The Owosso times., 1902-04-25

mind concerning the step he had taken
and was, II anything, more deeply con-
vinced that he had done the right
thing for himself. The only thing that
troubled him much was the thought Of
Willis mother. Would she consider
Edward false to his promise that he
would do all In his power for her son?
Had he exhausted all possible efforts
to save him, or had he deserted him
just because Of the annoyance and
discomfort of few unpleasant times
with him?
He had been such a stickler for the
truth and for keeping his word that
this one thought made him uneasy. 1t
was Saturday, and there were no
classes, so he walked slowly over to
the ladies' hall, thinking to see Freeda
and tell her about the matter, with a
more or less vague feeling that in
arguing with her about 1t he could
persuade himself that what he had
done was justified by the facts.
Freeda came down into the parlor
after q few moments, and Edward
with his usual directness told her what
he had done. She looked very serious
and questioned him rather closely.
"Do you think Mr. Preston has been
drinking more this term than he used
to?
There's no doubt of it," Edward re-
piled decidedly. "He's been out often
er. He is getting worse all the time"
"Are you sure you have taken the
best way to help him?"
"Well, Freeda, what can l do? /
can't stand the breaking into my sleep
and the annoyance generally. I've got
myself to consider some, haven't I?'
II suppose so, yes" replied Freeda
slowly. did he seem to care much
about your going?"
Edward told her something of the
scene that took place. Freeda listened
attentively.
Hes not altogether bad, do you
think?"
"By no means. Willis has some
noble qualities. Why, Freeda, I'm in
college now, perhaps, on account Of his
generosity. That's what plaques me
some. That. and-and-my promise to
Mrs. Preston"
"What did you promise herf'
"Why, l made general sort of
promise to her that 1 would do all in
my power to help Willis. But what
can do in this drink matter when he
himself confessed that he had repeat
edly broken the promise he had made
to his own mother? l don't seem to
have any influence over him in this
direction. That Is what l said to Mrs.
Preston"
"Do you think you will have any in
fiuence over him now%
81 don't know. Anyway, he's to
blame for all this trouble. He knows
he's wrong, and he can't blame me for
his own foolishness."
"It seems dreadful, though, Ned, to
think of him going to the bad this
way and no one doing anything to stop
it. Do you know'-Freeda stopped
and looked at her brother very thought
fully as If she was in doubt about CIV
ing him her confidence-"do you know.
Ned, fit is possible some one Of the
girls might have influence with Mr..
Preston. think l know Of one who
could help him some."
Edward looked at Freeda anxiously.
1t was the first time in the conversa-
ton that he had given thought about
Willis feeling for his sister. Was 1t
possible She
He asked a question cautiously, but
at the same time with his usual love
Of the truth:
"What girl could help him"
81 think Ida could. In fact, Ned-this
is entirely confidential and you must
not breathe 1t to soul-I am sure
Ida thinks good deal Of Mr.. Preston.
Ever since his return from the Philip
pines she has admired him. If she
should use her influence, she might
help him to break off his drinking"
Edward listened in silence Here was
a little complication with a vengeance.
For the first time in his life he knew
what jealousy meant. 1t was true he
had, ever since his talk with the presi-
dent. been able to control and even
direct his feelings in regard to Miss
Seton. But the thought that she might
care more for the reckless Willis than
for himself, the upright, added touch
of bitterness to his feeling for Willis
that he had not yet experienced.
He was so disturbed by this feeling
that he did not stay much longer with
Freeda. In answer to her question as
to whether he didn't think Ida could
help Willis he replied shortly that he
didn't know, and soon went away to
brood over this new chapter in his own
little tragedy.
Before the end of the day he had
found an empty room in one of the
other halls and had moved his trunk
into 1t. He secured a few pieces of
furniture from student who was sell
ing out, and very late that night he
went to bed thoroughly unhappy, rest
less over the whole business, angry
with Willis. with Freeda for making
the suggestion about Ida and with
himself in general for being several
kinds Of fool in coming to college at
all.
Next morning he felt little better,
and q little ashamed Of himself be-
sides. But all through the day he was
haunted by the dread of getting let
49,. L.