Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-04-05

y
You could afford it thousand times better
than they. Give them chance for hope and
ambition, and it will produce the best work
ever known. Who lives hereY"
He stopped in front of a graceful little cot
tage, through whose open windows one could
wee into cheerful, well furnished rooms. Arrow
Of maple saplings had been lately set in front,
and plenty of green shrubs and ample vines
gave the place most charming dir.
"John Graves, one Of my workmen. His
daughter married rich, and it is her hus-
bands money which has worked the remark
able Transformation" ;" Philip was very gladto
change the subject. Johns wife was sick
supposed to be an invalid. See that ladylike
woman watering the hanging pot9 that isshe.
Ellingsworth's money made the change. As
for Graves himself, he used to be bowed al
most like cripple. He was as melancholy as
an undertaken, and he had good reason to be,
poor fellow. He used to pull great slouch
hat down over his face to hide as much as he
could of himself. Well, you wouldn't know
him now; he is as respectable looking man
as one often sees, and they say he works as
hard as ever"
''He isn't degraded any, theni" asked Mr..
Philbrick slyly, as they walked on again, "by
his good fortune"
~ cannot carry out your proposal, it isn't
in my line l am business man and must
work in character. actually feel as if had
made quite step, for me-"
"a step!r cried his companion, eagerly
reaching oat to clasp his hand. "A stride,
only vast you to go clear to the goal"
81 am too slow for you," smiled Philip,
sadly, as he shook his head. "What have
attempted seems enough for one life work
don't want to risk it all by q new expert
ment Here we are at my house, won't you
come inl'
They stood at the gate The front door
stood invitingly open, showing the broad
oaken staircase and still beyond, the table
set for the evening meal
"Not tonight, thank you" Mr.. Philbrick
shook his hand tor parting, but did not seeE
quite ready to go.
"Tea is all ready" urged Philip, 'and am
quite alone"
"Oh no, my train leaves" !" he made an ex-
I cuse to look at his watch, "in half an hour
Still he hesitated.
At last he laid his hand gently on Philips
arm.
"You are young and have probably long
life Of usefulness before you. But man
can never telln Philip looked in surprise at
him. "You may change your mind, or give
up your work; if you should want to, just let
me know, would like to buy you out and
run things on my PLAN"
"But you are not rich enough. You proba-
bly, know the valuation of the Breton Mills, u
answered Philip, little proudly.
II could pay you something, and you
wouldn't drive too hard bargain. You
would be glad, perhaps, to contribute in that
way.n
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 life But Mr. Philbrick did not
smile. He seemed actually serious and
awaiting an answer.
'Wel, will give you the first chance when
want to SELL"
The old gentleman's earnestnoss sobered
Philip in spite of himself. He was sorry he
had laughed Perhaps he had been mocking
his own destiny The philanthropist's pro.
posal began to affect him as deaths head at
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 tc
wreck his beautiful hopes7
Philip walked slowly up to 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.
II will never speak with him again." ht
muttercd.
Then he looked back at his house again. L
was in that very doorway, open as it wa
now, that Bertha had stood and kissed hel
hand to him the last time she had been at hi
home. That was when his chief thoughts O
life were as q wedding journey-that was be
fore the first cloud had dimmed his sunlight
And now she had returned. She had shamet
her fathers house and her mothers pur
memory. She had shamed him who hat
been her lover since childhood, and all for
man she did not love enough to stay will
him. Still he could not help that frs
tumultuous throb of his heart, the unreasop
ing wave of joy that had swept over him a
tho very sight of her changed, tired face
She had done her worst to spoil his life, +
drive peace and Happiness from his soul, bu
that pure steady glow in his heart, ah,
was love yet ....
Philips heart was very full of bitterness
tho fruit of his love instead of peace. II
! stopped midway to his door, and plucked
rose, slowly tore out its blushing petals an
t let the summer breeze carry them away.
8 Tho great work for the poor he had con
menced would havo made him tho happies
, man in the world if she could have share
) his enthusiasm with him. His was the di
I position oven and sweet, just the ono to &c
r the most contentment ont of his life, but lon'
J liness was terrible to him.
: "Pcr,1aps it il better So he said aloud, {
: he cru.-od tie fragment Of the flower in b
d hand. No doubt he was light and weak, an
a it was only under the pressure of q great bu
;. den that he could accomplish anything. TIL;
G gave him intensity. And then Bertha migl
c havo weakened his purpose if he formed on
c not sympathizing with him, and it had nj
0 been her wont to sympathize with him. H
r very devotion to her might have made hi
/, waver, or for very happiness he might n
o havo thought of anything but his bride. If
+ man has great work to do it is better to
= alone. Two souls never can have but sing
n thought, and tho least friction might delt
C his progress; the least Encouragement mig
IS hinder his footsteps on the mountain bringil
glad tidings to the wretched
d All that peril had been saved him. Curr,
had proved better friend to the people tn
h he thought, even when he deserted them,
brAking in upon Philip Breton's idle drea
IN OF love. "
II Perhaps it was from Bertha's shame
m ,pt1lng all the good that blessed thouSa