[COMPLETE STORY.] FOR VALUE RECEIVED

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7, 18 February 1905, Page 50

[COMPLETE STORY.] FOR VALUE RECEIVED

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George Durnell

, the long hall. with its tiled n«M»r and its marble wainscotting. the light from an open doorway fell. The man who had ju-t alighted from the elevator and was -lowly -trolling along paused by this doorwav and looked in. It wa- not alone curiosity that held him there, a sudden -light fain! lies- had attacked him. and he was glad of the support of the door frame. He clutched at thi- a- hi- eye* searched the interior of th** room. It was an office of -tune sort, with several desks ami numerous chairs but its only occupant was a girl at a type writer table near the centre of i he room. The man in the doorway looked hard at thi- girl -hr was quite unconscious of hi.- presence--and he liked the poise of her head ami the way Tier hair was dres-ed. amt the dainty collar about her white throat. And there wa- something fascinating about the play of her white linger- above the keys. And then all at once the white linger.- -eemed to blend together, and he found hi- clutch on the door frame growing tighter. Perhap- the girl heard him a- he strove to hold himself up. Anyway, -he suddenly looked around and saw him. In a moment -he had risen amt pushed her chair back, and was coming town' him. ‘ I beg panion.” she rapidly said, “but you are ill.” He Tried to mumble something in return, but the words refused to take -'iape. ••< otm- to the window," -he -aid. “I’m sure you need air.” she Took *liis arm'and half _led. half supp.c - • »ni md put him in an ca-y chair by the window and rai-ed the s.i-h a little higher. Then she -turned and * ran to a corner _ a■’d .returned Witb *a g’a— of’ water. When she returned hi- head dropped back. He had fainted. ; When he came ba. k cm-eiousness a soft hand, was moistening his brow, and tw< sympalhetit eye- were looking down into hi-. He let hi< «>wn eve-, fall shut again ami took a long Bxath of sati-fact ion "Are you better now?” It wa- a delightful v.ffe •‘Much Iwtter. thank y«»u.’’ 11.- opened hi- cve< again. She had drawn ba- k. and her hand n«» I »nger rested on hi- forehead. .‘•Here i- a glass of water.” die -ipped a little. 'Thank \.»u.” he -aid again. “Su sofq to have troubled you.” ’1 he trouble i- nothing. You ure , Mrc \ r.-. 1 would like t*» re-t here f>r a few minute-, ir \..u don’t object. I will gft jus? a- -..in a- m\ -trenglh comes back "Nou are welcome to -rav a- long as y«u like." . “Thank y«m «»»(•<■ more. It was foolish of me to collap-e in thi- fashion But I have I men ill.” “Yes, 1 -ee vmu have.’’ .‘dr wa- a fever. and I am not myself yet. Ihe -un affects me so quickly. But I am drawing y<»u from your work.” "No. 1 want to know that you are all right again l»ef.»re I go back to it.” ' I’ll U* al! right in a few minute.-.” * I)o you wish me to call anylmdy ?” “No. n«». All I want is a little rest and the fre-h air.” .She looked «t him keenly. Hi- clothes were plain, ami they were not new. ."Have you had any breakfast?” '•Very little.” he answered. Perhaps that i- one reu-u.n why you grew faint. When -he returned she had something wrapped in tis-ue paper. It was a tooth-onie looking -andwieh. "Eat that,” she commanded. ‘'You ne»s| n*»t be afraid «»f faring ob-ened. The de-k hides you from the doorway, ami Mr. Milliken will not be lu> k before Boon.” And -he put the -andwieh in his hand. “But T am robbing you of your luncheon ” •I -ure you re.?d i| inofc than I 4a, Hat it, pirate,” I

