Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-11-03
CHAPTER I.
ALEC HOWE LEAVES HONE.


Alexander Howe, Sr., had como to
Kew York from the country &c years
before. Ee brought with hir.I later
faithful wife and two little boys, CT
whom tho younger was named for Ills
father and fanliliarly called Alec. Mr..
Howe had prospered and was now q sue
cessful and we'll to do merchant. After
ten years his wife had died, and he had
taken another, lady CT some social pre-
tensions, through whom in time he
hoped to gain admission to the upper
circles. By her he had another son, who
was in fair way TO be spoiled by the
do:irS attentions that were lavished up
On him.
Alec hcd been sent to college, and
now for whole year he had been a
bachelor CT arts, wondering what in the
world he should do with the incum-
brarce. His father mad offered him a
place in bis business, with an ultimate
partnership, but the confinement Of the
Office did not agree with him. Besides,
he did not altogether like his stepmoth-
er. She was coed woman n her way,
bat she said his manners were vulgar
she tried TO impose upon him habits
which were uncomfortable, and, worst
of all, she did not give him the affec-
ton he longed for. For loves sake he
would have done anything she desired
of him, but she did not love him, and
her only refuge was the authority Of her
superior position. She used it as gently
as she could, for she meant to be kind
and considerable, but the friction became
greater and greater until Alec felt he
could no longer bear the sheer discom-
fort Of his position.
The elder brother had not gone to COL
lege, but had entered business early
and now was q partner in his father s
establishment, with wife and family
Of his OWE. MIR. Howe was proud Of
him and wished Alec to follow in his
footsteps. Bat Mrs. Howe was a stand
ing subject fer disagreement. Mr.. Howe
liked her we'll enough, though he had
not the passionate love for her ne had
cherished for his first wife. but he was
ambitious to establish his family in the
upper ranks of society, and she was the
one means Of doing it. Through her lay
his ambition. and sho, who had been
poor, shared his ambition with him. At
first the plan had been to make Alec
the social representative of the family,
the proud and shining star, and for that
purpose he had been given q coed edu-
cation. But he was disappointing ex.
pectations, and not unnaturally Mrs.
Howe was thinking more and more Of
ha L. D.
Howe still chung to Alec.
''Father,' said Alec one evening,
when they had como home from bust
ness, I'm going to study law. I'm
tired Of business. lead dogs life,
and I'm tired Of it. I've stood it as long
as can
Mr. Howe was silent.
II can have chambers with Forbes
my class in college, you know. Things
will &C better a. homo when I'm away,
/ fancy"
Still there was silence where Mr..
Howe sat, and Alec vcntured to lool, at
him. He saw Gcrl. cloud on his ia
TIERS face and began to tremble. Bu,
he took courage, and with sudden deter
mination and impetuosity sprang to his
feet, and turning his bacl: cried:
I've made up my mind. I'm Of ast
and moan to do as like.
Mr.. Howe rose also and began walk
ing about the room. At last he spoke
IF you leave the business and your
home, you need not expect that shall
foot your bills"
The old gentleman walked uneasily
mp and down. He was not hard hearted
or obstinate. but he didn't know what
TO Go, and Alsc's manner was highly dis
respectful.
Mrs. Howe entered. After staring al
the two for moment she exclaimed:
"What in the world has Alec beer
doing now"
81 shall not trouble you much longer
have decided to go away" said Alec,
turning.
go away? Where will you go? DE-
you intend to lead an idle life at your
fathers EXPENSE
~ had intended to study law" sale
Alec calmly.
II should think your father had spen,
enongh money On your education al
ready" sneered Mrs. Howe, taking {
seat On the corner Of a sofa. DO yor
approve Of this move, Alexander:' sh.
inquired Of her husband.
If no leaves my business and m,
house, I've told him that he must lool
out for himself hereafter. The ol'
man s voice wavered, and he would hGv
been glad of the slightest excuse to re
call his words, but in i moment Ale
had made that impossible.
Very WE'LL" he cried, turning t
face both his parents. Twill leave thi
house. and it shall be On Monday morn
ing. hate it. My life has been perfec
misery here, and I'll stand it no more
Ever since l came home from colleg
she has nagged me and nagged me til
I've come to hate this whole institution
I shall not put either of you under tn
painful necessity of turning me out. II
go myself, and ask no favors or consid
Grafton of anybody"
With that he turned On his heel an,
left tl.s room. Then his father and step
mother locked at each other. She dis
liked the boy, and exulted at the ide