The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1903-08-05
WHEN A
MANS LAZY
BY SNOwDEN KING



When the train stopped, girl came
up the steps, tall, bright faced young
woman, with an alert air that stamped
her instantly as one of the worlds
workers.
A man at one of the smoker windows
threw out a freshly lighted cigar and
made his way into the back coach. II
wonder" he mused, "why 1t is she al
ways knows just what to wear and
how TO wear it-black skirt not too
long blue shirt waist, sailor hat?'
"Allow me-" Before she was aware
of his presence he had raised the win
dow she was tugging at
"You?" she interrogated.
"NOne other" he laughed. "And
what do you mean by stepping into my
car so uncercmoniously? l thought
you were in Boston, working as none
but you can work."
Mother and l have been taking a
much needed vacation two miles out
of Providence with Aunt Ruth Armsly,
mothers sister. You don't know what
n time we have had-fried chicken,
fresh milk and eggs, the finest scenery
and the dearest aunt in the world"
"Oh, but | do know" he interrupted,
"for have been enjoying the same,
minus the aunt, a few miles down the
bay! | didn't feel like going the regu-
lar rounds this summer. so took my
vacation late and in my own way"
"Your vacationw And Bessie Stuart
laughed soft and low. "From what,
please? Confess you have never done
days work in your life"
And YOU" he answered softly, "have
done too many of them"
NO" she said quickly. She was
afraid when this mans voice and eyes
took on their present tone-of herself,
perhaps, more than anything else.
"Snce | have taken up illustrating
have to use the minutes as well as the
hours, so as to keep up my reporting"
".\re you going to do reporting this
winter? 1t is such hard, grinding work
| for woman. Bessie, | hate to see you
do it, and with all my heart l wish
had the power to say you shall not"
She looked mt him steadily. "Do you
know that sometimes you are almost
| impudent? Yes. | must do reporting
this winter. 1t will be year at least
before | can give it up for more con-
genial employment. Illustrating does
not pay quite well enough yet to take
care of the Stuarts financially. | sup
pose your worf will he the same" and
her lips cured little scornfully, ''ci-
gars, club dinners, the theater and the
usual round of social functions?'
He glanced through the window at
the falling leaves, strange look ON
work will be the same, will always be
the same until life is put away"
"Oh, Jack" she exclaimed, you
were made for something better than
an idle, useless lifer'
He laughed and the spell was broken.
But Jack Hammond knew by the way
his heart thumped that it was danger
ously sweet TO hear Bessie Stuart say
Jack in that soft, appealing way.
The friends of handsome Jack Ham,
mond would, one and all, have told you
he was an idler, but his father was
one of the wealthiest men in Boston.
From mansion in Beacon street to
little three room house in one of the
busiest portions of the city is quite a
distance, both socially and financially
but Jack had done away with it easily
in his acquaintance with Bessie Stuart
They had met at ball year ago at
Mrs. Ostrander's, Bessle's aunt, n
wealthy society woman, who, when
Mr.. Stuart died, opened her doors to
his widow and daughter.
Bessie had stoutly refused "No,
aunt | cannot" she had said, "even
though you are papa's sister. Mamma
and | will live alone, and you will SEQ
that shall take care of her beauti-
fully"
Mrs. Ostrander secretly admired the
proud independence of her favorite
niece and was always devising plans to
have her with her as often as possible.
There was silence between Jack and
Bessie for some time. He broke 1t by
saying:
"Are you going to be present at your
aunt's dinner Wednesday evening"
Yes; that is what am going home
for now. Mamma will stay with Aunt
Ruth another week, but ! promised
Aunt Ostrandcr / would spend the last
days Of my vacation with her. | had
a letter from her yesterday in regard
TO the dinner. She writes Inc / am to
wear an elegant gown and 20 down
with John Leigh, author. Don't you
think that is glory enough for one
young woman in one evening"
Il should think so. And you are to
meet your idol at last, are you? Bes-
sic, has it ever occurred to you that
perhaps you may be disappointed in
him?
81 shall like him" And the girls
voice had a very positive note. 81 have
read everything he has written for
four years, and since have been work
ing for the G. magazine | have illus
trated several of his stories can
even tell you what he looks like, though
| have never seen him. He Is dark for
one thing and has a strong, thoughtful
face. | wonder what he is coming to
Boston for?"
The quizzical smile deepened in Jack S
blue eyes. "Where does he live when
he is at homer
Bessie's brows drew together in a
thoughtful frown. "Well, | don't be.
lieve l ever really heard. Somehow
have always thought of him as living