The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-18

VleW uO approach a degree intimate enough TOT her to smooth the elder Laidlaws grizzled hair and straighten his purple necktie. It too much Again Laidlaw's about her. and this time all suggestion of the paternal com forter had fled. Mary snatched herself away and for moment stared at him in seeming belief.
 What have you done? Oh, what have you done" she gasped.
 Peter Laidlaw's glance fell, and his hands opened and closed nervously The girl really loved himl He drew himself stiffy erect, and cleared his voice.
 T am older than you, my girl-old enough to be your father. But I am a lonely man, and need youth and gayety. If you will take me for husband, you shall never regret it!"
 You-marry you!" the girl gasped. You mistake yourself, Mir Laidlaw afraid you put the wrong construction my loneliness and heart hunger. could never think of marrying you"
 Laidlaw stared in genuine amazement She was actually refusing to be his wife-and the chance for fortune!
 But really it, Mary-Miss Daven- port, I am in earnest ]"
 NSo am l ]" said the girl And Peter Laidlaw was forced to depart with his mind in chaos, and realizing that the girl had grown tempt tngly alluring that he would sacrifice half his money if she were really his.
 He will be back said Mary confidently as she told Mona of the interview. Mark my words p
 And again she was right. The next day the elderly suitor called again, only to be met with the same rebuf-if trfe less pronounced. By this time father and completely es- tranged, and Dick confided to Mona his intention of leaving the paternal roof, and moving into in- dependent quarters. .-
 ''The time has come for our crisis" said Mary thoughtfully when she heard of this de- velopment T shall accept Peter Laidlaw when he calls agan-and I'll leave the rest to you, Mona"
 Mary was as good as her word She sent the elder Laidlaw away jubilant-so jubilant that he promptly sought out his son, and informed him of the glad that he was to have young and beautiful step-nother. Dick received the intelligence in dismay and hour later excitedly pouring out the story to Monas sympathetic ears
 'Think what it will mean to us, deari Some designing woman has trapped the old governor. She will waste all his money, and there won't be dollar left for us!"
 Why not follow your fathers tactics to me and try to buy her off," suggested the quick witted Mona "Such women always have price. Show her the money, real money-not check!'
 By Jove I'll do it You wonder, little l"
 An hour later young Laidlaw, with his wallet newly repleted, climbed out of taxicab before the apartment house. As he did so he caught sight of familiar figure just disappearing through the entrance It his father. Young Laidlaw ground his teeth, and strolled thought fully around the block, feeling sure that he had the cash arguments at hand to play his game.
 Meanwhile the elder Laidlaw in Marys apart ment was slipping an expensive diamond engage ment ring the girls finger in spite of her pro- tests that the gift much too valuable. As he stepped back into the hall, the door of Monas fiat opened, as though by accident, and that saucy young woman. attired for the street, stood
 "Oh, MT. Laidlaw," she said sweetly, q have been thinking over your visit to me, and have come to the conclusion that you right in your arguments to me that marriage with your would only result in unhappiness to both of us"
 'In other words" said Peter Laidlaw eagerly
 .In other words, if your offer to take care of me still holds good, prepared to accept it But, remember, it must be cash. If am going to sell the only happiness have ever known. will not barter myself for @ check!"
 'You shall have the cash l" said Peter Laid law, grimly, he hurried from the house, so occupied with his thoughts that he did not see the dodging figure of his son behind the corner of the building
 Five minutes later Dick Laidlaw was press ing the bell of Mary's fiat The interview short, and if not sweet, at least eminently satisfactory to both parties. When the younger Laidlaw took up his hat, Mary held twenty crisp hundred dollar bills.
 At about the same minute another interview of much the same nature, and terminating in an equally satisfactory manner, was taking place in the apartment of Mona just across the corridor
 Understand" finished the elderly Laidlaw "that you relinquish all claims to my son-that henceforth you will see nothing of him under any circumstances!"
 Quite right" agreed Mona as she softly rustled the newly minted bills, which her caller had pressed on her. "And now, is there anything further?"
 q think not !" said Peter Laidlaw deliber- ately, as he stepped to the door. The girl ac- companied him sweetly, saw him safely. into the corridor and then started forward with distended eyes. At practically the same moment the door of Mary's apartment had also opened for her visitor. Father and stood staring at one other, and at their shoulders the two girls
 For tense moment the tableau continued.
 And then Mary whirled toward Mona 'You -hussy !" she snapped.
 You vixenl" retorted Mona.
 The Laidaws said nothing. Without word, Dick clapped his hat down onto his head, and strode toward the stairs. His father hestated for a moment, and then followed more slowly, his face contracted thoughtfuly.
 An hour later parent and son, in the privacy of the formers innermost office, took reflective and melancholy notes. The result left them staring at each other blankly.
 "It looks, governor, though they played you for the goat P said Dick with groan.
 In Marys apartment the two girls were busiy engaged in arraying themselves for the street.
 We win !" said Mona, for the twentieth time. We win girlie And now-
 "What?" asked Mona, pinning on her hat
 Now to give back the money to the rightfuA owners. have a list of over twenty of the re- cent victims of the Laidlaw loan office Counting the proceeds of the presents we have received, we should net something over $7.ooo Not bad work at all, eh9"