The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-05-04
mock solemnifZ 81 hsr sysa

mock solemnity q her eyeo.
''WellY he asked good-natured1y.
But Miss Harlan's face suddenly a.
sumed an earnest, serious expression
You've always told me, dear, never
to sign anything ignorantly, and I
don't quite understand this. You say
these shares really belong to me?"
"Um-yes."
Don't they absolutely"
Eyes, suppose So"
well, every stockholder should
know what he's doing, shouldn't he"
"Yes theoretically"
Then why won't you tell me for
whom I'm voting?"
Because It isn't necessary, Leslie
because you ought to trust me. Real
ly, you're quite annoying"
I'm sorry, but I've been intending
to speak about this for some time.
I've heard SO much about this COM
pany, and"
From Kennard, supposed"
The words were snapped out angrily.
and the moment they were uttered Mr..
Harlan would have gladly recalled
them. But those few words told Les
lie much, and by the time the flush
had faded from her cheeks new reso-
luton had come to her.
mot one word from him." she an
swered calmly, "but great deal OF
him-more of what he's done. don't
know what your position or power Is
in this company, dear, but I've wanted
to ask you about 1t for long time.
You remember you told me about Mr..
Kennard, and afterwards I went to see
his factory; SO, Of course, know how
successful he was and how interested
in the employees. And now every one
says he resigned from this new COM
pany because the workmeD's wages
were cut, and not at all as the newspa
pers say. Don't you approve of his
management"
II don't propose to discuss the mat
ter with you any further at this time,
Leslie"
why not, dear? It's not merely
curiosity. You've always said was
more your chum than your daughter,
and felt proud of that. Why won't
you tell me about this business?"
Because I-well-I don't approve
Of your general attitude of distrust and
criticism. Leslie"
But l don't know what you want
to do, so l can't possibly be CRITICS.
ing. ] have no doubt I shall agree
with you when you tell me. Surely
you don't wish me to sign this pa
per, or any paper, without knowing
what I'n voting for"
Mr.. Harlan shot swift glance at his
daughters face.
Leslie, are you interested in this
man." he inquired suddenly.
She might easily have gained time
by pretending not to understand, but
though her cheeks crimsoned again,
her voice never faltered as she an
swered-
"I've always been interested In Mr..
Kennard's work, dad, as l always
thought you we're. He seemed earnest
and sincere, and, as far as understand
his ideas, he is working unselfishly for
the best welfare Of those under him.
OF late I've noticed you don't mention
his name and that he has ceased to
come here, so suppose you and he
have disagreed. But, dear old dad, I
can readily understand that his theo-
ries. however honest or sincere. may
not be good from a business stand
point. and trust your wise head. But
I can't understand why you won't ex-
plain the difficulty and want me to act
blindly In the matter. 1t isn't like
you"
"And It isn't like you to lack conf
per or not, just as you prefer, Leslie.
I shall certainly not condescend to ask
you again"
| "Now you're offended. Have ever
failed to be interested or sympathetic
with your plans? Didn't you tell me
everything about the Crotation COM
pany and the Milling Companies, and
the big fight in the Partition railroad?
Did ever talk about your affairs with
any one? Was l ever so dull that I
couldn't appreciate your reasons for
things? And now in the proud con-
seriousness Of my newly discovered re-
sponsibilities, when l ask you to tell
me for whom I'm voting. you speak to
me III a tone I've never heard before.
Dad, dear, what is the matter?"
There was a little tremble in the
half-jesting, half-serious question.
Mr.. Harlan did not answer for few
moments. Then he slapped his maga-
zine down upon the table impatiently
'Tve told you before. Leslie" he ex.
claimed, that won't discuss the
situation further until you display
proper confidence in me. I only re.
gret put those shares in your name
at ALL"
dad, dear, listen"
Leslie rose from her seat ant
perched herself again upon the arm o
his chair.
"Put those shares into some one''
else name, and that will remove an.
idea that I'm imposing condition.
Then we can talk as we always do"
Its too late"
what do you mean?"
81 mean the shares will have to b
voted in your name. They cannot b
changed before the election, SO let u
end this foolish talk"
Wont you tell me-"
II will not answer any further ques
tions or talk any more at all about thj