The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-04-25
FoR "THE UNION u
BEN s0LOMAN's SON.
BY FLORA STEWART EMORY.

BY FLORA STEWART EMORY.
The sleepy little village was quiet
enough until Ben Soloman's barn
burned down. When it was discov-
cred that the loss was covered by in
surance, every one shook his head
solemnly. They were sure he had
set fire to the building. They did
not like him, although they did like
to trade with him, even when calling
him a sharp old Jew behind his back.
In truth old Ben was most certainly
Jew, for he kept all the Jewish holi-
days even to closing his store on Sat
urdays. But this last observance
proved he was not sharp. as he lost
the usual payday custom.
Will was his oldest son, and one of
whom any father might justly feel
proud. He was studying law with
Judge Burke, which fact ought to
have given him a certain social posi-
ton. 1t did not, however partly
because he held his head very high,
perhaps, and partly because he refus-
ed the few invitations that were ex-
tended.
"Do you think he will come ?"
asked Grace George. 81 am not
sure," answered her hostess, "you
know Will is proud, and he feels the
slight of Our boys. He promised he
would not stay away on account of
that affair. I do not believe his faith
er did it, anyhow"
'Well, believe he did," spoke up
a young man sitting near. "What is
7rob, Frank, YOUR not j" both
girls exclaimed.
eyes, l am," he answered, "I'1l
fight Jew every chance get."
In a few minutes Grace had for
gotten the conversation. She soon
whirled past him and her hostess in
close conversation. She was enjoy
ing the lively steps with Hereford's S
best dancer.
care they not good match 2"
she said to her.partner, who gave her
hand a slight squeeze as he answered
"Not as good as we are." Grace
laughed she was used to being made
love to.
Apart from the throng of merry
young people, Lu Woods sat talking,
almost pleading, with her lover.
II must say you take great deal
of interest in the affair."" Frank How
ellis sneered. "Was it Wills Adonis-
like figure or Indian complexion that
won your hearth"
Lu did not answer at first her lips
trembled and her hands clasped each
other nervously.
Frank, you do me great injus-
tice,' she murmured. Are you so
willing to distrust me?"
II don't trust any woman when it
comes to handsome man" he re-
piled more good naturedly.
"But Will isn't new man and he
isn't any handsomer now than ever,
she protested. 81 do not see why
you should become SO suddenly jeal-
ous."
This last remark irritated him
again.
'I'm not jealous of Jew" he
said roughly.
Across the room, standing in the
doorway alone, Will Soloman looked
at the dancers as they passed him.
His arms were folded and an amused
smile frightened his grave features.
None of the men had come forward
to welcome him. Lu saw it all and
hastened to speak to him. In cross
ing the room she slipped and fell.
He was the first to pick her up.
"I am all right now," she said,
slowly opening her eyes, II was
stunned for minute
"Just like damned Jew, always
thrusting himself where he isn't
wanted" muttered Frank. Will
heard the slur but he bit his lips. Lu
did not dance, although she declared
that she felt quite well.
"Only a slight headache is all, "
she answered.
"But you are so pale, DEAR" Grace
whispered.
81 am more than sorry, Lu," Will
said, 81 feel as if I were to blame"
His kind, gentle manner soothed
her, and she smiled at him.
"Then you can prove your repen-
tance by sitting out all the dances
with me. .
"All but one," broke in Grace,
feigning pout.
Will danced with her twice and
then came back to Lu. Frank did
not speak to her after her fell. He
was paying marked attention to Mary
LIE More, one of his former sweet.
hearts.
"You must take me to supper" Lu
said to Will when it was announced
"The pleasure is greater than de-
serve" he replied, a feeble smile lurk'
ing in the depths of his sad eyes.
When Tom started to pass the ham
sandwiches, Frank called to him,
"Insist upon Will Soloman having