The Discounters of Money (Henry)
from the Collection «Roads of Destiny»
Young millionaire Howard Pilkins believed that money could buy anything, and for a long time, the city seemed to agree with him. However, his heart was eventually caught in a trap when he fell in love with Alice von der Ruysling, a woman from an aristocratic but poor family.
Pilkins proposed to Alice, but she rejected him, believing that he was too focused on his wealth. He told her that if she ever changed her mind, she should send him a rose.
Very well, said she. And when I do, you will understand by it that either you or I have learned something new about the purchasing power of money.
One evening, Pilkins encountered a young couple, Marcus Clayton and Eva Bedford, who had eloped and were sitting in a park with no money or place to stay.
Pilkins offered them financial assistance, but Marcus refused, insisting that he would find work the next day.
I can't say, sir, that I do think so, said Clayton of Roanoke County. I've been raised to look at such things differently.
Pilkins then arranged for Eva to stay with Alice, while Marcus remained in the park.
Alice agreed to take Eva in, and when Pilkins returned to his room, he found a box containing a small toy kitten and a crushed red rose. The rose symbolized that Alice had reconsidered her decision, and that perhaps money alone could not buy happiness.