The Elbert County tribune., 1903-07-02

i udUltEt tDilu III ntI dTHlSs MS DC
smudged face and tousled head nes-
Ting against the dainty whiteness OF
her gown. as she endeavored to soothe
him. and to still the strange outburst
which was SO distressing and SO dis
concerting to his unhappy father.
Could It be that the sullen, malevo-
lent nature had capacity for feeling of
which he had never dreamed? Or was
this but a physical manifestation Of
nervousness and terror?
MY boy, My boyl" he began. sooth-
ingly. BE quiet The doctor is 60
ing to set your shoulder Surely. you
do not mind little thing like that?"
he asked. recalling the childs life
time of accidents.
Welcome ceased his cries for an in
slant and then renewed them.
"Oh. | have been a bad. bad boy"
he whimpered. with astonishing peni-
tenee. But I'm never. never going to
be bad any more,"
THAT is a laudable resolution my
som" his father responded with mild
irony. pity you did not think to make
II earlier." and he glanced grimly at
the wrecked automobile. and thought
of his spoiled plans.
"I'm never going to be bad-if you
give me something," whimpered the
boy again.
MY SOM forbear to mention what
gave you your desertsi" exclaimed the
sorely tried father. while Mrs. Garlic
ton smiled.
I'm be good" the child astonished
them by declaring, '''if only | get
new mammal"
Their eyes met in confusion.
I'm the only boy round here that
amt got no mamma" announced the
child, with cheerful impudence and
disregard OF grammar. "and | want
onel" he persisted. Il want Mrs. Garle-
toni"
MY boy. this is the first good turn
you have done your unfortunate faith.
er since your BIRTH" blurted opt AdeI-
bert Nye. with surprising alacrity.
You have but anticipated my own re-
quest," and he smiled upon the hoy
most genially. Now If only Mrs.
Carleton consents
but l thought" that lady be-
gan, in confusion.
"Oh. want you, want you," the
elfin child persisted. tightening his
arm desperately about her neck. "1'll
be good boy, | truly will"
The doctor was arranging his splints
at the end OF the veranda. Archie and
Louise had Joined the curious group on
the opposite side of the street.
1t was an opportunity afforded them
by Fate!
Leila" the dignified barrister be-
gan In tender whisper. "the child has
but voiced my own thoughts. You
know what you were to me once, For
yotr dear sake have learned to love
your daughter as my own. She cares
for young Irwin; l am in a way to
help the boy along. For all our sakes.
then. will you not consent?'
1T seems but fair she responded
slowly and calmly. although she felt
that he must be aware of the mad
beating OF her heart. ito exchange my
daughter for your SOM"
Leila. | know 1t is long time since
that far-off September day when we
gathered the gentians in the old pas
tuEt iOt. anu
''All ready now. young mani" broke
in the doctors CHEEKY voice. as he hur-
ried fussily up with full hands. Now
let's see what hero you're going to
be-"
But the child pushed him rudely
away. at the same time inquiring. in
the imperious tone of one who had
never known what 1t was to have his
wishes gainsaid:
''Is it all right. papa?"
THAT is for Mrs. Carleton to de-
eide, my son! Is it all right, Mrs.
Carieton?' he inquired lightly. yet
with unmistakable anxiety in his tone.
Two little spots of red burned upon
her cheeks, and she hesitated.
Surely. never was SO strange a pro-
posal!
"You are going to be my" the