Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-01-23

marked. genIiy. There are TWO mosv
in school. understand
Yes" smiled the minister's wife.
two girls. Mary and Rachsl. And you
-you have a son. too
Barton Ellsworth nodded and his
face grew stern. He thought of tho
professors report. Yes he answered
'one-only."
The little woman saw the look She
took the chubby hand of the smallest
boy. clasping il fondly. They're
great care. she said. gently. but we
have always been SO Iond of our chill
dren.'
Barton Ellsworth WINGED. He thought
OF his great empty house. of its lonely
grandeur. its silent rooms impresnated.
as il were. with his great grief. ~
wonder the boy did not like 10 stay in
Fond of her children" The words
rang in his ears sill.
Had he been fond of Basil? Had ho
taken the interest father should have
taken in an only son? He had left tho
boy To the emptiness of the silen,
house. full Of the memories of his
mother. shutting himself in his library
night after night lie had evinced nc
care in the lads progress. had mad"
no effort 10 win his love or confidence
Day after day he had sat opposite him
a. meals. silent. stern. unapproachable.
Was il strange, then. under these con-
ditions. that the boy was about 10 fail!
Was il To he marveled at that he had
lost hear; in his studies?
He looked across at the minister's
Little children as they chung about their
mother. and in that moment il was
shown him what a parent ought TO ne.
'Gcd forgive me-" he thought.
He rose suddenly. He wanted 10 sc
home and think il all out. Tell your
husband I'll come in again" he said.
as he shook the little woman's hand.
''Good-by and-God bless you"
The minister's wife looked after him
little puzzled Il wonder what couil
have moved him so?" she whispered.
There certainly were tears in his
ives"
That night al dinner Barton Els
worth looked at his son. How did
school go to-day. Basil?" he said.
The boy dropped his fork. The ques-
tion. coming from the usually silent
figure opposite. startled him. a flush
rose TO his cheek.
Not very well. sir" he stammered.
II"
Are the studies too hard9" asked
the kind voice
No" was the answer. Il could do
them all right. but the truth is. father.
| haven't been studying"
Barton Ellsworth rose. Bring your
books into the library. BASIL he said.
Il think you and can help one anoth
er." He went o-er anu stood by him.
Il want my boy 10 be good student"
he said Nothing short of the best
will satisfy me met the professor to-
day. my son" he explained. land he
thinks you could do better il you really
set your mind on il. Well see if he
isn't right. It's partly my fault, Basil"
he went on. I've neglected you.
NA*iA sAF ~ - A't % " VIII
The quick tears rushed to Basils
eyes. "Dont father" ne said in
broken voicv Its all my fault |
didn't study because-l dida't think
you cared
Barton Ellsworth stopped and kissed
the smooth. boyish cheek. Il do care
very much. my SON he said.
He seemed TO see again little wo-
man with pretty children clinging 10
| her gown. How they loved her. She
was making 4 success of her mission,
and he had come near failing in his
We have always" he heard the soft
voice speaking again" We have al
ways been SO fond of our children"
that was the secret of her power. and
no had found il out.
Come. Basil, he said. gently. come,
my SON"
And arm in arm they went into the
library, where the picture of a lovely
woman smiled down upon them. as il
she knew and understood.-You
Companion.