She -poke as if he were an obstinate child. And he obey tn I her. she watched him for a brief moment, then turned back to her typewriting. When -he came back a little later every numb had vanished. “It wa- awfully good.” he -aid. “But that goe- without saying. You see- L haven’t left even a crumb for a s«»uvt nil.” She looked at him keenly again. “I’m afraid.” she said, “that you are not as good to yourself as you should Im*. Why don’t you eat when you need the food, and why do you walk in the .-treet when the sun affects you? But there,” she hastily added, “it is no affair of mine.” • 1 am glad to have your sympathy.’’ he -aid. "It is a novelty to have any «»ne show a kindly interest in my w<-l-"Have vou a home?’’ “No.” “No relatives?” “No.” “Are you looking for work?” “Yes.” he answered. ‘•But you are not well enough.” ‘T must work.” The look of sympathy in her clear eyes deenend. "And have you had any sueees- in your -earch?” No.” She frowned a little. "How does it happen.” she asked, “that you are. in these unpleasant st rail-T You look like a gentleman. You sjx»ke like an educated person. Why arc you so unsuccessful?” “I ircunistanees. perhaps.” he answered; "lack of ambition, maybe.” She frowjied again. "Y"U must have had some experience. You are.ni't a young man.” I «m 33.” •|<n’i there some employment you arc -pccmllv titled for?” 11 -hook hi- head. “I’m afraid not. And he sighed. Then he came and faced her. T will n»t b.uhei you any longer.” he said. "You have been kind. I am grateful h»r y.mr sympathy, and 1 am gbad y»*u consider me a gentleman. Goodmorning." and he turned away. “One moment.” she said. ’’Take care of yourself. I wish you good luck.” And she put out her slim hand. • Good bve.” He took her hand, and when she withdrew her ringers he found a silver dollar in his palm. He looked at it after he reached the ha’ .Aay. and a sudden' smile ' crossed his face. He was still holding it when the elevator look him to the upper regions <»f the huge -ky-scraper. Mi--’ Nellie Blanchard was alone in t‘: office of Milliken and Co., manufacturers’ agents, the next morning when she became conscious of a form in the doorway. she looked up with a little start. It was the stranger of the day l»efore. He seemed brighter and bet“Good morning.” he said, “may 1 come in a moment?” pleasantly nodded. "You look much better.” “I am )»etter. I’m taking your advice and treating myself with more consideration. I—enjoyed a good breakfast thi- morning and I’ve kept out of the -un.” “That*- go »d. Won’t you sit down?’’ “Thank you. I will for just a moment. I wa- pa-sing by ami saw that you were alone.” He pau-e.l and then suddenly added: “But 1 haven’t brought that dollar back.” “Never min.l that,” and the girl laughed. His tone was -o -erious. ‘’l’m glad you had a goinl breakfa-t. And how about the chances for employment ?” ■ I hey are brightening.” .‘ H'»w is t hat ?” • “I’ve got an opportunity.to du auiat" tiring in iki real estate Uaa, M

'1 he girl shook her head. “Too many in that business now.” she .-aid. with a little sigh. “That was my father's business. He was considered a successful operator. But he went in too deep at a time when he should have been slow and careful. A certain allotment swamped him financially. It broke his heart, too. and no doubt hastened his death. I have little cause to think well of real estate.” “Evidently not.” said the strar.ger. ‘ But it -eenis just now as if it wa- the one easy thing for me to get into.” “Well.” said the girl, “I wish you success in it.” 1 "And may 1 report progress to you oc-va-ionally ?” The girl hesitated. “1 don’t think there can be any harm in that.” she said. “Of course, it must b? progress.” “Of course.” “Very well.” "One thing more. You mustn’t think I’m going to forget that dollar.” T don’t expect you to pay it Ivefore you receive the means/’ said the girl with another little laugh. “Thank you,” he said. "And perhaps I’d better tell you my name. It seems more businesslike. It’s I’hodes.” The girl smiled. “1 -han’t forget it. Mr Rhodes. It •will be easy to remember. It’s the name of the owner of this very skyscraper.” ■ You mustn’t get us mixed,” said the stranger, with a sudden laugh. The girl looked the man over in her quick way. "I’ll promise not to do that.” she said. ■ The -tranger arose. "I hope I’ll have something definite to report soon.” he said. "1 hope you will." “Good-bye. Miss Blanchard.” “Good-bye. Mr Rhodes.” And it was not until after he had gone that she wondered how he had learned her name. Lt was two days later before he again appeared. He looked -till better. There was a sprueeness about his attire that appealed to the girl’s critical glance. He

