Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-01-01

at has sickened me-" Mr.. Marsh re-
peated irritably, and John Gordon
could see by bis manner that he was
ncrvously affected by the days expe-
rience. Before he could say anything !
Miss Andrews came in through the
archway.
81 understand you have been looking
about today. Come into the library
and tell me about it."
She had greeted Gordon in her usual
quiet. calm but delightful manner as
he introduced Mr.. Marsh.
When they were seated at the great
center table, Gordon briefly recited the
main incidents of the days experience.
Gradually Mr.. Marsh lost his irrita-
ton. There was something profoundly
impressive in the face and manner of
this woman. She was the first woman
he had ever met who made him feel
that she was deeply and exactly in
formed on city life. He had met other
women who were brilliant. witty, well
educated, cultured. but never one who
evidently knew humanity like this one.
In five minutes she seemed to be in
full possession of all the facts of Mr..
MarShs ownership OF the property and
his exact attitude in every particular
toward the scenes he had witnessed.
The talk had not proceeded ten min
utes before she said with the utmost
franlncss:
"Mr. Marsh, l am sure you will tear
down No. ~ and put up the right kind
of building in its place. OF course
you are convinced now that the struc-
ture is a mistake in every PARTICULAR
"l-l-dont know. I certainly did
not know what sort of Il building it
vast would prove to be-" Mr.. Marsh
stammered.
"Then of course your judgment and
humanity together will prompt you to
put up safe, sanitary. comfortable
building" Miss Andrews continued
calmly.
"l-l-will have to give the natter
ali - considerable consideration" Mr..
Marsh replied. with caution. 1T will
be very expensive to tear it down.
1T costs lives. Are they not of more
value, Mr.. Marsh, than money!"
She said it calmly, but the repressed
passion of a lifetime of patient endur-
ance for the love of the people pulsed
through every syllable. a voice Of
tenderest eloquence could not have
been more definitely emphatic.
Il shall have to consider it," the man
nurmured uneasly.
The events of the strange day had
produced a curious result in him. He
was not certain that he could trust his
impulses. AT the same time he felt
moved to action of some kind.
Miss Andrews quietly began TO talk
OF something else. John Gordon, who
had leaned over the table, intensely in
tcrested in what he supposed was GO
ing to be an appeal on Miss Andrews
part, gradually relaxed his attitude
into one of disappointed surprise. Miss
Andrews was still talking easily, and
MIR. Marsh was listening intently, when
one of the residents came in and called
John Gordon out to answer summons
at the telephone.
Gordon came back soon and said his
friend Barton had sent for him, and
Mr.. Marsh rose and said "Ill &c
Along with you, Goruon, as far as yo'
go my way"
He said good night to Miss Andrews
and the two passed out from under the
archway, and when he and Gordon
parted uptown Mr.. Marsh said with &
short laugh:
Miss Andrews came near making
me a convert. But it would Kill me tc
live there and see those things every
day | don't see how she stands sucl
life"
Gordon did not reply. He had spoiier
hardly Il word all the way. TIL,
weight Of all the misery that lay on til,
people bore him down. In the pres
ence of this overseuSitive, cultured
, wealthy man who had it in his power
, to right the wrongs that were connect
ed with his own possessions, Gordon
felt repulsion that he feared woul,
( break out in word OF manner. Wouit
, Mr.. Marsh do anything: Would he re
build the tenement? Would he correc
any of the abuses! Why did Miss An
. it? Why did she not plead with him
| She seemed on the point of doing SO
In moment of impulse he spoke, Il
, Mr.. Marsh was moving away.
l "Mr Marsh, You have it in you
power to save the lives of those chill
, drcn. II Louie dies in that hole, be
fore God, | believe you will he hel'
1 part guilty in the sight of God. AR
you going to do anythinc?
! "I'l do something" Mr.. Marsh re
, piled fccbly.
"Thcn in Gods name do 1t quick
t won't you!'
1 "I'll consider it; yes, I'll consider it.
Gordon let him go with that, and wit
+ the WEAKNESS of the day bearing dow
+ on his spirit he FASTENED TO Barton
, rooms, fearing bad news, for Barto
a had telephoned himself, asking hi
q friend to come at once.
). He found Barton lying on the couc
in the second room.
Come in, old man" he said feebly
+ but cheerfully. excuse me for SEND
a ing for you, but my cough got so viii
t this evening about o'clock that
q thought you would like to see tn
D show. It's rafting good perform
g ance. Three rings and a drove of eli
g plants and a trained automobile don