The Devils Lake world., 1922-12-27
She Spurned His
Riches
By CLARA DELAFlELD
(9. 1s33. Western Nswspapsr Union.l

Fruuence put on her hat and walled
slowly down the garden toward the
river.
She passed along a lane with ]eafy
hedges on either side fragrant with
honeysuckle. The night was soft as
only June night can be and sweet
with the scent of roses. The air was
filled with the hum Of innumerable
winged things, enjoying their brief
season Of life and love.
Love stirred in Prudence's heart, too.
At twenty-five, who Is not susceptible
to its mysterious calf Prudence felt.
as she passed down the lane, that all
the world were well lost for it.
And yet, though lovers in plenty
sought her, in her fresh youthfulness
and beauty. she was not sure that any
OF them was the one man who was
destined to give her that supreme hap
piness she needed. She had been at
tracted, intrigued, perhaps, but she
had never given her heart in utter
surrender.
Would she3 Would ever that ideal
lover, whom every girl has pictured in
her heart, arrive?
Such were her thoughts as she went
with half-reluctant feet down to the
tryst which she was to keep unwill-
ingly because she had not the heart to
spurn the impassioned appeal which
Old Black Chloe, the go-between, had
made to her on behalf Of Charles
Marston the day before.
"Yo' meet him, honey" she said.
Its an old woman asks it Of you.
Yo'll never regret it. Mr.. Marston's
fine gentleman, and he means we'll by
yo'. Yo' meet him down by the river
at 8 o'clock tomorrow night. I never
seed gentleman so pluy1b crazy for q
girl before"
That was why Prudence was on her
way to the tryst. But Charles Marston
meant nothing to her. She had seen
him score of times, driving his tan.
dem Of spirited bays through the town.
Many girl would have jumped at the
opportunity to serve him. Prudence
was different.
She emerged out Of the leafy lane
into the footpath by the stream. and
looked ,apprehensively about her. Then
figure stepped out Of the shadows
and raised its hat.
It was Charles Marston a member
Of the oldest family in the little town.
he came forward deferentially, gazing
with sn admiration that he only half
concealed upon this flower CT young
womanhood.
"Black Chloe asked me to come.
But you have already approached me.
and have given you my answer"
Il hoped to change you. Hope
springs eternal, you know, Miss Pru-
dence-"
Il can't. Mr.. Marston, you are dis
tressing both Of US to no purpose"
If you knew how want you! can
see you gracing the old home like
queen, presiding over it. have
formed mental pictures Of you there
in the kitchen, your sleeves rolled up,
making
mo, Mr.. S1arston. Any dreams
that you may have formed must be
laid aside. I shall never leave the
little home live in, not for the finest
mansion in the South"
The man stared hopelessly at her.
His lip quivered a little as he shot
forth the query: "Why7"
Because am contented where I
am, earning my humble living
"And can load riches upon you.
Do not scorn to consider it in
practical way, Miss Prudence. I am
rich, very rich"
Her lip curled contemptuously, but
she made no answer.
"There Is my car, Linlox, the best
In the county. You would be looked
up to, honored-"
For the last time my answer must
be no." said the girl calmly, though
her heart softened little-what girls
would not-at his impassioned plead
! ing?
| Anger famed into his face II sup
pose it is because Of my wife!" he re-
! marked icily.
| Il have nothing against your wife.
| She is the same as any other woman in
J TIE !duu 80 Lar rs ! I'LL concerned.
| But you cannot tempt me with all
your offers Of wealth. I shall remain
! where l am"
He turned aside with a gesture Of
despair. "At least, Miss Prudence,
tell me that there Is no one else," he
pleaded.
THAT much can assure you. There
is no one else can take me away from
the little home that have lived in 90
long,"
"Then at least l shall not have the
humiliation of seeing you the PAM
pered darling Of another man." he an
swered mournfully.
A thought came to her. "Why don't
you advertise, Mr.. Marston7" she
asked.
You are pleased to be cynical. Ad.
vertise, and be the laughing stock of
the town? You know cooks are i'm.
possible to obtain. Wen just have to
60 on dragging out in the same old
way. l suppose. Since 6rst tasted
| vNnr rnrn.hroad I made mn nv mind IN