Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1900-09-26
HIS LIES WORK.

Before a study table, laden with books
of reference, sat man buslly engaged
in writing. Between 30 and 4O
he looked even more, for his hair was
already well tinged with gray, and his
forehead heavily lined. 1t was power
full face, the features large the jaw prom
inent and the eyes somewhat Sunk-the
face Of a thinker. The room. too, was
in keeping with the appearance of the
man. Lined with shelves on which mass
ire-looking books were tightly packed,
even the chairs and part of the floor
space covered with portfolios of manu-
script, il was the abode Of a man of
learning-the den of a brain worker.
A shaft of light from the window fell
on the man bent over his task. He wrote
quickly, now and again pauslng to con-
suit notebook, then Fastening on again
There was no cessation, no wandering
for a single instant of his thoughts.
Presently there was a tap at the door,
and a man servant entered.
Sir Roland HUH, SIR" he announced.
The man at the desk gave start as
the servants words fell on his ears. The
fore he had time to lay down his pen q
Smart-looking. well-dressed little man of
about 40 hustled into the room.
L know I'm interrupting-drea dful
nuisance, and all that kind of thing Goef-
frey he said briskly, but frankly-I
don't care if / am
A slight smile crossed Godfrey Muir
rays face, as he took his friends hand.
You certainly have the knack of dis
turbing me in my most precious mo-
he asked. as Sir Roland settled himself
in a chair.
i want to know what the devil you
mean by sending a refusal to my invita-
tion for tomorrow" said the little man
carefully polishing his eyeglass:
tient gesture.
My dear HUH, you know I never go
anywhere now. He glanced at the pa
per-lttered desk. L can't spare the
time. But Nora is going-at least | I'M
derstood that she was" he added vague
~. He turned and fingered his papers,
as if impatient to get on with the work
again.
But Sir Roland had no intention of
going. He fixed his eyeglass and stared
at Murray thoughtfully.
I've known you for good many
years, Godfrey" he began; twenty five,
is it, or thirty?''
Murray swung around.
You're my oldest friend-of course
you are. But he paused inquiring-
well, l merely want to say you're a
fool" replied Sir Roland calmly. land
rather a bad fool, too," he added, rising
from his feet.
You marry girl some fifteen years
your junior. She was your ward, and
it saved trouble to become her husband
rather than look after her. Now. what
do you suppose is her feeling toward
yOu?'
My dear HUH, she loves me- began
Murray
Did love you corrected Sir Roland.
aJt
What on earth are you talking
about?'
Simply that you are doing your best
to stamp out every bit of affection Nora
ever had for you. Remember she is a
girl-a bright. pretty girl, and that she
wants love and what do you give her
You shut yourself up here, spend every
moment grinding away at your monu-
mental book, do and think of nothing
else.
A flash of enthusiasm lighted up Muir
rays face.
Its my life work. he cried.
Your lfe's work. replied Sir Roland
contemptuousy. What is it? A book
read by a few with minds similar to
your own. You should never have mar