The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1905-09-05
He r
FATHERS
WAY By
ALLAN P.
Copyright, 1901, by AMES
T. @. Mcclure
Copyright, 1901, by
T. @. Mcclure

ley made no overt attempt to influence
her decision. Nevertheless his mind
was hard at work, because among all
the youngsters who aspired to be his
son-in-law Robert Lorland was his
choice. Had Lois shared his opinion
there would have been no occasion
for the discussion now progressing in
a cool corner of the veranda
But father" she was objecting, 'shis
chin is so square and firm and his
mouth so hard. His face is almost re-
pellent at times"
His features are rugged" said
Southley, 'but l see gentleness in them
as well as strength Roberts worth a
dozen of those round checked, chinless
boys that have been hanging around
here this summer"
but, dear daddy, how can / love a
man I'm afraid of? Why, If he ever
commanded me to marry him I'd lust
have to. Oh, don't know what do
think. Something's
"Then he hasn't asked you yetp
said her father
Yes; he asked, though he looked as
II he preferred to pick me up and run
off without word How ever de-
MED him l don't know, but l begged
him to wait, and he's coming at 8 this
afternoon for his final answer"
Southley laid aside his cigar and
turned to regard the perplexed face
more intently. Daughter" ne said,
you don't know men like your old
daddy. Those blue eyes Of yours have
much to learn. Take a good, long look
before you send away a fellow like
Robert Lorland"
Really, | wish could see him as
you do; but I'm afraid l can't. l have
the feeling that If he were ever
crossed he'd be positively brutal"
You never knew him to do a
harsh or unkind thing, did your"
mo; nor anything markedly kind or
gentle, either"
well, It's hard luck" he sighed.
specifically, his looks are against
him"
For long while after Lois had left
him to make those changes in her ap-
pearance which she thought were es-
sential for the coming ordeal he re-
manned thoughtfully smoking, with his
eyes fixed upon the long white stretch
OF road down which young Lorland
would shortly come marching to his
fate. Notified shadows of the shelter
Ing vine crept across the veranda floor
until they reached the spot the old
cat had chosen for her family's after
noon siesta. Apparently considering
shade unhealthful, she opened her eyes,
stretched and yawned, shook her clus-
tering offspring from their snug COM
fort and sauntered toward the master
Of the house. Arriving by his chair,
she gazed moment into his preoccu-
pied face, then sprang upon his knee
and rubbed her ears against his waist
coat
why, Poosie," said the old gentle
man, rousing from his reverie, de
serted the nursery? For a lady of 80
many family cares your familiarity is
shocking. There! You seer That's
generally what comes of it."
One OF the kittens had started to
roll down the front steps Southley
sprang to the rescue in time to pre-
vent a completion of the descent,
Poosie watched him with approval, but !
In the end wished she had attend |
ed to the matter herself; for, after
standing moment with her venture
some child held thoughtfully before
him, the man suddenly tucked 1t un- !
der his arm and started of around the
house.
Edward" he shouted to the gar
dener, Edward, l want to borrow
your high rubber boots. And see II
you can find me a small wooden box"
A few minutes before 8 Lois re-
turned to the veranda, vision in
white, but with her white face clouded
with indecision. 81 almost wish
hadn't told you, father" said she. BE
fore that had my mind made up to
send him away. Now l don't know
what l shall do. And he's so master
full that If | show the slightest hesi-
tation he's sure to make me do as he
wants. Won't you stay and help mel"
Her father did not answer He was
at the end of the porch watch
ing some one down the road Lois went
to his side and with a hand on his
shoulder followed his gaze.
Wonder what that chaps up tor he
Hes too far away to make out who
be is" she replied indifferently.
The unknown had halted and taken a
stand beside the road with his back
toward them. Something in the field
had attracted his attention
Lets see what he is looking at"
said Southley, as he handed Lois pair
of field glasses and took another pair
for himself
Without stopping to wonder how
they happened to be so ready at hand,
he girl received the binoculars and
eveled them toward the figure on the
'oad. Judging from his dress the man
was young and prosperous, for his
white fiannels were of jaVnty cut, and
| gay ribbon encircled his stiff straw
lat. Subsequent developments made
he Respondent freshness of. his cos
ume all the more noticeable.
On the other side of the ditch bound
ng the highway was a muddy little
'ond, in the center Of which they now
emarked a box floating a small,
frightened kitten The little thing
louAdered at the edge of its frail sup
'ort as though debating whether to re-
main and starve or trust itself to the
lark water Lois even fancied she
ould hear its appealing cries, and with
N exclamation of pity she made to- !
yard the steps, .
Wait" said her father, putting out :
hand. Hes going to look !
fter it. Besides, it can't fall off. It's {
led" ;
II don't see how you can TELL" said =
4ois. Your glasses must be better s
han mine" =
In spite of the muddy water and its 6
Unknown depth, the young man seem q
d to be resolved upon rescue. He h
tarted to roll up his immaculate trou- t
ers, then, apparently realizing the fu- t
llity Of such precaution, threw off his 8
oat and waded in. 1t was evident b
hat If necessary he meant to swim.
hut he was spared that sacrifice. When
e reached the marooned kitten the
vater was barely above his knees. Dis I
egarding the ungrateful little beasts
outrageous spittings and clawings, he 6
licked 1t up, box and all. and started
ack to shore. '
"Oh," cried Lois, with a long breath, 1
isn't he dearl don't believe there's 6
mother man in the place who would
o to all that trouble for a poor little
itten. wonder who he is. Won't you
o out and thank him, father2 Perhaps 6
ne kitten is one Of Poosie's"
tT am surp he uould annraciofo