The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-03-29
Euening Story
False Pride
BY KETURAH VAN lyle.

! once in his business career, but it
proved to be more than an affliction
when he found himself hopelessly in
/ love with Beatrice Farmington-hope-
Iessly only because of his own hide
bound decision never to marry until
he could provide his wife with every
thing or more than she was accus-
| toned to at home.
Beatrice, cannot-inust not some
here any morei" he had told her as he
was leaving after one of their many
happy evenings together.
why Harry Forester! Why can't
you? What do you mean?"
II just can't-thats ALL"
When Cousin Archie came in little
later he found her plunged in the most
abysmal despair.
%What's wrong, Cheerie?'' he ques-
toned. Dad refused you the moon
or an Egyptian pyramid ?"
"Don't-Don't make fun of met she
walled; "I'm so miserably unhappy"
[C''Come on, now, little girl: tell me
this minute, who or what is the rea-
son.
"It-its Harry"
What in the world could he have
descended from his dignity long
enough to do?"
Nothing; but he says he can't come
here any more
The devid he can't! Are you en-
gagged to him?"
mot exactly-but almost"
.'I suppose it's another spell of his
stubborn pride. Some one has proba-
bly, accused him of fortune hunting,
and, believe me, if they ever did the
stuff's off. He makes me sick with
that thick upper crust of hist"
You shall not abuse him. Archie!
- F1I ~ f1er
to admit he's true to. his convictions,
anyway"
Daddy" began Beatrice the next
morning, while her father was finish
ing his breakfast, what would you
say if the very incest man in all the
world, except you, refused to come to
see your daughter any more, because
of few paltry dollars her father has
in the bank?"
ass on record; but you're joking, aren't
mo. daddy dear Lassnight Harry
insisted he must stop coming here,
and refused fatty to give me any
reason. Cousin Archie says someone
has accused him of being a fortune
hunter"
1T doesn't seem possible that a man
OF his intellect would allow a foolish
scruple to wreck two young lives"
said her father, land I'm going to see
what can be done toward waking the
young man up
Beatrice was somewhat comforted
by her fathers assurance, but it
would have been short-lived could she
have beheld the storm when Farming
ton called On Forester and stated his
errand.
see here, Forester" he began
abruptly, ''are you in love with my
daughter 81
Forester's face paled, but his voice
was steady as he replied;
Mr. Farmin gton, presume my
frequent calls at your hme warrant
have already signified my resolve to
discontinue them 1 refuse to answer
you"
Come now, young man, none of
that high-handed nonsense with me!
believe you are in love with my
daughter know she's crazy about
you and I can't see why you don't
marry and be happy. She's a good
girl, any man might be proud of you
as son-i law. Beatrice will bring
her husband splendid dowry, So
Mr. Pennington, please stop! / am
no fortune hunter. Were Beatrice the
daughter of A poorer man L should
not hesitate to ask her to marry me,
for I might as well be truthful and
say never expect to love another girl
as do her, but as it is, will not ask
her to marry me. Good afternoon,
Mr.. Pennington
Philip Pennington smiled all the
way down in the elevator. his resolve
increasing with every motion. A man
of FOreSter's strong principles. Aeven
tho a bit narrow. was something to
have in the family.
Some few weeks later a rumor be-
gan floating idly about that Philip
Pennington had been losing heavily
in stocks. The rumor travelled and
grew the truth of it seeming quite
substantiated by the sudden departure
of Pennington for parts unknown.
When the report reached Forester he
was told Pennington was bankrupt
and that day he pl1oned Beatrice ask
ing permission to call that evening.
Beatrice, dear little girl he began
when they were alone, will you marry
me and let me take care of you? I've
but-my scruples against taking a girl
into a home less luxurious than her
parents wouldn't let me. Now. you
will need some one and 1 love you with
every fiber of me. What is the an
swer?"
Harry. dear. money isn't every
thing. and I'd have married you ages
ago if only you had asked me-"
Forester insisted upon an immediate
wedding. Beatrice consented, and
lIl6H went dl ONCE 10 Ills
apartment, where they were living
when Pennington reappeared among
his associates some weeks later
When he 'Phoned his daughter in her
new home. Forester answered the call.
when are you cubs coming homer"
came the question.
1--WE are at home here for the pres
emil. d-er-do you expect to keep
your house, Mr.. Farmingto
Keep it! OF courseAwhy not %
In that moment the first doubt as
to the authenticity of the recent rumor
penetrated his mind and he sought his
wife.
Beatrice, did yourGather lose, his
fortune?"
Lose his money? Not that I know
of. Why"
Then have done the very thing
vowed all my life I would never dol"
My dear-my dear-what is a
mere vow. weighed against two peo-
pies happiness for a lifetime? II you
love me and love you. what else mat
tiers. Harry?''
She NUT her arms around his neck