New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-09

"Yes, yes" said the older man. little hastily.
Then he suddenly laughed. so you're boy
cotted both for lack Of college spirit and lack OF
college funds, eh?'
That's about the size Of It. dad. Funny
isn't it?"
Very But where are you taking meT'
ITO my boarding place. l thought you'd
rather room with me than go to the hotel
"Of course And who is your landlord?'
IT'S a landlady dad and I'm her only boarder
Her name is Spencer-Mrs Julia Spencer
Julia Spencerl DO you know VINO Juila opeh
Ger is?"
"Why. no, dad don't"
She was your dead mothers dearest and oldest
friend. She was Julia Ranney then. the prettlest
girl in the village. At least she was until
happened 10 meet some one prettler. Why boy
Julia Spencer might have been your mother
I'm very glad she isn't" said the young man
"And why"
because l mean to marry Julia SpenceTs
daughter"
The older man stopped short
put down the bag" he said. His bright blue
eyes sought his sons
Have you set your heart on this?" he slowly
asked.
yes. father. have"
"And you really mean to marry and settle
down and take an active interest in your
fathers affairs? He's growing old and needs
you"
YES dad"
The older man put out his hand and the
younger firmly gripped it,
This is not" said the father. quite the sur
prise you may think It, Professor Patton wrote
to me some time ago preparing me for what ne
seemed TO think was inevitable. Still II is a
little startling coming from your own lips
Annie has Just turned the corner" muir
mered the young man. will you meet her
now?"
"I'l meet her mother first" said the father
you keep the daughter away for half hour or
SO Which is the house,"
THE cottage back Of the big tree. dad
TIE older man picked up the bag. and the
younger one turned and walked rapidly down
the street
John" the older man called after him.
We'll dad"
Don't let it slip your mind that the boycott
must be lifted"
The young man smiled back at his father and
the latter wistfully watched him as he fastened
up the street toward the trim-built young wo-
man who was slowly approaching.
Just like me" he muttered; same old OBJ
stlnacy. Ready to go through thick and thin
for what he wants. God bless him, he's all
right"
With which closing apostrophe the older man
caught up the valise and turned through the
gateway that led to the cottage behind the big
tree.
He looked back once more as he assembled
the steps. He could the two figures, now
side by side coming slowly up the street
"Boycotted" he chucked, "boycottcd"'
1t was the evening OF President Lamson's
reception to the graduating class. The as
scmbly room filled with the seniors and
their friends There had been music by the
glee club. and the auditors were scattered in
little groups about the apartment over in
corner sat John Sturgess father with his
old friend and preceptor, Professor Patton.
Near a window at the side of the room stood
John Sturges himself, looking very well in
deed for a penny-saying country lad in his
Immaculate evening clothes BY him stood a
sweet faced girl 10 whom he frequently bent
in smiling Difference They were quite alone.
Johns classmates holding themselves strictly
aloof a fact which drew frequent amused
glances from the boys father.
Then President Lamson held up his hand.
When all was still ne beckOned to Professor
Patton. The latter arose and stepped forward.
Friends" he said, IL have some pleasant
news to impart 1t will be- l think OF special
interest TO the graduating class. You all
know. am sure that our gymnasium fund
has grown with exasperatng slOwness, and
that still long ways off from the de-
sired amount AT least we were until five
minutes ago" He paused and looked around
THE fact IS" he smilingly went on, I'VE have
been entertaining a good fairy unawares l
am making this little explanation quite with
out the farys knowledge, because. as you