seemed to have gained in manliness too. “Congratulate me. Miss Blanchard,* he said. “I have a situation at last!” “I am glad to hear it,” she e&iiL 4 *And 1 hope you will keep it.” “O. you mu-t have confidence in me. You. know, you encouraged me to look for it. and you mustn’t cloud my gratification.” “1 don’t mean to du so,” >aid the girL ‘’l- it a good place?” “It will keep the wolf from the door,” lie answered, cheerily. “That’s a good deal to me just now. you know. Places are scarce and the pay is only nioder“But it’s a place.” “It’s a place.” “And it mean- daily toil, and useful di-vipline. and manly independence.” The girl looked at him with a little nod. “Good," she said. “You are an apt -cholar. 1 think I’m going to be proud of you.” A soft ffusli stole into her cheek-. “If you are in need of a little money before your salary i- due i think 1 could help you.” “No. no. and he shcwik his head vigorously. “1 owe you a dollar now. No more until 1 pay that.” “1 hope you’ll require no more after you pay that.” she -aid. They were getting on good terms now, and the more .-he saw of the stranger the better -he liked him. He didn’t seem to pre-ume on his acquaintance, never losing his deferential manner, never forgetting that he was a gentleman. And a- they became better acquainted she told him about her own struggles. How her father’s death had left her mother and her-elf penniless, and how it was necessary for her to find employment. She told him bow she had hunted for work and finally found it. And what a -truggle it was at first. Ami how. after a time, she had won her way and was in receipt of a fair salary, and could support her-elf and mother in comfortable circumstances. And the stranger had listened with much interest, and had some pleasant things about her perseverance and her energy. Rut he had said little about himself*. He deserved no credit for any-

