The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1905-09-27

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Il did, last June, as you know" was
the rather sad answer, "and on top
Of that I hate myself for one or two
things-for instance, the escapade we
INDUCED in the other night, and be-
ing Tryes slave; for another
Il am sorry for the first" responded
Frank. 1T was my fault that you were
coaxed into it. I won't do it again,
assure you. Don't worry over 1T, my
boy. 1t wasn't anything serious; only
just little after theater fun and hear
ing those sporty girls talk slang
Yes, and spending a lot Of money
for very poor fun" replied Albert. Il
don't think any better Of myself for do
ing it, do you:'
':Oh, I don't think about it one way
or the other" answered Frank. Il
have so much time to kill, and that's
no worse than any other way"
''Well, Of course it's all right, and as
you do not think any the less Of your
self for doing it there is no harm," re-
piled Albert. "Only / do, and so it is
worse for me than for you
"Now, you have a mother and sisters
who think we'll Of you no doubt. How
would you have felt to have had any
one Of them peep in that night and see
what manner Of company you were in?
My mother is in her grave, but maybe
she could see where was and with
whom was that evening, and the
thought makes me feel mean. have a
sister, one Of the purest and sweetest
little women God ever blessed the earth
with, and not for all that can earn
in one year would T have her know
what foolish thing did. For two
days was so ashamed Of myself I felt
miserably."
Frank sat in stupefed silence at his
friends outburst. "If I had imagined
you were going to feel that way, old
man." he said at last, II would never
have urged you to so with me. I never
will again, assure YOU
"Oh, I an as much to blame as you, "
observed Albert Il went willingly,
but after it was all over I was sorry I
did. I am no prude. I enjoy little
excitement and don't mind a social
evening with a few friends, but it
doesn't pay to do things you despise
yourself for the next day"
But" put in his friend, with q
quizzical look, "do you know you are
preaching q sermon, and I rather like
1t, too? It sets me thinking. AS for
such girls as we wined, don't care a
rap for them. If I could find any other
and better amusement they might go
hang for all care I try tennis and
golf with fellows and girls in our set,
but that is tame sport. I so to func-
tons once in awhile, and if I dance
twice with a pretty girl who has no
dot mother glares at me and says I've
no family pride. Most Of the girls
talk silly nonsense that wearies fel-
low, and the more passe they are the
worse they gush. The only thing I
really enjoy is yachting, and then I
have trouble to fnd good fellows who
have time to go with me. Once IN
awhile I get disgusted with myself
and wish had to work for q living.
Albert looked surprised. Was it pos
sible that this young and handsome
fellow, with dark brown honest eyes,
curly black hair and garb and manner
Of refinement, who never had known
what it was to work, really wanted to
earn his own way in til. world, just
from sheer ennui?
1T seems to me you have everything
to be thankful for, Frank Albert said
at last in a detected tone-''a kind IA
ther, good, home, plenty Of friends, q
nice yacht, all the money you want
and nothing to do With me it is diff
ferent. Would it bore you if unload
ed a little Of my history"
Not Bit" answered Frank. 81
would really like to hear it,
WELL" continued Albert, when we
were at college was Il little too proud
to let you know : was the only son Of q
poor widow who was denying herself
every luxury to educate me, but it was
fact After we separated tutored
some. read law and was admitted to
the bar. I opened an Office in my na-
tive town and wasted 4 year waiting
for clients, while read novels, sketch
ed and fshed to pass the time. Last
June my mother died and left my Sis
| o1I hot hos
in the family over q century, a few
| acres Of meadow lands and maybe $500
in debts. Then I wrote to you. l was
more than grateful for the chance you
obtained for me to work for even such
a man as Frye. l am paying those
debts as fast as I can and my sister Is
helping by teaching in crossroad
schoolhouse and walking four miles
each day to do it,
And 1 coaxed you to go out and
spend money on a couple Of ballet
girls" responded Frank regretfuliy:
Say. old man." reaching out his hand
and clasping -Albert's, ''if had known
all this that evening I would have rbit.
ten my tongue before asked you to- go
with me-
THAT is all right" replied Albert<s u
should have told you that night :What
I have told YOU now, but maybe Twas
q little ashamed to do So"
II would like to see that brave. sis
ter of yours said Frank after q pause.
From what you tell me, she must be
| trump.
Albert made no answer, but going to
the mantel he took framed photo
graph that stood there and handed 1T
to his friend. 1t was a picture of 4
young girl with 4 face like an artists S
dream and eyes like two pansies.
Frank gaZed at it long and earnest
ly- Your sister, suppose" be ;said
at last. still looking at the.fa u
do not wonder you preached me :the
sermon you have this evening. You
must be proud Of her"