Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1899-11-23
BECAUSE he LOVED HER 81

one of the sweetest little women imoo-
Unable, and one could but wonder WHY
she was able to exercise so little infu-
ence over her cherished son. Not thot
he was lacking in filial affection or Pa
spect and esteem. But he failed 10
carry out his parents desire to deyote
plenty of time to study, to equip him
self thoroughly to battle with lifes
difficult problems.
Time and again had ne been repri-
manded, in as gentle a manner as nos.
sibe. 1t is true, about his shortcOm-
ings in this respect. but with IA display
of endearng affection he laughed his
mothers fears away, and then the
matter would be dropped for the time
being.
Tutors had been engaged. but left
in disgust, having accomplished moth
ing in the way of Installing learning in
young Harolds head, which was filled
with much natural intelligence if he
would but exert sufficient energy TO
do a little earnest studying.
As IA last resort Mrs. Mannering de-
cided to try an experiment, having
thought out clever idea. which.
seemed just suited to this particular
case and caused her many a laugh in
the privacy of her apartments.
Some time after this. Harold, who
was now nearing his twentieth year
was informed that his mother had
made up her mind to engage as com
panion a young lady by The name of
Ethel Grey the daughter of an old
friend of hers, who until now Ind de-
voted her spare time to teaching, as
she was in Straitened circumstance.
and was eager to accept this new po-
sition as less arduous and more agree
able and lucrative.
Harold expressed his delight by
saying: "Oh, mother, how jolly, Now
SO she can help amuse me, for | am
tired of doing that for myself"
TO which Mrs. Mannering replied:
"Oh, fie, one would think she is COM
ing here for your sole benefit, you
spoiled boy at the same time wink
ing slyly at Mr.. Mannering, who
shared her secret.
Shortly after Miss Grey had been
installed in her new position, Harold
was found to be much more Studicus.
and inquiry of the former, who had
become acquainted with the facts In
the case, proved her fine ally, as ah"
had positively refused to accompany
Harold anywhere or devote any tiUe
at all to him unless he was willing
that they study together, and finally,
in self-defense. he agreed to her
plans.
To Mr.. aud Mrs. ManneringS great
JOY the change IN their son was soon
apparent to all who met him fire.
quently. and much commented upon,
so that when Harold approached
them year later they were well pre-
pared and eager for the glad tidings
he had in store for them, which came
about in this way.
Miss Grey, or rather Ethel, as Har-
old now took pleasure in calling her,
said to him one day, as had been
agreed upon by the trio: II shall soon
be far away; your mother no longer
needs me, and as you are competent
to enter college now, you, also, have
no further use for my services, which
have been solicited elsewhere. and
though | regret exceedingly to leave
you all who have been such good and
true friends to me, that is my only
course"
Vehemently Harold had interrupted
Ethel several times, but had been re-
pulsed until she had had her say when
he exclaimed impatiently Ethel, dear,
can you imagine for a moment that
would let you go? You, little one, who
have accomplished so much in teach
ing me the past year, ! desire to have
you take me as u pupil all your life.
While learning invaluable lessons
through your kind indulgence, have
succeeded in learning those of love al
so, than which no sweeter task exists,
and now, sweetheart. tell me, do |
plead in van-and now that you have
| aroused the noblest impulses within
me. that We're apparently dormant,
would you run away without compiet-
ing your dutyf' 4 dropping of Ethel
golden head was the sole answer and
none other was needed. as looking in
to the eyes. now uplifted gently, her
! lover read his answer there,
Entering their beautiful home, Har-
! old went to his mothers boudoir and.
taking Ethel's hand in his, exclaimed
| eagerly: oh mother dear. have
| learned much from this dear little girl
of which | know you approve ana
have noticed with pleasure. but one
/ lesson have [ learned more thoroughly
| than all others and that is the mean
/ ing Of the verb to love. | now only
/ ask my loved ones consent to our
marriage, which l feel l have AZ
ready"
My dear boy" exclaimed Mrs
/ Manneriug. Both Ethel and YOU
have received our blessing weeks ago
/ when we noticed with the greatest de-
light your fondupSs for one another.