The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1915-04-16

widower something of his old time am
bition. The proposition was plain and
practicable. 1t involved large quarters,
extensive advertising, efficient man
agement.
Many a time, during a period OF re-
markable business success, Paul Riv-
ers thought with regret Of that pow
embarrassed period of his life when
he had craved comforts for the dying
woman by his sldelhe 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 a 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:
81 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.
81 hardly knew what to do about
her." explained his partner. However
there appeared upon the scene a
widow, Mrs. Lyttleton, who resides
at Taunton. She offered to take
charge OF the child until your return.
l 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 a 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.
ooh, papa 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.
81 felt had the right" she said.
"and 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
a lady.
Was that lady Eloise Esmondi He
put blunt question.
Miss Esmond," he said steadily. II
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?" huttered Paul.
Still silence, the graceful form all
tremulous now, and then the heart of
Paul Rivers hoped, and later he knew
that he had been loved-silently, Sc
cretly, strongly. since the day he had
met this stanch, loyal woman.
Copyright, 1915, by w. G. Chapman)