The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1915-01-21

a Little MeIodrama Arranged for the
Benefit of Florence.
and always will be. Perhaps I'm a bit
wicked; but rather like to prove my
theory that all men are weak. II I
had a daughter I'd rather have her be
an old mans darling than a young
mans drudge. I distrust every man
know. I came to ask you and Susan
to 20 to the opera with me tonight.
You will come to my apartments first.
You will Gomez"
ITO be sure we will"
simple little fool" thought the
Russian on the way home. "She shall
see."
! II believe the countess is engaged
to be married." said Florence to
Jones.
Indeed. miss?"
Eyes. couldn't get anything def
mite out of her. but she had beauti-
full ring on her finger. She wants
Susan and me to go to the opera with
her tonight. Will that be all right?"
Jones gazed abstractedly at the rug.
Whenever a problem bothered him he
seemed to find the solution in the deli
cate patterns of the Persian rugs. FL
IInally he nodded. II see no reason
why you should not go. Only. watch
out"
, Zones, there Is one thing that will
make me- brave and happy. Will you
tell me II you are In direct commu-
nication with my father" :.
Yes, Miss Florence" he answered;
promptly. "3ut do not breathe this,
to single soul, neither Susan nor
Norton" !
II promise that. But, ah! hasten
the day when he can come to me
without fear"
THAT Is my wish Also"
You need not call me miss. Why
should your"
1T might not be wise to have any
one hear me call you thus familiarity,
he objected gravely.
Please yourself about that. Now !
must telephone jim"
"Jim% the butler murmured.
He caught the word which was not
intended for his ears. But for once
Jones had been startled out of him.
SELF
Is 1t wrong for me to call Mr.. Nor,
ton JIM" she asked with a bit OF
banter.
1T Is not considered quite the prop
or thing, Miss Florence, to call a
young man by his first name unless
you are engaged to marry him. or
grew up with him from childhood"
Well, supposing / were engaged to
him." haughtily.
That would be very grave affair.
lWnat have you to prove that he may
not wish to marry you for your
money!"
]. Why. Jones, you know that I
haven't a penny in the world I can
call my own! There Is nothing to
prove, except your word. that 1 am
stanley Hargreave's daughter"
NO, there Is nothing to prove that
you are his daughter. But hasn't 1t
ever occurred to you that there might
.oe purpose back Of this? Might 1t
|. NOT De OF inestimable value that your
iatners enemies should be le'4 In
uoaot! Might 1t not be q means Of
noiding them on the leash? There is
p,ooi' ample proof, my child; and
aeu the time comes these will be
o"n You. But meantime put all
=, 0usnt Of marrying Mr.. Norton out
~ your mind"
an, nat ! refuse to do" quietly. II
ans at least mistress of my heart;
= ssI no one shall dictate to me whom
Nor.a OF shall not marry. love Mr..
I M. and he loves me, knowing that
aon' NOT De an heiress after all. And
aay shall marry him."
No. nss bowed. This seemed to ap-
wa maj to him, and nothing more
was to be said.
IN, orton did not return to his rooms
cor seven. He found the telephone
ana also a note in a handwriting
ans He tore off the envelope
au round the contents to be from the
countess Perigoff.
hal can at eight tonighv," he read. 81
TEL, an important news story for you.
!. ei, no one, as I cannot be involved
pa. .he case. Cordially, Olga, Countess
IN hin Norton twiddled the note
~ MS fingers and at length rolled ~