Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1904-01-23
THE SECRET OF IT.
BY Susan HubbzrJ Martin.


were knit omilously over the inter
view. He was not in friendly mood
yet his steps turned intuiiively tow
ard the little house.
Yes the old professor hai said,
as he rubbed his glasses reicctively
your son could lead his classes If ne
would; he has the ability. But instead
of tnat, his standing is dangerously
near the failure mark. Ii he does not
take a different course ne will not
pass the spring examination. | have
reasoned with him. but he seems 10
have no care or ambition in the mat
ter. Such a splendid intellect. too
There's curious lack Of enthusiasm
about him. Have you talked u him
Mr.. Ellsworth
Barton Ellsworth's sad face grew set
and sadder still.
No" he answered. shortly. Way.
il had been weeks s nee he had SO
much as spoken TO the hoy. he thought.
The truth is. professor he went
on. since my wife's death I've scarce
ly noticed the lad haven't carel
much whether | lived cr died. and The
boy never took to me. anyway. II his
mother had been spared" Ills voice
broke.
Yes, yes" the old professor an
swered, hastily. Il know il. II was a
sad blow, Mr.. Ellsworth. and the lads
loss is equal with yours. Never forget
that. Sometimes we re selfish even
in our grief. 4 motaers influence
knows no boundaries.
Thank you" was The answer, I'll
see Basil and
BE gentle with him. interrupted
the old professor. w;rningly. Such
lads need careful handling. 4 word
too much, and The work OF years is un-
done
Il see no reason why Basil should
not study" Barton Ellsworth answered.
colby. Il never had TO be urged when
was a boy. and did not have half
his opportunities. We'll. good day. pro-
fessor. It's little hard to man of
my pride to hear suc1 report Of my
only son. but my cup seems full Of hit
terness just now Drop in and see me
some evening. I'll bc glad OF chat
with you. My best regards TO your
wife. Good afternoon"
The old professor looked regretfu!ly
after the tall figure as it strobe away.
Its a thousand pities." Whispered the
good man. that Ellsworth looks at
things in the way he does. II Basii's
mother had only lived-but ! am
afraid his fathers pride and severity
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 he went N. He had never
been there before, for the minister 5
passionate was yet new. The parsonage
was a sunny little house, just now
overlooking with children. for the new
pastor had family.
The minister's wife herself came 10
the door in answer to his ring. The
baby. some IA or IL months old. was
clinging TO her skirt
mo. he's not at home" she said
after Barton Ellsworth had introduced
himself and asked for her husband
Do" she urged gestly. for she had
heard Of his great sorrow and read
with a woman's quick and ready SYM
patty the trouble in the thin. sad face
MY baby's just lear ming to walk she
added. STOPPING TO unclasp the chubby
hand. This is her second days ex-
perience" She smiled down al The
tiny fodder at her feet. such a won
derfully 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. iii stop just a moment" he said.
The minister's wife led him into the
little sitting-room. The floor was lit
tered with childrens toys. There was
nothing fine in the room. only plain
chairs, good picture or two and an
open plano. but it had that indescrib-
able look of home about it that grand
houses so many times lack
Two little boys about four and six
were playing contentedly on the floor
This Is Paul and this is Silas." thu
mother explained. smilingly We like
Bible names best" she added. "ou,
baby's name is Ruth
She drew forward tire best chair the
room afforded. Come here, dears. anc
speak to the gentleman" she said.
The little boys rose obediently
Something in the two pairs OF brown
eyes raised 10 his moved him strangely
They reminded him of Basil What :
fne little fellow he had been, and how
proud Edith was OF him,
"When.i am old and helpless sh,
had often sid. my son will take car,
of me. Lock at him. Barton. Aren'
his eyes beautiful. and sec his firm lit
Gle muscles. There's no BABY like mosh
er's boy!" she had cried. catching hin
60 her heart.
The little boys. having spoken TO hin
went back TO their mother The,
leaned upon her afiectionstely. press;a,
their dimpled hands against her pref
~ gown. He noticed that she did no
repuke them
"You have quite family" he re