The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1916-09-29
HIS DOLLARS AND CENTS
BY FLORA A. MONTY.

n trump Oi acknowledgement mo
use I'll not be extra nice to her"
frettcd thin, high-pltched male voice.
Bets shrunk into an alcove Of the
garden wall and deliberately listened.
"Oh, come, Bensonl She's not a
trump. AS TO her being teacher
she doesn't spread ii on, and she's
absolutely human, and alive to a good
! time.' Beth smiled thankfully. Ned
Gretson's tones as wen as his words
dulled the rasp Of the other.
$50 much the worse. She'll be alive
to my money, and / won't be safe
from her a minute. That's the trouble
Of fellow who is born to wealth."
"Well, l understand that there'll be
one woman of your class here--Miss
Mary Lange, who Is struggling through
life trying to spend the Millions her
father left her"
Beth left her hiding place, unob-
served, and Indignantly made her way
to her room.
She chose her lovellest gown for her
appearance at dinner that evening. A
soft wistaria-colored taffeta enveloped
her wiz regal grace and her golden
hair made shining aureole to crown it
all.
Now, the few ideas that were born
IN james Bensons mind passed
through such 'moneyed" atmosphere
that he simply could not grasp the
fact that wealth and beauty were not
Synonymous. So whsn Beth and Mary
simultaneously We're introduced he lis
tened not for names, but delivered
himself Of reverential bow to the
Wistaria-gowned teacher and an Icy
nod to Mary. He was so yolubly af-
fable throughout dinner. regardless of
Beth's reserve. that she was bewil-
dered, until In the course Of the con-
versation he addressed her as "My
dear Miss Lange."
Later In the evening James Benson
directed at Beth fatuous look and
lisped Miss Lange, do let me show
you the garden by moonlight r Beth
met his look with DISTINGUISHED stare,
and then turned away, while his right
arm was seized with an insistent
clutch, and, with a gratified simper,
the real Miss Lange accepted his offer.
In the days that followed, the young
millionaire admitted to himself with
what he considered as liberal con
descension the fact that Beth was not
4 trump and that she was really en-
tertaining. And, finally, he became
aware Of the fact that Ned Greton,
who had nothing but his good looks
md a small salary-though he came
Of fine old family--was carefully
including Beth in all that he planned
and did.
On the day Of the picnic, she was to
20 in the launch with Henson. but
she developed a@violent headache as
the boat was about to leave and re-
mained at the house. Shortly after
the Tcang people had assembled on |
the island, Ned took the canoe in
which he had made the trip alone and |
started back to the house--a proceed |
ing which aroused deep disquietude |
In what Benson was pleased to regard |
as his heart. Very deliberately. the |
latter re-entered the launch, and put
about across the bay. arriving at the
wharf some time before Ned
reached it.
As he expected Beth was wandering
about in the garden. gaily singing, her
face showing no vestige of illness.
'Er--Is your headache better7'
Perfectly well, thank you" She
displayed no pleasure at his presence.
"rm so glad Really, am. I'm
quite interested in all that concerns
rou." Benson was trying his best to
)e convincing.
Beth's unbeIieving smile irritated
him, and he selzesl her hands. ITS
he truth. assure you. It's a shame
or you to work for living. You don't
nave to, you know. You can marry
ne. None of our family ever married
poor girl before, but I'm quite fond
II you. Shall we announce it to the
,thers when they returnY
Beth's eyes blazed. "No," she an
wered bluntly.
"You mean that there's someone
lseYr
"Yes."
Someone you learned to care for
IereY"
"No, someone / met long before"
"Tm thankful for thatin Once more
lis voice had that familiar grating
asp. Il was afraid it might be Gret-
M
He glared at her for moment, and 1
hen strobe furiously down the path,
md soon the launch was shooting ,
through the water again.
Beth turned to find Ned back of her.
| listened" he said. "But, tell me,
ras that the trath-about Cinderella q
aving found her fairy prince before i
oming here?" T
"Yes--it is true" very softly. s
''He-he's in luck" was the unsteady
esp0nse. Hes in luck How much
never knew till this minute"
Beth came slowly toward him.
Ned" she whispered, laying her hand t.
d his. ii
Instantly his arms were around her, I
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