The Press., 1922-05-11
Her Wise Old Relative
By FRANK H. WILLIAMS
Iz '.

Holman was the sweetest ana the prsttiest. And because she was all this and also had been to college and was the only child of a rich, retired far mer. she had more beaux than all the other girls in the city put together almost.
 But In spite of the way that life seemed to smile at her, Madge wasn't happy: Most of the time she was list less and wistful Most of the time there was far-away look in her eyes. And though she danced and played from day to day, 1t was plain to be seen that her heart and her thoughts were generally elsewhere.
 The trouble was this: The one man Madge wanted to see among her beaux wasn't there. This man was Harry Jennings. They had met and fallen in love when attending the same CO., educational college. During their last year in college together they had made wonderful plans for their future. Figuring prominently in these plans was a little bungalow for two and yine-covered porch and a rose gar den. Then. quite suddenly. the dream had gone to smash.
 One day Harry had come to Madge with q deSpafrinE look on his face.
 Tadge" he said, they tell me your father Is wealthy and you're an only child and-and-"
 Deep trouble was mirrored on Razed at Madge.
 Yes" was the reply that MadEe had made.
 The look of despair on Harry's face had deepened greatly.
 Don't you see what this means?" Harry had asked. "Im working my way through college. I simply won't marry girl for her money. And you can see what that means. It means I'll have to work awfully hard to get as much money as you've got. There 1 isn't much chance that I'll be success 1 ful in doing so right away. So we better part! I'm come to you just ! as soon az I've made enough"
 Of course there had been tears and l pleading on Madge's part. bur Harry | had been obstinate He had left col | lege at once. Since that time MadGs 1 hadn't seen him and his letters had l been very infreQuent.
 This was the situation just a year | after HRrry's departure. And It was when Madge was feeling particularly | blue about the matter that the follaw ing letter came To her from Harry:
 Dear Madg@It Is evidently going to be a long and hard struggle for me to get together as much money as should have. So I am going to pass out of your life. You shouldn't he asked to wait for me, and. of course couldn't stand 1t to have you support me. Eve got job In South America. I'm going down there. I'll be gone a long. long time. While I'm gone hope for your own sake that you will be happily married. But before going simply must see you again. So I'll come to your town within a few dayn. I'll call you up when I come"
 This letter thrilled Madge and yet dismayed her. She was immensely pleased at the thought of seeing Harry again and yet dismayed at the tone of his letter. She didn't want him to go away. She didn't want him tO give her up. She didn't want to marry some one else. She wanted Harry. and only Harry.
 Consequently 1t was only natural that after the first ecstasy of their greeting some days later at Madge'a home during the afternoon when her family were all gone that Msdgs began pleading with Harry to change hfs plans.
 Its so foolish, Harry" Madgs cried. when we both care for each other for you to let your pride stand In the way of our happiness. What If you haven't much money? My father could give you a fine job and"
 Harry made gesture of anger at this.
 That's just the point" he cried. II won't be a pensi0ner of anyone, let alone your dad. I've got to come to you on an equal footing or not at anr'
 Harry, you've got the wrong slant on all this" declared Madge, with de- termination. Since getting your let. ter I've thought It all over and talked It over with an old relative Of mine who Is pretty wise. And he says that the thing you should do would be to come here and go to work for my fath- CT. And"
 "No No." cried Harry.
 "Oh," cried Madge. despairingly, "I cant explain It to you as this relative of mine can. You come with me and talk to him. Please"
 For a moment Harry hesfrated.
 All right" he said sulkily at last, 'but don't let your father know any. thing about me. He'd just naturally kick me out of the house If he thought that there was anything doing between us. Of course. he wouldn't want al Son-in-law. and of course he wouldn't give me 8 job. I've never seen your dad but I know just how he'd act and couldn't blame him"
 Madge said nothing, but hurried Harry out of the house and. down the pleasant little street to an ancient frame building
 The office Is mp on the second floor" explained Madge
 TiNe stairway was dark. Harry'S arm slipped around Madge's waist as hey went upstairs, and at the top. iR he semLdarkness. their lips met in a fss.
 The ofice into which Nsdge directed larry was old, but clean. It was Omfortably filled with bookcases and ling cases and chairs and a roll-top esk. At the latter sat s stalwart, 1 pleasant-faced old man nth snow-white hair but sharp gray yes. [ This is Harry-HRrry Jennings" { aid Madge "He-he's the man I told $ ou about" { The old man at the desk rose and hook hands with Harry while gazing him sharply. A smile came to the