Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-03-31
million.


"But wouldn't sacy hang Off on their oars
unless they had to struggle for livelihoodP
"My dear Iisilip, YOU wouldn't think il
necessary 60 slarve horse, and hang a bag
OF oats just efore his nose to make him so
Better feed him the oats, and a healthy ami
mai likes ago. Do you lie OH "a Your oarss
You COLL AFFORD 1t a thousand times better
than t.sey. Give them a chance for hope and
ambition, and it viii produce tho best work
ever known Who lives here
lie stopped in front Of Il graceful little COT
taSe. through whose onen windows one could
see into cheerful, wen furnished rooms Arrow
Of maple saplings had heon lately set in front,
and plenty Of green shTaas and ample vines
gave tho place a most charming air.
John Graves, one OF my workmen lis
daughter married rich, and il is her hus-
bands money which has worked the remark
able transformation. Philip was very glad TO
change the subject Johns wife was sick
supposed TO Is an invalid See that ladyliSo
woman WI; ring the hanging potl that is She.
Ellingswor rs money made the change. As
for Graycs smself, he used 60 be bowed Ill
most like cripple. lie was rs melancholy as
an ind rtakor, and he had good reason TO be,
poor How. lie used 10 pull a great slouch
hat 5wn over his face 10 hide as much as he
could OF himself Well, you wouldn't know
him now: he is as respectable looking man
ms one often secs, and they say he works as
hard as ever
.He isn't degraded any, thenp asked Mr..
Philbrick slyly, as they walked on again, by
his good fortune
II cannot carry out your proposal, 1t isn't
in my line | ann a business man and must
work in character actually feel as If had
made quito a step, for me-
"a stepla cried bis companion, eagerly
reaching out te clasp his hand. IA stride,
only want you to so clear TO the goal'
II am too slow for you,' smiled Philip,
sadly, as lie shook his head. "What l have
attempted seems enough for one life work.
l don't want to risk it all by now experi-
ment Here we are at my house, won't you
come ing'
They stood at the gate. The front door
stood inyitingly open, showing the broad
oaken staircase, and still beyond, the table
set for the evening meal.
''Not tonight, thank youn Mr.. Philbrick
shook his hand for parting, but did not seom
quite ready to 60.
''Tea is all ready" urged Philip, "and am
quite alone"
s'Oh no, my train leaves he made an ex.
cuse TO look at his watch, sin half an hour.
Still he hesitated.
AT last he laid his hand gently on Philips
arm.
''You are young and have probably a long
life Of usefulness before you. But man
can never tell" Philip looked in surprise at
him. ''You may change your mind, or give
mp your work; If you should waAo 60, jus5 let
me know, would like to buy you out and
ran things on my plan"
''But you are not rich enough. You proba-
bly, know the valuation of the Breton Mills, y
answered Philip, a little proudly.
~ could pay you something, and you
wouldn't drive too hard bargain. You
would be glad, perhaps, to contribute in that
wayn
Philip burst into hearty laugh; his hon.
est old friend was losing his wits. Give up
his factory and his own scheme that was his
only hope in lifel But Mr.. Philbricx did not
smile. He seemed actually serious and
awaiting an answer.
'Well, ! win give you the FIRST chance when
| want to sell"
The old gentlemans earnestness sobered
Philip in spite of himself. He was sorry he
had laughed. Perhaps he had been hooking
his own destiny The philanthropist's pro.
q
a feast. He was afraid he could not forget
it, Did his friend know him better than he
knew himself Did he see elements of weak.
ness in his character that would be sure to
wreck his beautiful hopesl
Philip walked slowly up 20 his door. Once
he turned and looked after the bent but still
vigorous figure of the bad prophet. No doubt
he was already planning how to revolutionize
the whole management of the mill.
I'll viii never speak with him again. he
muttered
Then he looked back at his house again. II
was in that very doorway, open as it was
now, that Bertha had stood and kissed her
hand to him the last time she had been at his
home. That was when his chief thoughts of
life were as a wedding journey--that was be-
fore the first cloud had dimmed his sunlight
And now she had returned. She had shamesl
her fathers house and her mothers pure
memory She had shamed him who had
been her lover since childhood and all for q
man she did not love enough to stay with
him. Still he could not help that first
tumultuous throb of his heart, the unreasop.
ing wave of joy that had swept over him at
the very sight Of her changed, tired face.
She had done her worst to spoil his hfe, 10
drive peace and happiness from his soul, but
that pure, steady glow in his heart, ah, il
was love yet.