Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-25

and awkward and plain father is grow Ing! What makes him wear such heavy shoes? And do wish he would leave of those colored shirts. Cant you persuade him to dress up little? I declare. I'm ashamed of him. sone- times! You ought to see Priscilla Aliens father. He always carries . gold-headed cane, and his shirt-fronts well, they're things of beauty" "Your father could hardly make the farm pay if he carried gold-headed cane and wore his best clothes every day." replied her mother, quietly. I'm afraid if be did we'd soon have no farm at all to manage. Besides, I've heard that Judge Allen is anything but kind to his family" There was short silence.
 Fathers growing stingy. too," went on Melissa, still unconvinced. He might just as well let me have, that box-coat now as not"
 "Melissa!" Her mothers voice took on sterner ring. You don't half-appreciate your father" she went on. He's one of the best, the kindest men in the world, and--he has always loved you so dearly. If he doesn't give you money for the coat now, it's only because he cannot spare it. He knows best. You don't know how your lack of consid- eration for your father hurts me, my dear It's so different from what had hoped and expected. l reme'n- Der how joyful your father was when you were born, and how he took you in his arms and kissed you. My lit tie daughter!' I heard him whisper. Thank God for her!' And now that you are growing up, you might be such a comfort to him if you only would A daughter can be so much to her father. Yet I've noticed a tendency on your part to criticise and find fault with him. It-it hurts me, Melissa"
 Melissa was silent. After few minutes her mother got up and left the room. Melissa heard her ascend- ing the steep and narrow stairway.
 At the top of the landing Mrs. Gray paused "I don't think he's asleep yet" she whispered. 'I'n just go in and see if he's comfortable for the night"
 She went noiselessly into the room, but Nathan Gray was not asleep. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his had synk m his breast
 "Why, father,' she cried. putting her arms around him, what is it-what is 1t, my dear?"
 "It's Melissa. Ruth" he answered, huskily. "I-I heard what she said about being ashamed of me, and about my being stingy. I've so loved the child, Ruth, our only one. I've been so proud of her, too. I've given her all I could. I've gone without. I've let you deprive yourself, too, to get her what she wanted, and yet, after all, she's ashamed of me, her father. It's bitter cup, Run."
 "Shes nothing but child, Nathan" his wife, said, soothingly, "and we must make allowances. Youth Is al- ways exacting don't think the child really means to be unkind."
 She sat by him for some time, and when she went downstairs her eyes toe,a were red. u",, @ Melissa, was still busy with, her prob7 lens. You were gone long enough!" she said, curtly.
 Her mothers eyes filled with tears again. Melissa" she began, and her voice trembled, what do you think father was dolng when I found him upstairs? Almost crying, and because of you, child. He heard what you said. It nearly broke his heart, Me- lissa. He has always so loved you indulged you, spoiled you; and I-l was in hopes you'd be comfort to him when you grew up. But you are not, Melissa. Habits are hard things to overcome, and if you don't break yourself of your tault-finding, dissatis
 fled ways, you'll destroy all our hap piness."
 It was a long speech for her moth
 CT, and before she had finished Me lissa's eyes were wet Her tongue wa.
 sharp, but her heart, after all, wal
 in the right place.
 She got up hurriedly. I'm sorry mother!" she cried, repentan ly. |" never-never meant to hurt father so He must know I love him. I neve : meant that I was really ashamed 0 ? him. I'm going up now to make i right with him." she added; land mother, I will will do better. Yo1 do believe me, don't you?" : A momen. later Mrs. Gray heard he going impetuously up the stairs. Sh , turned to her sewing with satisfies
 nod.
 Her presence is just what fathe :. needs,' she whispered. After all, she
 young. and-yes. I believe the cail
 will do better"
 Melissa went softly into her father !, room. The light was turned dowI and he was lying quietly on his side . but there was trace of tears upon hi !, weather-beaten cheeks.
 Melissa crept to the side of the bet = laying her soft cheek remorsefull 2 against his.
 p Father" she whispered, "forgiv