The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1919-06-12
The Man She
Loved
By RALPH HAMILTON
Copyright. 1919. By wsster, Newspaper Union.

q finished f1irt."
The speakers at a popular city club
did not know that they had an inter-
ested auditor. Arthur Worrell, a
stranger to them, seated at an adjoin-
ing table, gave a quick start. His
hands clenched. Sudden anger blazed
in his eyes. Then he banished resent
ment and indignation and pressed a
hand owe a pocket in his coat. There
rested the faded bud Of a rose the
young lady in question had given him
only u week previous. 1t recalled the
velvety cheek he had been allowed to
kiss, the sweet voice that had MUIR
INJURED in his enraptured ear.
II shall love you always"
The memory had power to restrain
him from a fierce assault upon the
reckless gossipers who had banded
her name. Still he listened.
eyes," observed the first speaker,
"it's a long line of admirers for the
naughty social queen"
II don't quite understand her.
though" rejoined his companion. "She
charms a sutton only to coldly turn
him down in the anality. It must be
that she covets having a constant train
of worshipers. recruited anew as she
wearies of the original adorers."
The speaker entered into details of
the seasons catches of Miss Trent.
Their story was circumstantial and
they talked like men we'll aware of
the premises. A qualm Of slight dis
tress afflicted Arthur as the men
moved away from the table and he re-
flected over what they had said. Could
he doubt Gladys Trent2 All, no! A
thought of her dear, truthful face
abided with him. They had met at a
quiet, remote summer resort, and for
two weeks he had been under the spell
Of her charms. He had told her Of his
love. She had frankly responded to
his plea, but had spoken Of her aunt,
Mrs. Walworth, a city social leader,
and had invited Arthur to call at her
home when she returned thither.
1t vas the afternoon of the day
when Gladys was to arrive in the city.
Arthur was seated in his Office await
ing his automobile, which he had or.
dered by phone. He CHANGED to
glance over a newspaper. He started
visibly as his eye fell upon the item +:
1.-THE Grand Pre- Asphalt company of
Mississippi went into the hands Of a
receiver today"
Arthur was startled, shocked. He
had received M intlmation that the
company was weak. If it was a bad
failure he was a poor man with the
exception of a few thousands. His in
vestment in the company named rep
resented all he possessed.
II must tell Gladys. OF course it
alters my social status, but what will
she say? It shall be a test"
An hour later he was at the Wal
worth Mansion. Gladys received him
warmly, and motioning toward a drap-
cry said, my aunt will be here
shortly"
Before she comes I have something
to show you. Gladys" spoke Arthur
seriously, and he handed her the item
he had cut from the newspaper. "That
means that l am a poor man."
why do you tell me that?" she in
quired.
Because it so materially alters my
status"
mot with me-" she instantly inter-
rupted him. arthur, if you were the
poorest man in the world l, would
marry you, if you would take me-"
"Gladys!"
Sternly, coldly Mrs. Walworth spoke
as she entered the room. She had
overheard what had passed between
the two.
II presume this is the Mr.. Worrell
you mentioned" she said slowly, with
a chilling glance at Arthur. under
the circumstances he will. of course,
recognize the propriety Of abandoning
his %pretensions for your hand"
but l do not wish him to-" spoke
Gladys clearly. "Aunty, for two years
| have tried to please you in your
ambition to place me high in society.
have been pleasant to fortune seek
ers until they have infringed on my
conception of real love. Then, at the
risk of being termed a heartless firt,
l have dismissed them. l have been
waiting for my ideal-1 have found
him. I shall become the wife Of Mr..
Worrell the day he asks me-"
Mrs. Walworth walked out of the
room, highly affronted and indignant.
"You will come again later, DEAR"
whispered Gladys as Arthur left the
room.
At his Office Arthur found a tele-
gram awaiting him. 1t was from his
father and it read: "Action at the
plant merely a friendly receivership
to provide for liquidation of the bust
ness-your rights protected"
When he called at the Walworth
home that evening he found the mis-
tress alone in the reception room.
Il will inform my niece you are
here" she said loftily. and arose to
leave the apartment.
N0rn ro1-nn~< -Io~~a ~-- A.