The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-27

dainty and sensitive bit of feminine at
Effectiveness was reduced to tears, and
Bronson, his chief clerk, to open pro-
family by crushing replies to we'll
meant greetings, unfortunately fol-
lowed by question marks. GilkinS
came and transacted his business with
out a single question. He made an
enemy for life of the pretty cashier at
the restaurant where he took his lunch
by telling her he had not come in for
something to eat but proposed having
a tooth filed and getting his hair part
ed.
Then Barry Johnson come in. Barry
was not only particular friend of
Mudges, but his friendship was worth
money, and the reformer felt a sinking
sensation as the clean-cut, manly
young fellow pushed through the door
Of the private Office and asked in hap
py innocence, well, old fellow, in, are
you?"
IT was test for Nudge. Most men
would have weakened, but his duty was
plain. Il am very sorry" he said,
but not quite as blandly as before, but
the truth is I was detained at home to-
day and could not come down If you
car manage to come in tomorrow 1 will
try and be here"
Johnson stared at him in dazed sur
prise for second, then flushed red
and an angry flash came into his eyes.
Nothing more was said. He turned,
walked crisply across the floor and
quietly closed the door after him. The
click as tile latch caught cost Nudge
$4,000 and he knew it. He had hardly
expected to stake duty against so much
money. but it was too late then.
Nudge was not happy when he reached
home. His wife answered his ring her
self-Mudge did not believe in latch
keys-and let him in without a word
of welcome. maggie left without
notice." she said meaningly, land 1 am
acting in her place for today. You
must see about new maid tomorrow"
That was all and Nudge did not see
her again till dinner was served. 1t
was very silent, disagreeable meal.
He was trifle embarrassed and peni-
tent, and she stern and uncompromis-
ing. 1t was too trying for Nudge and
he Ventured on an ice-breaking ad-
vance.
You were going to Mrs. Bradley's to
tea and would not be home in time for
dinner, l thought" he began hesitat-
ingly. You did not go, did your
why, yes, 1 did, dear" came the re-
ply with crushing sweetness, how
stupid of you. L am there now. 1 will
let you know as soon az l come in.
Nudge does not swear, as a matter
Of principle, but as he walked out of
the room he said something about con-
science that will never find q place In
the Christian Advocate.
my dear" said Mr.. Nudge, one even
ing after peace had been restored In the
family, what is most needed today
is some one who will help young men,"
Mrs. Nudge knew what that meant. It
was another experiment in reform.
Are you sure that there is any way
they can be helped that is not now be-
ing tried?" she asked with a patient
sigh.
'The trouble Is" Mr.. Nudge asserted
with an air of conviction, that people
work at young men and not with them:
Now not block from our house is a
saloon, where young men, even boys,
congregate. If any one interested In
their welfare were to drop In there with
them, without preaching, he could con-
vince them how wrong they were IN
wasting their youth and health in such
a place."
land you are going to try?" There