New Britain herald., 1926-05-17
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ing If I felt like 1t. And do-I'm hungry"
 She came forward and both Nor ton and Parrish sprang to help her to her chair,
 T heard what you said about Mona, daddy. and I think it's true | She is a sweet girl. I'm sorry I was hateful to her at first when ] was so jealous.'
 50 you're not jealous any more, Audrey?" said Morton. That's good"
 Audrey puckered her forehead. q don't know. But I do know I feel different about Mona. She loves you sincerely and she is kind to those about her"
 Parrish's face frightened and he moved a little nearer to Audrey. Morton pondered, with half-smile on his face.
 As he turned to his plate again he saw the telegram lying on the table cloth and tore it open.
 When he had finished reading a rather lengthy message he turned to Audrey. Gan you bear some rather exciting news?" he said.
 Audrey nodded trying to maintain composure. But Parrish saw her face go white.
 Its just this" said Morton, that we need never fear that man Smith again"
 Why not?" said Audrey.
 Because he's dead" Morton re- sponded. 'I haven't told you why l went to Arizona, my dear. because I didn't want you to brood over 1t.
 But ] went to see him indicted and put in prison on several counts. When I left for home I was fairly certain that he wouldn't bother us again. This makes assurance doubly sure"
 What happened?" Parrish and Audrey chorused.
 The deputy has wired me that some rancher, whose wife Smith had seduced, shot him in the prison yard where he was at work. I knew that there were many avengers on his trail, but this particular story was unknown to me"
 Audrey looked rather sober. "He tried to hurt other people and now he is dead. I cant help being glad, daddy"
 Now we'll forget him forever" said Morton, tearing the telegram to bits
 The butler entered again. this time bringing a huge florists box. He laid it in front of Audrey, but Parrish hastened to open it for her.
 "Nona's card" cried the girl, lift ing it off the moist green paper laid over the flowers. And not a word written on it." She began to delve into the box.
 Why, here's a letter for you. dad dy." she said in a startled tone.
 Morton hurriedly opened the en- velopc. In a moment he threw the letter down in front of Audrey and Parrish.
 Harry dearest" it said. "I have made my own decision. The more I thought of our last talk. the more ashamed I became of clinging to you when you didn't want ne-not really, at any rate.
 "So today l signed contract with Sunshine for the London ven- ture, and by the grace of God and hard work, I'm going to make good. I hope you'll be glad to see me succeed.
 Give my best love to Audrey. and tell her to get well soon. Also tell her I'll. not stand between you and her any more. Good-by and good luck. "NONA".
 Parrish's face turned dour as he finished the note. But Audrey cried out in wondering pleasure. as she drew out a bunch of American Beauty roses.
 Morton watched them both close ly. Audrey laid the flowers down in moment and picked up the note again.
 Daddy, she said rather slowly, this leaves you free to marry me-" Parrish put his hand suddenly on her shoulder.
 Morton rose from the table and, instinctively, they followed his lead.
 Tt is time for me to speak" he said, You two young creatures love, each other. You must have each other, My time of love was past 20 years ago. I will tell you about 1t.
 Audrey looked at him wondering tiy.
 Parrish drew her to a couch and Morton stood before them.
 five told Audrey. John. that I loved her mother and that her mother ran away from her father. I've told her how I followed them and found her mother, the first Au- drey. dead, deserted, and how I brought the little Audrey away with me to be my own adopted daughter.
 Tt was while digging her moth- CTS grave that I found a wide vein of ore-an ironic stroke of fortune Something that was fresh and sim pie and loving in me was buried in that grave"
 Audrey interrupted. That's why you need me, daddy, and why am not going to leave you to marry John."
 Morton went on. Do you know why I adopted you, Audrey? It was