The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-18


view to approach degree intimate enough for
her to smooth the elder Laidlaws grizzled hair
and staighten his purple necl<tie. 1t was too
much. Again Laidlaw's arms were about her
and this time all suggestion Of the paternal COM
forter had fed. Mary snatched herself away
and and tor moment stared at him in seeming UNI
What have you doner Oh, what have you
done?" she gasped.
Peter Laidiaw's glance fsIl. and his hands
opened and closed nervoualy. The girl really
loved himi He drew himself more utifly erect.
and cleared his voice
Il am older than you. my grl-old enough
70 ,. you. father But am a lonely man, .ad
need youth and gaycty. II you win take mo tor
husband. YOU shall never regret It'll"
m...Ss 1877 5on1.s s9u r., the girl ssspse You
heart hunger. could never think Of marrying
you
Laidlaw stared In genuine amazemsnA> she
s va. actually refusing to be his wife-and tAs
But really mean II. Mary-M~ Devon
port, am IN earnest"
$50 am l." said the girl And Peter LA,d,.w
was forced to depart with his mind IN Q chaos
and realizing that the girl had grown 20 temut.
ingly alluring that he would sacrihcs half Ella
money II she were really his
He will be back" said Mary oonndently -
she told Mona Of the interview. MARK my word. /.
And again she was right The next day thu
elderly sutton called again. only 70 b met with
the same rebuff trife less pronounced. BY
tranged. and Dick confded to Mona his intention
of leaving the paternal root, and moving into In
dependent quarters.
The time has come for our crisdss s.M
Mary thoughtfuy when she heard OF thf. n.
velopment Il shall accept Peter Laidlaw when
he calls again-and I'll leave tho rest to you.
Mona"
Mary good as her word She sent thu
elder Laidlaw away jubilant-so tubilant that hs
promptly sought out his son, and informed him
OF the glad news that he soon to have q
orA hnn.,
the intelligence In dsmay, and an hour later
was excitedly pouring out the story to Monal
sympathetic ears
Think what II Will mean to us. dear, Soma
Designing woman has trapped the old governor.
She Will waste all his money, and there won't be
dollar left for U.S."
why not follow your fathers tactics to me
and try to buy her off" suggested the quick
wftted Mona Such women always have price
show her the money real money-not check"
by Jove, I'll do 1t! You wonder,
An hour later young Laidlaw, with his wallet
newly repleted, climbed out OF taxicab before
the apartment house As ne did SO he caught
sight of familiar figure Just disappearing
through the entrance. 1t 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 Lafdlaw in Mary's apart
ment was slipping expensive diamond engage
ment ring the girls finger in spite Of her pro-
tests that the gift was much too valuable AS he
fiat opened. though by accident. and that
saucy young woman. attired for the street. stood
confronting him.
"Oh, Mr. Laidlaw,- she said sweet1y. vt have
been thinking ever your visit to me, and have
come to the conclusion that you are right In
your arguments to that marriage with your
son would only result in unhappiness to both
of U.s."
In other words said Peter Laid1aw
eagerly.
I'm other words, II your offer TO take care Of
me still holds good, prepared to accept II
but, remember, it must be cash II am going to
sell the only happiness have ever known, will
not barter myself for q checkw
You shall have the cash." said Peter Laid.
law, grimly, as he hurried from the house, 30
occupied with his thoughts that he did not SEQ
of the building.
Five minutes later Dick Laidlaw was press
ing the bell of Mary's fiat. The interview was
short, and if not sweet, at least was eminently
satisfactory to both parties When the younger
Laidlaw took up his hat, Mary held twenty cr1sp
one hundred dollar bills.
AT about the same minute another interview
OF much the same nature, and terminating In
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
Il think mott" said Peter Laidlaw deliber.
ately. as he stepped to the door The girl ac-
companied him sweetly, saw him safely into tho
corridor and then started forward with distended
eyes. AT practically the same moment the door
of Marys apartment had also opened for her
visitor. Father and stood staring at one an.
other. and at their shoulders the two girls
For a tense moment the tableau continued.
And then Mary whirled toward Mona you
--hussy" she snapped.
You vixen!" retorted Mona.
The Laidaws said nothing Without a word.
Dick clapped his hat down onto his head, and
strobe toward the stairs His father hesitated
for a moment and then followed more SLOWLY
his face contracted thoughtfully.
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.
at looks, governor, though they played
you for the goat |" said Dick with groan.
In Mary's apartment the two girls were
busily engaged in arraying themselves for the
street.
1--WE win!" said Mona, for the twentieth time.
I'VE win, grille And now"
WHAT" asked Mona pinning her hat.