Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1903-12-17
few months, that I thought perhaps Il
might be his work; that you would un-

The man was silent, but the look OF
sympathy in his eyes encouraged her.
Her voice trembled as she continued:
"He seems to have something on his
mind over which he broods. Otter
when I speak to him he does not hear
me. Then, again, he will look at me In
a way that makes my heart ache Only
a few days ago found him with our
little Dorothy in his arms, and the
tears were rolling down his cheeks. He
is always SO loving and kind, can't
nderstand-I-I-"s a.-.s.. i T.,
She was sobbing, and the man at the
desk felt something rise in his own
throat that choked him.
The child drew closer to it's mother
Don't cry, mamma-Gear mamma
Suddenly the little figure straight
ened up with firm resolve, and darted
swiftly across the room, and the man
at the desk became conscious Of the
little one at his knee.
"You's orful naughty to make my
dear mamma cry" she lisped, chokingly
struggling bravely to keep back the
tears. II don't like you"
Come, Dorothy" called the mother
gently, "you must not speak like that
You don't mind baby, do you?" she
added, appealingly.
The man smiled sadly. mind her:
I'd as soon rebuke an angel"
For awhile he sat silent. He was
thinking how simple a matter it would
be to tell her all-how her husbands
conscience dashed him to remorse. How
simple, yet how despicable.
Il shall give the matter my atten.
tion," he said instead. Perhaps your
husband is working too hard. His du.
ties as first cashier are especially Oner.
rous. No doubt he needs rest. shall
speak to him about taking a few
weeks vacation, and can almost prom
Use you that he will soon be his old
self again"
She smiled her gratitude, relieved
and happy at his assurance. Suddenly
her face grew grave.
my husband tells me frequently
how kind and considerate you have
been to him. Sometimes l can scarce.
ly fathom the nobility that prompts it
for you-could almost claim the right tc
be otherwise-God knows you could!'
Mani" The old pet name of Other
days swept impulsively from his lips as
he crossed the room. II would do any.
thing to make you happy" he said, al.
most f1ercely.
She looked up at him imploringly
'Don't-please don't. I have no right
to listen"
He bowed his head resignedly before
her rebuke. Forgive me. had les.
right to speak," he said.
She walked slowly away, and turn
ing in the doorway, said. simply: "l
shall never forget your kindness. Good.
night" q
The child hesitated as the mother left
the room, and a moment later the man
at the desk felt little hand steal soft.
ly into his.
"1's sorry + called you naughty
came the penitent whisper, "'cause-
cause mamma likes You. Hikes you
too. You may kiss me-"
For one brief moment he caught the
child to his heart, and all the loneli.
ness Of his life was touched. He fell
the little arms clasp his neck in conf.
dence and love, and the touch of baby
lips.
God bless you, baby!" he murmured
brokenly.
The mothers voice calling the chile
sounded softly from the outer room.
His head dropped lower over the
desk until it rested on his arm. AL
the bitterness of his soul welled to his
lips. "Oh, God, what hast Thou denied
mel"
Through all the long hours of the
night he did not move. Visions Of
what might have been" came anc
went. The Waterman looked into the
room, and thinking that.the bowed fig.
ure slept, moved silently away.
When lie first CLEAN of dawn strug.
gled in at the window the man raised
his head. Opening a drawer of his desl
he took out tiny locket The fail
face of woman smiled up at hin
from its rim of gold. For long time
he sat in silent contemplation of thu
image, then with all the reverence Of
his manhood he touched it with hi!
lips.
Love or duty?
Love.
That same day the first cashier was
called to- the Office of the president
When he went back to his duties al
hour later there was a strange new
buoyancy in his manner.
Before the close of the days bust
ness the president had transferred ter
thousand dollars from his personal &C.
count to the banks funds.
She never knew.-Farm and Fire
side.
- L.