The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-10-17
Happy Parent and Bad Bow ;.

He was a sweet child of about years-a kind
of mo hers pet and fathers Joy, says the
Philadelphia Ledger-and he was taking dinner
with his father in one of the downtown cafes
yesterday. Before he left he had attracted
more attention than if he had been a noted
man.
This sweet boy. who had been introduced to a
pair of knickerbockers, sat at a round table In
the restaurant beside his father
1t was that time of the day when nearly all
the bankers and merchants appear to feel
hungry. so the tables in the large cafe we're
crowded.
At the same table with the boy sat one of
those stern-faced business men whose counte-
nance would give him away il he want I'd to
deny his occupation
He was corpulent and appeared to take pride
in his luxuriant whiskers. There was another
man at the table-a slight round sh ouldered
clerk in one Of the many offices surrounding the
restaurant.
AS soon as father and son sat down it was ev-
ldent there was going to be trouble. The
youngster Immediately infinitely examined ev-
erythng on the table within reach. He took
the stopper out of the oil bottle and asked his
father to smell it.
"Funny vinegar, amt it?" he exclaimed.
You mustn't do that" said the father
timidly. you are bad boy-(a glance at the
old merchant)-and l shan't take you out
again"
When the waiter brought bread and a napkin
the father gently tucked the latter under his
sons chin Then the elder gave his order. He
ASKED the youngster what he would have, and
for the answer che kid" merely turned I'M
easily in his chair. Finally he blurted out:
Ice cream"
There was no mistaking his order, for he gave
II In such loud, sarill voice that everybody
in the room looked around.
The waiter departed. and paterfamilias again
demonstrated with the dear little fellow in the
conventional manner and again informed him
he was bad boy, gancing at the merchant
and then Il If axnaptiDO n ,
smile.
But the merchant didn't SMILE He tried to
eat his dinner and read his paper. In the
meantime the good little boy had his napkin
out two or three times and was trying to kill
flies with it The dinner came while papa from
time TO time repeated the assertion which he
felt sure was untrue, that his offspring was a
bad boy.
They got through, and the little one was
using his napkin for handkerchief and mop
ping his brow with it. The stout business man
was slipping his coffee and putting on his cigar.
The merchant had been looking in the direction
of the child, who at that moment had left his
chair and was industriously trying to climb up
his fathers back.
How old is your son?n inquired the mer-
chant of the proud father.
You could tell the father was proud His
face was bundle of smiles-if any one ever
Tell the gentlemen how oldyou are, Alfred"
he ordered the boy.
mo, won't"
Cons, now! won't take you out again"
Shakes him little and tries to look severe
Hes nearly6i
II should like to adopt him." the merchant
continued.
Hear that, Alfred!n remarked Alfred's pa
| to the youth. This gentleman wants to adopts
| you Win you go to him?"
Nav. He's got whiskers!" This was spoken
| very violently.
Paterfamilias looked tired and his cheeks
| burned after this unexpected outburst He tried
| to shake Alfred again. but the boy evaded him
What makes you fancy him?' inquired the
| proud father.
Fancy himg' echoed the business man. 81
| did not say that"
but you wanted to adopt him?'
"Yes-to give me authority to spank him ~
The symposium dispersed, paterfamilias
scowled at the merchant. grasped Albert by the
| hand and made hasty exit. The walters smiled,
| the guests laughed al the merchant continued
| smoking his after-dinner cigar.