The Delta independent., 1897-01-27


lsrly difficult in the presence of two
elderly people who had known him
from infancy. II appearances went for
anyth:ng. there was certainly little evil
dtnce Of i'll health in the well-knit ath-
letic-!ooking young man who leaned
against the rnantel. laughing and talk
ing easily about his approaching de-
parture. He caught glimpse of himself
IN . mirror o. he talked, and hope al
most struggled into life ssein. 1t was
but . passing moment OF exaltation,
however. for he knew we'll enough that
il wns distance and the shaded light OF
the chandelier that effaced the fine lines
Of smaciation and turned the hectic
flush into . ruddy glow of health. This
was what he told himself in the un-
written language Of underthought
while outwardly he was listening to Mr..
Morrisson's question:.
"Hsvs you made up your mind whers
you will go?"
"oh, yes; I did that the frst thing:
Allscoochee. Ala I should 60 there il
only for the sweet euphony Of the name.
but there are other and weight!er rea-
soEs. Just hear them" And he took
. newsparer clipping from his pocket
and read the advertisement.
"Yes, I've heard Of the place." re-
Joined ths elder man; Browne been
putting . lot Of money into Il, and he
wants me- to join him. Let me know
what you think Of It when you &c:
there"
with pleasure. I thought II would
do as we'll - any for . point Of de-
parture: you know I'm going to live in
the woods"
Placid Mrs. Morrison smiled, incredu-
lously. 1--WE been trying to imagine II
ever since Helen told US. but I can't"
she said. "why, you've never been out
Of reach Of your both and your morning
paper since you were old enough 10
know the good of either"
Philip WINGED little under the crit
icism. A month earlier. while the armor
Of Indifference was bullet-proof, he
would have smiled and said there was
time enough to prove all things; but
now there was sting in the pleasantly.
barbed by the thought that he should
never BE- able to r~fute this or any other
just reflection upon his shortcomings.
ucssENe tnnt, ne shlb. We never
been anything but dronc."
"Eh? what's tilnt?" asked Mr.. Nor
risson. looking up from his book.
That's what I've been telling you ever
since you left school. You've got your
work to do in the world, my boy, Just
the came a. the rest of us. I'm glad
you're finding II out before it's too
late" --:..--s-. .-.--.rs,.
1T Is too late" said Philip, quietly,
the answer clipping out before discre-
tion could shut the door.
Nonsense! Why. you've got the bet
ter part Of your life before you yet"
''Perhaps: but that INIT what ]
mennt. II one does the bes, he can from
tho time when he begins 10 learn the
meaning Of well-doing, he is only Ill
ing tho measure Of his season for be-
ing: and. granting this, there In no
ssch thing - stopcment fer years Of
idlenesa"
The old lawyer put down his book to
applaud the sentiment Better yeti
1t this rate you'll he an enthusiast be-
fore you're 30. I've often wondered IL
the good old Woodworking stock of
the Thorndykes would run to seed In
one generation
"Thatis one disadvantage In having
had . brilliant father" Philip replied.
laughing People expect the ron to
keep up the family prestige, and they
lose sight Of the fact TINT one Of the
results Of the fathers abil-
ity y the accumulation OF u fund for
the propagation Of idienees In his chill