Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1903-11-12
THE MOTHERS ABSENCE
By Harry A. Armstrong.

Birds flew south, for they knew win
ter was coming, with its snow and
cold rain. Society, too, was fitting
toward southern cities, and for a time
deserted Chicago. Only Ethel stayed
at home to keep her father company.
One night Mr.. Brownlee was kept
at his desk long after his clerks Lad
gone; all but one and he was the con-
fdential man, whose brain seethed
with the secrets of the iron trade.
ut is so late you had better dine
with me-" Mr.. Brownlee suggested.
The two men climbed on passing
car and in due time were at the door
Of Mr.. Brownlee. Gerald was sur
prlsed to find a tall young woman
presiding at the board. He had been
under the impression that BrOwnlee's
daughter was little girl. OF course
he may have mistaken the name, so
he addressed her as Miss Brown"
Perhaps Ethel has grown more
than thought she had At least, Mr..
Metcalf she is not Miss Brown"
Mr.. Brownlee laughed as he took his
place at the table.
That is thing l could not Aelp,"
Ethel smiled across the board.
Now, was looking for a little
girl Then, after a pause, "but l am
not disappointed.
When the coffee was served Gerald
was at his ease, and, later, his voice
mingled with hers as he stood by
Ethel's side while she played the
popular songs of the day.
your voice is suited for more III
cult airs" Ethel remarked, turning
upon her visitor.
Some INES l sing the scores % the
operas" he replied, and her hands
sped over the keys, and there came
from the piano the strains of 'Iohen-
grim
You sing as you dictate" declared
Mr. Brownlee, rising to leave the
room, and that is we'll"
When Gerald went away he had
promised that he would come again,
and he did Before the others of the
house got back from the South he went
to Mr.. Brownlee and told everything;
told how he had called after the din
ner that night and how he had been
received.
Look here, Metcalf," broke in Mr.
Rrownlee, knocking on his desk with
a paper knife, this thing started with
my taking you home to dinner You
have undermined a friendship, and
should have seen how things were go.
ing. l have been very busy and late
reaching home many nights, some
times missing my dinner. There have
been strikes and rumors that have not
taken form. You know all this, and |
you have known it."
Shall the girl decide or shall list.
en- to you, for nothing that is on my |
mind has been told to her She is as !
free as The evening I first came"
IF this were a question of foundry |
work I could decide. You wait until
tomorrow evening, -and-weil, l will
tell you then"
So Gerald waited All that night he
sat before his window and listened to
The noises in the darkness. The next
day there was nervousness in the
masters manner, and when the days
work was done Gerald was called 20
the desk of his superior
ETHEL and | talked about you last
evening after dinner. | believe the
girl is impressed with you. She IS
coming to the Office to-day and can
speak for herself"
The door opened and Ethel came
into the room.
Have | your permission to say"
Yes; say it. and then take a part
nership in the business" And Gerald
told Ethel how he had sought her and
silently fought the passion burning
in him. She believed and in the
1inginess of that office plighted her
troth.
ut will be hard to explain when
your mother gets home said Alr.
Brownlee. But then Gerald will have
a fourth interest in the business"