The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-03-17

persauslvely, why be so hard on the
poor boy? Perhaps
Perhaps he's wheedled you into
thinking n yaller-haired high-kicker
would make tho ideel dnughter-in law
for the next Governor OF the Mountain
State. But his golden eloqucnce hasn't
caught me yet. So, as long as there's
one sane member Of the Conover FAM
ily-"
"oh, Caleb. how can you treat your
own child"
"Yes" snorted Caleb, "my own chill
dren have Il right to expect fine
line Of treatment from me, haven't
they? Blanche and Jerry both What
Is 1t Ibid said about : serpent's tooth
and n thankless--'"
"That was Shakespeare" contradicted
Mrs Conover. with the tact that was
her chief charm "And you've got 1t
all wrong. There's no such person as
IT tell you It was Ibid" growled
Caleb, always tender on the subject
of his learning ut says SO in tho
famous Quotation book. Maybe you
can look down on my education. But
I guess l can stand pat all right ON
the things have learned. And"
he carried to Caleb After one glance
Mt the pastcboard Caleb crushed 1t in
his fingers and threw It to the floor.
"rurn her out!' he ordered.
"Why, who Is it?' squeaked his wife
In high excitement.
ITS some woman for Jerry. Gaines
brought me the card by mis-"
For me?' cried Gerald, jumping up.
his face aflame. "Why, tit can't"
1t was, for I've sent her away. Maybe
you forget made you promise"
STAND aside!" spake q dramatic con-
tralto voice from beyond the portieres,
II have a right here"
The curtains were thrust apart. re-
vealng the protesting, discounted but
Ter; and, pushing past him. tall. slen-
der young woman, quietly but PRETTY
dressed, pompadoured Of hair, and very,
very determined OF aspect
Good Lord!" Crunted Caleb under his
breath. "she amt even blonde. I
thought they all"
But she was in the library itself, and
facing the amazed master Of the house.
Gerald at first sight OF her, had sprung
forward and now grasped the new
conner ardently by both hands and drew
her to him.
II was sure" murmured the intruder
In that same throaty contralto. rich
vet insensibly conveying vague i'm
preston OF latent vulgarity, II was
sure your man was mistaken, and that
you couldn't have meant to turn me
away without a word when had come
so far to see my precious truant boy.
Did you? We women. Mr.. Conover."
she went on. eyes and voice claim
ing alliance of the meek-faced little
nonentity who shrank behind Anice La
nier. I'VE women understand how hard
1t Is to keep away from tho man who
has taught us to love aim. Don't we?
Men never can quite realize that. Not
even my Gerald, or he wouldn't have
stayed away SO long or made me stay
away from him. Would hey"
1T was Dad" broke in Gerald. IT
told you that in my first letter, darling.
He won't stand for our marriage. and
"Ah! that is because he doesn't
know" she laughed archly Mr. Con-
over, this big splendid boy OF mine
Is too much in love to explain as he
should. And he's SO high spirited, he
can't listen as patiently 70 ADVICE as
he ought to- Can you, Gerald? So I
came myself, when I couldn't stand 1t
any longer to be away from him. I
knew l could make you understand
Can't I?''
II can tell better when you've tried. /"
answered Caleb, watching with sort
OF awed fascination the alternato
plunges and rearings of the vibrant
black pampadour, which, In Difference
to the prevailing style of the moment
and OF the chorus-was pendent direct
ly above the Visitors right eye.
Ills curt rejoInder rather took the
caller aback, She looked about Inc
group as II for inspiration. Anice La
nier had risen. and was at the door.
Caleb saw her.
please don't go. Miss Lanier!" he
called.
II would much prefer to-" answ cred
Anice, lf you don't object This seems
to be purely family affair nnd--''
And at least one person with q
deeently- balanced brain ought to be
present. Our affairs are your affairs
as far as you'll allow, Please do me
tho favor of staying"
The visitor had, by this diversion, re
gained grasp on her plan of action.
Mr., Conoyer." she said, stretching
out her suede-gloved hands toward the
Railroader in pretty gesture OF help
less appeal as to an all-powerlul Judge
II am your sons wife, Flo loves ma.