The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1903-08-07
A w ell-Meant Effort.

A ray OF sunshine touched the rings or
Hester Palmer's right hand as she raised
her coffee cup.
''And what do you wish me to do,
father"
The gray haired man looked across the
table.
Look out for my two visitors" he
said Explain to them that Telegram,
calls me away from home, and that
must spend an hour in the city. If
catch the $50 canrcturn on the 0. 80. "
lie looked at his watch. Fifteen
minutes to reach the station" He drew
away from the table. Hold them both
here until get back"
lust mention their names again,
father"
John Hammond and Barclay Hill.
You've heard me speak of John. He's a
son of Jared Hammond and no earthly
good Fellow full of visions Nothing
practical about him. Always hard up.
Ofcourse he's coming for loan. I've
no idea how much he owes me. Poor
visionary vagabond "
"But why do YOU let him impose upon
you, father
Case of soft heart, guess, dear.
knew his old father SO we'll, and-Id hate
to think he might be in actual want.
Better keep him here until l get back.
I'll investigate him sharply this time, and
if he isn't perfectly frank with me I'll
turn him adrift for good and all"
Easy, old daddy" laughed the girl
"And who is the other man."
Barclay Hill, the confidential adviser
of Barham and Goldic. Looks after all
their legal business, you know, and gets
a whopping big salary. Wonderful head
for figures. Goldie told me they trusted
everything to him. He's coming here to
settle little deal that we have planned
together lift goes through, my dear, it
means six months abroad for the pair of
us. There, I'll have to hustle for the
train"
And he hurried into the hall and a
moment later was gone.
Hester Palmer tucked back few stray
Cling locks and smoothed down the folds
of her pretty gown.
ITS shame" she murmurcd, that
papa allows himself to be so dreadfully
imposed upon. Son of an old friend, in
deed. AS if that relieved the man from
all the ordinary moral obligations I'll
see what can do to convince him to the
contrary
And then Testers attention was arrest
ell by the click of the iron gate atthe foot
of the lawn.
A man was coming up the gravel walk.
He was a tall man, attircd in black, a
man with gray hair and gray beard. He
was pale and stopped little. and his
glasses covered n pair of bright gray
eyes.
He took off his soft hat and gravely
bowed to Hester.
as Mr. Richard Palmer at home?"
Hester smiled down at him from the
porch What Il strong old face it was
and what fine gray eyes. And the poise
of the head-no wonder the shoulders
stopped under the burden of garncrt d
wisdom.
My father is not in. He was suddenly
called to the city. Hecxpects to return be-
fore noon, and IL bcgs you to wait
81 thank you, lie said 81 will cheer
fully wait"
Hester usllered him in.
"You will find it cool here in the study,
sir. There are papers and books that
may interest You. Make yourself quite
at home
Thank you, young lady," said the
elderly man, as he dropped into the easiest
chair. "And NAV ask you for a biscuit
and perhaps a cup of tea?" The walk
has been a little fatiguing."
''Ccrtainly," cried Hester. 81 will send
the maid with them.
She gave the order and was turning
back toward the study when she was
stopped by merry whistle. Somebody
was coming up the walk She went to
the door. a young man WAS approach
ing and whistling as he approached. He
was dressed in gray summer suit, and
a straw hat dangled from one of his
hands. ITcstopped short when he caught
sight of Hester. His whistle stopped,
too.
81 beg your pardon" he said with a
sudden smile. Pm afraid | was a little
noisy"
Hester admitted to herself that his face
wasn't wholly weak. Ifanything it was
more inclined to be crafty. There was a
twinkle about his eyes that she didn't
approve. And he seemed altogether too
free i'll his manners.