Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-12-10


The young woman turned to the
clock with n little start of surprise.
1t was only 4.30. But she quietly put
on her hat and with a murmured good
night left the room.
Abel listened to the departing rustic
Of her skirts with thoughtful express
sion. There was sensible girl, girl
who never grated on his feelings, a
girl who asked no useless questions.
She had reached an age of discretion.
II Jim was determined to marry poor
girl, why could not he have taken one
like Emma Morris?
Abel opened a heavy envelope and
drew forth a folded paper.
"Jim never was confidential with
me-" he grumbled. Perhaps 1 didn't
invite his confidence. l don't know.
Now he has disobeyed my direct COM
mand. That can't be overlooked.
When he told me about this girl, l said
Wait How longP he asked. Until
you reach years of discretionn cried,
and turned away. Jim is twenty-four.
Twenty -four And l married at twen-
ty-one! Yes, and ran away, too! But
1t was different with me. My father
had nothing to give me. l was quite
independent. He was glad to have me
shift for myself Jim's father is 4
rich man. Jim's father has given him
pounds where my father begrudged
me pennies. Jim owes me filial obedi-
ence. He has disobeyed me to his
bitter cost"
He unfolded the paper that he had
taken from the envelope and ran his
keen, gray eye down the closely writ
ten lines.
"He has given up his father for a
pretty face" he murmured.
let him stand by the consequences.
Who is she? Who is she? 1t matters
not No doubt they trapped him into
this marriage. "A rich mans son. they
chuckled But they'll find they're
fooled. Father he said, 1 am to be
married tomorrow night. Will you
come with me to the wedding?
turned on my heel. Then l looked
back. You know the price you may
pay? I cried. Yes, father he said,
with his head high up; L know. Good
by, and God bless you He asked a
blessing on me! Ha, ha, ha! That's
too ricn! But he'll get evil for good
this time. I'll cut him off with a shill-
ing. Let him sup on herbs for while
Ehatll take the veneer from loves
young dream. I'll draw up a new will
Mt home tonight and have it witnessed
before I sleep. And to let him know
what his foolish fancy has cost him, I'll
write him letter-a letter he can
thing-the letter"
He bent down with his head upon
his hand and his eyes upon the paper.
A rustic of skirts in the doorway drew
his attention. He did not look up. 1t
was way he had.
"Ah, Miss Norris" he said, "back
again?"
He had quite forgotten that he had
sent her home.
The young girl in the doorway did
not answer Her bright eyes were fixed
upon the old man. She expected him
to look up. If he had done so he would
have seen a charming vision. She was
very pretty girl-dainty and neat
from the crown of her new hat to the
tips of her new shoes. But he did not
look up.
Just in tirre." he added; 81 want to
dictate letter before you go"
He paused, and the young girl, as If
seized with sudden fancy, quietly
stepped into the room and seated her
self at the typewriter.
You have been with us so long, Miss
Norris" the old man continued, ''that
We view you as a confidential agent
Besides, this will be public property
very soon. | am going to write to my
son. Last night he married an un
known girl against my wishes. 1 an
going to tell him that l wash my
hands of him and his; that tonight
change my will, cutting him off witt
Il single shilling. Are you ready?'
The girl at the typewriter gave tht
instrument n preliminary click or two
James Mitchell" began the old man
'as you have seen fit to disobey me, t,
cast my fatherly wishes in my teeth.
desire you to know that l have II,
wish to hold further communication
with you. While cherish the impres
zion that you We're lured into this un
lappy marriage"
The typewriter stopped.
Unhappy marriage" the old MAJ
lepeated, and the clicking recon-
menced, ''yet I cannot accept as an.
excuse for your undutiful conduct. TIC
night 1 change my will, and you ma,
Vest assured that your name will b
passed over with the smallest possibl
financial consideration. 1 prefer t