The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-07-19

The train creakingly drew up TO the
little station. A score or more OF pas
sengers allghted. There were many
young men and young women on hand
TO note the arrivals. Tho coming OF
that train was one OF the daily events
i'm the college town. 1t was the only
link mat bound the quiet place 10 the
noisy outside world.
But th.s particular train meant more
than usual, 1t brought visitors, par
ents. friends. trustees. For this was
commencement time.
Among the arrivals was a quietly
dressed man of middle age w.,h gray
moustache and keen blue eyes. "A tall
young man pushed forward with out
stretched hand.
"Father!"
John my SON.
A moment later the two were walk
ing up the long main street beneath
the beautiful naples, the young man
lightly carrying the heavy travelling
bag.
"By George my boy" cried the older
man, as he drew a long breath and
gazed admiringly at the youth, lit does
me good to see you--and 10 see you
here. / seem To see myself again trudg
ing up this very street-not quite so
tall, perhaps, but / fancy much the
same build. And how are you. my lad?
You know | haven't land eyes on you
for nearly year
Quite well father, and In excellent
spirits"
And the football knee
Seems ali right again. I'll prove il
20 you when we no little OF that hill
climbing that you promised me-
Yes. yes, my boy" cried the old man
with a merry laugh. I'm show you
where your father got I'm mischief In
those dear old days. And to think that
I've let all these years slip by without
revisting the old home
As he spoke group OF merry boys
and maidens passed by. They swept
along without glance at the tall
youth. The Older man turned and
looked after them.
"How's that, my boy?"
what. father"
why, il seemed 10 me that they
meant tosnub you. Do YOU know
them?"
Yes, father; they are my college
right. Fact is I'm boycotted."
Bless my soul, Boycotted?'
"BoycOtted, father. It's a funny
story. You know l came here deter
mined to devote year To rest and
special study | had the lame knee 10
get in shape, and there were certain
lines OF work I wanted to pursue with
Professor Patton. He's the only man
I'm the college or I'm the town who
knows who John Sturgess father lis
Perhaps | wasn't very friendly at the
start The boys wanted me TO join
them in several things They wanted
me to try for the football team
But you promised me you wouldn't
play again"
II kept my word. though was a
temptation
The older man chuckled.
What's the joke father?'
II was laughing To think OF the
greatest half-back of 90 trying for
place on a village team"
"Of course they didnt know, and
they didn't like my excuse-the knee.
l said / was 700 busy. That was the
beginning. I'm prettey sure they con-
beginning. IN pretty sure they con-
sdered me stingy, too. Perhaps you
don't know, but i made up my mind
To go through this extra college year
on the same amount that you worried
through on. That didn't leave me
much for outside trifles. When they
asked me for a contribution for the
gymnasium fund | had To refuse them"
That was quixotic. my boy"
Besides, dad, there is a girl in the
case"
The older man started.
"A girl in the case" he duly re-
peated.
yes, father. "A charming girl.
.t.l f.,
college. but had TO stop. Now she's
teaching in a kindergarten. | think
the girts-her college mates. you know
-snubbed her because she couldn't
dress quite up to their standard. And
/ think, too, they completed the boy
cott on me because l sympathlzed with
her and paid her some attentions. But
she's quite a clever girl, father. You
must meet her.
Yes: yes" said the older man, a little
hastily Then he suddenly laughed.
80 you're boycotted. both for lack OF
college spirit and lack of college fun6.
eh?''
That's about the size OF a., dad.
Funny, isn't it?''
Very But where are YOU taking
me?"
ITO my boarding place. thought
you'd rather room with me than go to
the hotel"
'Of course. And who Is your land
lord?"
ITS a landlady, dad. ana I'm her
only boarder. name Us spencer
Mrs. Julia Spencer"
julia Spencer. DO yo, know who
Julia Spencer is?'
why. no, dad. | don't"
she was your dead mothers dear
est and oides- frienl. She was Julia
Ranney then. the prettiest girl in the
village. AT least she was until 1 hap
pened 10 meet some one prcttle~ Why.
boy. Julia Spencer might have been
your mother"
Pm very glad she isn't" said the
young man
"And why?"
Because mean tomarry Julia
Spencers daughter"
The Older man stopped short
Put down the bag" he said. His
bright blue eyes sought his sons.
Have you tet your heart on this?"
he slowly asked.
Yes father. | have"
And you really mean TO marry and
settle down ana take an active interest
I'm your fathers affairs? He's growing
Old and needs you"
Ia