The Grit-advocate., 1903-07-03

haP'' anu III nfT arms, MS De
smuds lace and tousled head nes-
tling aSaiust the dainty whiteness of
her go "a as she endeavored to soothe
him, MI 10 still the strange outburst
which was SO distressing and SO dis
concer' -S to his unhappy father.
CouIo 1t be that the sulien, malevo-
lent mature had capacity for feeling OF
which Do" had never dreamed? Or. was
this bHI physical manifestation of
nervou ness and terror?
My boy, My boy" he began. sooth.
ingly. BE quiet The doctor is go
ing to SIT your shoulder. Surely, you
do not mind a little thing like that"
he ash"I recalling the child's life.
time O. accidents.
Welc"we ceased his cries for an In
slant a then renewed them.
"Oh, have been bad bad boy"
he whluDered, with astonishing peni-
tence. But I'm never. never going to
be bad any more"
"Iha' is a laudabe resolution, my
SON. his father responded with mild
irony. Pity you did not think to make
it Garlic and he glanced grimly at
the VI" Eod automobile, and thought
of his polled plans.
I'm never going to be had-if you
give ne something" whimpered the
boy agaU.
MY on | forbcar to mention what
I'd gil, YOU with huge delight. if |
gave yuU your deserts" exclaimed the
sorely tried father, while Mrs. Garlic
ton smiled
"Ill be- good" the child astonished
them bg declaring, Ii only | get q
new mamma"
Their Eyes met in confusion.
I'm the only boy round here tina:
amt got no mamma" announced the
child, with cheerful impudencc and
disregard of grammar, "and | want
one.' he persisted. Il want Mrs. Carle-
tom"
MY boy this is the first good turn
you have done your unfortunate faith
er since your birth" blurted out Adel-
bert Nye with surprising alacrity.
"You have but anticipated my own re
quest. and he smiled upon the hoy
most aouiAIly. Now if only Mrs.
Carleton ronsents-''
But / thought" that lady be-
gan, in r0nfusion.
"Oh, | want you. ! want you." the
elfin child persisted, tightening his
arm desperately about her neck. "lll
1,r lao, u-in'''
The doctor was arranging his splints
at he end of the veranda. Archie and
Louise had joined the curious group on
the opposite side of the street.
1t vas an opportunity afforded them
by Fate!
Leila" the dgnifed barrister be.
gan n tender whisper the child has
but DICED my own thoughts You
know what YOU We're to me once. For
your lear sake ! have learned to love
your laughter as my own. She cares
for Young Irwin: | am in Il way to
help he boy along. For all our sakes.
then will you not consent"
"I seems but fair" she responded
slowly and calmly, although she felt
that he must be aware of the mad
bear rUg of her heart, TO exchange my
dauehter for your SON"
Leila. know it is long time since
that tar-otf September day when we
gathared the gentians in the old pas
ture OF, and vowed"
"Ai ready now. young man" broke
in the Doctors CHEEKY voice, as he hur-
red iussily up with full hands. Now
lets ZEE what hero you're going to
be-"
BUt the child pushed him rudely
away. at the same time inquiring, IN
the nperious tone of one who had
never known what it was to have his
wishas gainsad:
as it all right. papa"
THAT is for Mrs. Carleton to de-
eide, my son. Is it all right, Mrs.
Carolon?' he inquired lightly. yet
with lnmistakable anxiety in his tone.
Two little spots OF red burned upon
her .Aeeks, and she hesitated.
Surely, never was SO strange pro-
posa
"NoI are going to be my" the