Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-02-04
THE SECRET OF 1T.

why ne turned IN al tDe parsonage
gate that afternoon Mr.. Barton Els
worth did not know. He had just
met the professor, and his brows were
kuit ominously over the interview.
He was not in a friendly mood, yet
his steps turned intuitively towards
the little house.
"Yes2" the old professor had said,
as he rubbed his glasses refectlvely'
your son could lead his classes if be
would; be has the ability. But in
stead OF that, his standing is danger
ouely near the failure mark. If he
does not take different course he will
not pass the spring examination. l
have reasoned with him, but he seems
to have no care or ambition in the
matter. Such a splendid intellect, too
There's a curious lack OF enthusiasm
about him. Have you talked with
him, Mr.. Ellsworth"
Barton Ellworth's sad face grew set
and sadder still.
mo" he answered, shortly. Why
it had been weeks since he had so
much as spoken to the boy, he thought.
The truth is, professor, he went
on, "since my wife's death I've scarce
ly noticed the lad. | haven't cared
much whether lived or died, and the
boy never took to me, anyway. If
his mother had been spared"-his
voice broke.
Yes, yes, the old professor an
swered, hastily. 81 know it. 1t was
blow, Mr.. Ellsworth, and the lads
loss is equal with yours. Never for
get that. Sometimes we're selfish
even in our grief. A mothers infu-
ence knows no boundaries. "
Thank you, was the answer, "Ill
see Basil and"
"Be gentle with him, interrupted
the old professor, warningly. Such
lads need careful handling. A word
too much, and the work Of years is
undone."
81 see no reason why Basil should
not study" Barton Ellsworth an
swered, coldly. Il never had TO be
urged when l was a boy, and l did
not have half his opportunities. Well,
good day, professor. It's little hard
to a man Of my pride to hear such a
report of my only son, but my cup
seems full of bitterness just now.
Drop IN and zee me some evening.
I'll be glad to have chat with you.
My best regards to your wife. Good
afternoon"
The old professor looked regretfully
after the tall figure as it strode away.
"It's thousand pities," whispered
the good man, that Ellsworth looks
at things in the way he does. If
Basil's mother had only ived-but l
am afraid his fathers pride and sever
ity will only chill the boy. What
Basil needs is a wise and tender hand
Just now. Well, well, We can only
advise in these cases, and pray"
As Barton Ellsworth came to the
parsonage be went in. He had never
been there before, for the ministers
pastorate was yet new. The parson
age was sunny little house, Just now
overfowing with children, for the new
pastor had family.
The minister's wife herself opened
the door in answer to his ring. The
baby, some IA or Is months old, was
clInging to her skirt.
mo, he's not at home" che said
after Barton Ellsworth bad introduced
himself and asked for her husband
"But won't you step in for a moment?
Dol" she urged gently, for she had
heard Of his great sorrow and read
with a woman's quick and ready SYM
pathy the trouble on the thin sad face.
My baby's just learning to walk
she added, STOPPING to to unclasp the
chubby hand. This is her second
days experience. She smiled down
at the tiny toddler at her feet, such a
wonderfully beautiful smile.
Barton Ellsworth saw the look.
There's a woman with a mothers
heart" he thought instantly. Edith
was always like that.
Because of his wife he followed her
in. "Ill stop just a moment, he
said.
The minister's wife led him into
the little sitting-roOm. The floor was