thing he had done, he claimed. He meant to do something in time. So his brief calls continued, ami the progress he reported was of an encouraging sort. His health was greatly iiupreted, too, and one morning he game in wearing a new suit of clothes. “If you arc not careful,** said the girl, as -h<? shook her linger at him. “they'll be taking you for the Rhodes who owns th-' building."’ Not so had as that.” he cried. “They t< II me he’s not a man to be ein ied in snitt of his wealth.*’ “i don't know anybody who has ever Been him." said the girl. “They -ay he's a misanthrope, ami old before hi- time. I don't envy him. I'm only sorry for him." “I'm not exactly sorry for him." said the man. “Perhaps he really needs some thing to wake him up—something to rouse his ambition and his energy." Whereat the girl suddenly flushed, although there seemed no occasion for it. .And then one morning lie had romo in and invited her to take a street car ride with him the following Sunday. And she had agreed, on .condition that he would lake dinner with her mother ami herself. So the little programme was carried out. The guest found the dinner in the modv-t home a delightful one. ami Mrs. Bianchard a charming woman. Ami efter the dinner he and Nellie took a street car ride. “Of <ou<e." he said, with a little laugh. “1 must plan my excursions according to my income. Some day 1 hope to reach the luxury of a steam yacht ami hi automobile.'’ Ami Nellie professed to like tin street rar rides the best, because they were safe and entailed no responsibility. “ This line." she suddenly said. “*akes its right to the allotment of which 1 have told you —the last one that my father planned. Would you like to look it over ?” He said he would, and so they wandered about among the pretty new homes and aioiur the well-paved streets. Am! presently she stopped at a corner and looked back. “This row of houses was to have been mine.” she said, with a gentle smile. “That's what papa told me the last Sunday we came up hire together. ’That'* where your pin-money is to come from. Nellie.' lie said, in his laughing way. •You'll Im- quite independent with the income it will give you.' Poor papa, he always was so optimistic." And she gently sighed. 'l'he man at her side looked the houses ♦ver carefully. “Who owns them now ?'* he asked. “The Columbia Trust Company." sV» answered. “ They w ere security for a loan." Tlie afternoon was wearing away when they turned homeward. ‘•|a*t us walk part way.” said Rhodes, and they slowly strolled down the tl oroughfare that led toward the Blanchard collage. Presently the man spoke, ami his voice was low and earnest. “Miss Blanchard. Nellie." he said, “it is nearly a month now since I met you. and it has been a-happy mouth for me. J can't tell you of the good your friendship.has done me. 1 am a man with new purposes and new hopes. I need you. Nellie —f feel that 1 cannot do without you.’ Will you be my wife?” There was a little silence. Hi- face was .eagerly turned tn hers, but sh ■ did not look at him. “fflike you very much.’’ she presently said in her quiet way: “b-tter than any other man I have ever met. But marriage is a serious problem. We must look at it in a practical way. I am independent: ami useful and reasonably happv. Anil-then. I have some one To. consider beside myself. If I married you I would have to give up my pr<*-**nt employment ?" “Of course.” he cried. “And are you in a position to care for both, my mother ami• myself ?*’ Shp asked the question with a g.n-tle fra’nknc—. her tender eyes turned upon him.’ He -lightly flushed as he met her “And will you marry me when Kalif?” he asked. She hesitated a moment. ?‘-Yes" she answered. “I will.” laughed boyishly. He looked ten vedr- younger. “O. I’ll pronrtsc ycju.jt won't lw long.” he -cried, “ft won't ‘ be long." Aiul lie fell to whistling a merry tune. “(). I forgot it was Sunday.” he said, with a toniical grimace. “And there’s our car.

Come. let’s run. dearest,” and he caught her hand as they sj>?d along. There is no doubt Nellie Blanchard was disappointed when her Sunday guest failed io appear in the office of Milliken ami Co. the next morning. She had expected him. and he did not come. Ami as the moments wore along with no titling from him she began to realis? a little how much hi* companionship meant to her. But the busy Milliken hadn't b?en gone from the office nu-re than five minute- that afternoon when the missing man appeared. He came in quickly, ami the girl noticed that his face was flushed and his eyes bright indeed. “A little late.” he said, “but there were so many detail-. It's all right, though. I'm going to make my la-i report <»n progress." “Your last report?” she echoed. “<). I don't mean to stop progressing.” he cried. “I only mean that I am going to stop coming here." “I don't understand." <he said, a little faintly. “Things are looking so bright." he explained. “that 1 have actually come in to settle the little indebtedness that has bothered me so long. “What indebtedness?” “Why. the dollar you loaned me. of course." she shook her head at him. She even sin iled. "It's hardly worth making all this ado about.” she said. **(). ves. it is.” he cried. and drew from an inner pocket a long envelope. From this he extracted a legal document and laid it on the table b?fore her. ’Tor value received.” he said. "For mt *** she asked. He eagerly nodded. “Read it.” he cried. She glanced rapidly through the paper and her eves dilated as she read. “The consideration is one dollar, as vou see." he said. She looked at him and her voice trembled as she spoke. “Does this mean that you have given me that row of house- on Decatur Avenue the row my father promised me?" “That's the deed.” he said, ami it s sealed, signed, recorded and delivered. And now. please, ma'am, will you kindly click out your resignation to Milliken and Co., and then name the happy day?' Her eyes were still upon him. ••You—you have deceived me,” she murmured. “I’ll promise never to do so again, he eagerly announced. “You ate my sandwich.” she half laughed, “and you took my dollar, and now vou prove to be a fairv prince. What am 1 to expect next ? You may even be the misanthropic Mr Rhodes who owns this skyscraper He laughed merrily. “Why not ?" he asked.