San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-03-07
APPLIED SCIENCE.
BT CHARLES BARNARD.
Copyright
CHAPTER I.

| New England, consists Of a number Of
mills and factories, the railroad station, q
store or two, and 200 dwellings. Among
these is the Denny mansion at the top of
the hill, where the road climbs up from
the station and the river. II is a large
square house in the old colonial fashion,
with two wings at the rear and a garden
in front
1t was q warm July morning when Mr..
John Denny, mill owner and proprietor Of
the homestead, had his chair rolled out to
the porch, and, with some assistance from
the servants, reached IL on his crutch and
sat down in the shadow Of the great
house and ont Of the glare of the hot
sun. The vine covered porch and the
wide piazza opened directly upon the
garden and gave full view Of the road
Beyond there was an outlook over the
open fields, the mills, the stream, and the
village in the valley. BY the road there
was a stone wall and wicker gate open.
ing upon the grassy sidewalk outside. a
table had been laid with a white cloth in
the porch, and Mr.. Denny sat by it and
waited for the coming Of his daughter and
breakfast. While he sat thus he turned
over number Of papers, and then, after
a while, he began to TAX TO himself some
what in this wise;
Expense! expense! expense! There
seems no end to 1t. Bills coming I'm every
day, and every one larger than was ex-
pected. In my young days we built a
shop and knew to dollar what it would
cost. Now the estimates are invariably
short. The batting mill has already
gone $1,000 beyond the estimates,
and the roof is but just put on.
Even the new chimney cost "a
a foot more than was expected. Thank
heaven 1t is done, and that expense is over
Could I walk l might look after things
and keep them within bounds. With my
crushed foot / sit prisoner at home, and
must leave all TO Lawrence. 1t is fortu-
nate that have one man can trust with
my affairs"
Just here Alma, his only child, bright
and wholesome girl Of 10, appeared from
the house. Fairly educated, sensible and
affectionate, but perhaps trifle inexperi-
enced by reason of her residence in this
quiet place, she is at once the pride and
the light Of the house.
Good morning, father. Are you well
this happy summers day."
The old gentleman kissed her fondly
and asked did she pass a quiet night.
''Oh, yes. didn't sleep much, that is
all-for thinking"
thinking of what:''
1.-THE expected guest. Today is the 9th
Of July, and cousin Elmer comes"
"Ah, yes-Elmer Franklin. l had al
most forgotten him."
How does he look, father Is his hair
dark or has he blue eyes: ! hardly know
which l like best"
Il do not remember. I've not seen the
boy since he was a mere child, years ago.
He has been at school since"
HE must be a man now He is past 81,
and as for school, why, it's the Scientific
school, and I'm sure men go to that"
You seem greatly interested in this
unknown relative, Alma"
He is to be our guest, father-for a
whole month. Come. VIII you have
breakfast out here in the porchi''
Eyes, dear. 1t is quite comfortable
here and it will save the trouble Of NOV
ing"
ThereupOn Alma entered the house in
search Of the breakfast, and u moment
after Mr. Lawrence Bedford entered the
garden at the street gate. The son of an
old friend of Mr. Denny's lamented wife,
Mr.. Bedford had been admitted to the
house some months since as confidential
clerk and business man. He was rather
commonplace person, about 30 years of
age, and his education and manners were
good if not remarkable During his resi-
dence with the Dennys he had found time
to fall in love with Alma. and they had
been engaged-and with Mr.. Denny's con-
sent.
Good morning, Lawrence. You're
Just in time for breakfast"
Good morning, sir. Thank you, no.
/ have been To breakfast. | am Just up
from the station"
'Seen anything of the railroad coach?
The train is in, and it is time for the coach
to pass. Our guest may be in il"
mo, sir, but | saw the express coming
up the hill with an extra large load Of
baggage"
Just here Alma returned from the house
bearing large tray OF plates and break
fast things. The young people greet each
other pleasantly, and Alma proceeds to
lay the table.
Now for breakfast, father. Everything
waits upon good appetite. Will you not
join us, Lawrence"
Mr.. Bedford replies that he has been to
breakfast. Mr.. Denny takes a cup of
coffe, and while slipping it remarks:
"How many more window frames shall
you require for the new mill, Lawrencef"
Ten more, sir. There is onlya part of
the fourth story unfinished"
"Alma, dear, do you remember how
high we decided the new chimney was to
be? Yes, thank you, only two Jumps of
sugar Thank you. You remember we
were talking about it when the Lawsons
were here
Don't ask me. Ask Lawrence. 1
never can remember anything about such
matters"
Just at that moment the express pulled
up at the gate, and there was knock.
Alma rose hastily and said:
ooh! That must be Elmer
She opened the gate, and young Mr..
Elmer Franklin, of New York, entered.
A man to respect-an open, manly face,
clear blue eyes, and wiry, compact and
vigorous frame A man with a sound
mind in sound body. He was dressed
in gray travelling suit, and had KNAPP
sack strapped to his back; in his hand
stout stick, looking as if just cut from
the roadside, and at his side a field glass
in leather case. Immediately behind
him came a man bending under the load
Of an immense trunk. Alma smiled her
best, and the young stranger bowed gal
lantly.
"Mr. Denny, presumed"
Welcome, cousin Franklin" said Mr..
Denny from his chair. 81 knew you at
once, though 1t is years since any MEM
bers Of our families have met. Pardon
me If / do not rise. I'm an old man and
confined to my chair"
politely:
THANK you, sir, for your kind recep-
ton. / am greatly pleased to Hullol
Inok ont there hnySt That hauoaue Ia