to
be one of the finest in the place.
In the garden under leafy shelter
were three persons-two ladies and
little Adeline. The latter was seated
in the lap of one of the ladies, her
head reclining trustingly upon her
shoulder as fairy tale was being told
to her.
"Eloise-Miss Esmond!" breathed
Paul with thrill. what can she be
doing here" and then his entrance
through the gateway was discovered
by little Adeline, who bounded joyous
ly forward to meet him.
"Oh, papa! l have been so happy
here" she prattled-"so very happy
with dear, dear Aunty Eloise, who is
with us all of the time"
Stately, reserved, but her deep dark
eyes magnetic and beautiful as of yore,
Miss Esmond greeted her old time
friend graciously. Hers was a superb
calm, as she told frankly that all
through the years she had been inter
ested in keeping track of an old and
valued friend.
II felt | had the right" she said,
land as to this little darling" and she
wound her arms fondly about Adeline,
"oh, surely you are not going to take
her away from us?"
A sudden light Illuminated Paul's
mind. Only that morning his business
partner had told him that all the CAPT.
tai originally invested in their enter.
prise had been repaid to the investor
lady.
Was that lady Eloise Esmond! He
put a blunt question.
Miss Esmond," he said steadily, 81
believe your kindly interest was the
means of starting me in business. Is
1t not true?"
For once the proud eyes dropped,
the calm face flushed deeply, but there
came no reply.
"Why-why have you done all this
for me?" fluttered Paul