The Yale expositor., 1922-09-14
An Heir to a
Million
BY WINIFRED DUNBAR.

Benton In his attentions, Nellie"
spoke John Andrews to his daughter.
Nellie did not reply in words, but
her face flushed and her head dropped.
The word of John Andrews was law
within his family circle and even his
wife rarely dared to galnsay him.
Mrs. Andrews looked very solemn.
She did not attempt TO repress an
opinion, however.
Joel Benton dropped in TO see me
at the Office yesterday" pursued Mr..
Andrews in his. usual precise lawyer
like way. "He intimated his senti-
ments toward you, Nellie. He was
urged on to 1t, he explained, because
a bit Of rare good fortune, as he ex-
pressed 1t, had come his way. AS you
know, he and his assistant at his
store, Rolfe Wilson, are related to the
wealthy Jared Jones of Pittston. The
old millionaire has never paid any at
tention to them. Yesterday Benton re-
ceived a letter and draft for $1,000
| from Mr.. Jones. 1t notified him that
he might consider this royal gift as
an indication that he was figuring on
finding an acceptable heir to his enor
nous fortune"
"rhat is news, indeed" murmured
the marvellng Mrs. Andrews.
$50, Nellie" concluded her father,
"there must be no more of this fool
ishness with Rolfe Wilson The heir
to a million is not TO be picked up
every day"
"Oh, mother" cried Nellie, rushing
to the side of Mrs. Andrews and bury
ing her tear-stalned face In her lap.
"There is indeed no question Of
choice between Rolfe and Mr.. Ben
ton !" said Nellie forclbly. "Mr. Ben
| ton inherited the business he owns
Poor Rolfe gave up every dollar Of
his rlghtful Inheritance to pay the old
debts Of his father"
ut was a noble sacrifice, dear"
| spoke Mrs Andrews
"He has gone to work like man
and he Is all there is to Mr.. Benton's
business" continued Nellie.
II hope love will flhd d way, dear"
Mrs. Andrews said simply and Nellie
felt cheered even by her poor sym.
pathy.
Almost simultaneously with the
cashing of the draft Benton walked
into the store he owned.
"1'm going to take spell Of rest
Wilson," he said "You can run
things here"
"'There Is that debt to the city stp-
ply house." suggested 2olfe. "You
know they are pressing for payment"
"Oh, can't bother-let 'em wait"
"But you have plenty of money
now"
"Yes, and I'm going to take one good
fling and enjoy IT," retorted Benton
recklessly. "How would you like to
buy me out7'
~ haven't the cash."
you've got some, I know. ri be
liberal You assume that city debt
and pay me 500 a month for six
months and the store is yours."
~ will do that" assehted Rofe
promptly and the bargain was con.
summated.
Lawyer Andrews tabooed Rulfe VII.
son. He proceeded to cultivate Ben.
ton. The latter began to cali at the
Andrews home regularly, much to the
discomfort Of poor Nellie.
AS TO Nellie herself she tried to
| give her persistent suitor to under
| stand that her heart could never be
| his.
The months rolled Hw"y. Once In
while Nellie met Rolfe casually
Once a week letters expressing their
mutual love passed between them.
Rolfe was working hard.
"It's all up with mep Benton
amazed him by saying, bursting into
the store one morning early and look
ing the picture of detected misery and
| ruin.
"Why, what's the troubleT inquired
Rolfe.
"That $1,000. l spent most of II.
Yesterday wired Uncle Jared for an
other installment on my fortune. He
telegraphed me back that such a
SpcuullInl uluh suit ulLu rs al nclI
and l had missed my chance"
"And what about Nelliei" inquired
Rolfe.
"Oh, that's all of now, of course"
announced Benton. ~ think she put
me off foreseeing what fool I'd
make Of myself. After all my big
ideas and soastfulness I'll never dare
to look her In the face again."
And then Rolfe Wilson felt SO sor-
ry for the poor .broken-up fellow that
he offered him a one-half interest In
the little business II he would get
down to earth again and work as he
used to do and Benton felt as CRATE
full as a shipwrecked mariner landed
safely In the home nest.
That was not all Of 1t. One day
Uncle Jared appeared at the little
store and disclosed himself.
II think you were silly in giving
away half your business to a spend
thrift" he said TO Rolfe, "but It shows
you're good all through. From what
v n \. 80.