Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1900-12-15

tspecial Shipment to the Philippines.
sir
aYes-no! don't know. Ask the
elevator boy!' he muttered, not com
pretending, and again bent over the
Hateful page. The man shrugged his
shoulders and walked away. Landor
read on:
rare gifts of mind and spirit. Who should appre-
oiate these more than !, who have known him so
well? That one of such social standing, appear
ance and hereditary wealth should have singled
me out from among many girls who admire him
has fattered me indeed; but, should he say the
words every wants to hear once from one
man, must answer, No.
There was muff1ed cry. The letter
was crumpled in fierce fingers. Then
he lifted his bowed head, smoothed
out the page and read on:
This, my friend, is why. He is not proving
himself. He is an idler, dreamer. With every
avenue Of success stretching broad and fair before
him he is content to pass hours occupying pure
ly nominal position in his fathers Office. He
leads the cotillon well; none better In all mat
tiers of dilettanteism his taste is cultured and
fine, and he writes the most musical verses one
the man one narries How can admire the
individual who saenters through life as through a
charity fair? His degrees entitle him to uni.
yersity professorship. His fathers various inter
ests in many places call for his personal super
vision. There is much to do before he may
confidently ask woman to give to him herself
life body and seul-but wish, oh, how wish
There the lettsr ended.
Aldrich put the letter in his pocket.
He CROPPED for his hat and gloves and
coat and went out into the fresh spring
afternoon. Then he remembered the I'M
finished poem. He returned, making
it, with the glove and other little treas
ures. into a packet, which he put in his
breast pocket. Half an hour later he
stood in the luxuriously appointed
room of a great city bank. A meeting
of the directors had just ended. His
father was leaving.
What's up, Lander? You look
queer g
I'm all right, sir. want word
with you, though. Now will do as well
as any time. Whom were you thinking
of sending down to establish that
branch Of our house at Maniac
81 did think of Peterson, but Pm
afraid he has signed with the other
people. :"
"Will you trust me to go, father?
.You! The elder mans haggard
face lighted up, then fell You're not
capable of the task, my boy. It's a
tremendous one"
Landor smiled with pale lips, but the
smile was winning. You should have
more confidence in my fathers son.
he protested gently.
The words warmed the old mans
heart like wine. His eyes blinketl up
at his boy. By George, he cried, 7
believe you've got it n you! I've had
doubts Of you. Let that pass. You
shall go with full and absolute author
ity'
And. there was a new elasticity in the
gait of the commercial magnate as he
took his. sons arm and went down to
his carriage.
The following day a note came to
Landor-a formal, demure little note:
Dear Mr.. Aldrich-1 find failed to send you
yesterday my line Of thanks for those violets
Will you take the 'beIated gratitude now? There
was mistake somewhere. Always sincerely
yours, KATHERINE CLERMoET
But the news that he was to assume
control of his fathers business in the