The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1907-12-11

CIlC NllldSG ClluI Gil Was Slowly uloPClo .
ing at the close of the graduating ex-
ercises of the class Of 49, Dunton
Academy, DR.. Carter and Mr.. Dean,
who had occupied reserved seats, found
opportunity for a little conversation.
Mutual congratulations were IN order,
for Richard Carter, the doctors son,
had delivered the salutary in Latin and
Alice Dean, the lawyers daughter, had
given the valedictory address.
eyes," the doctor was saying, in his
breezy fashion, 81 think Dick has done
pretty we'll so far Oh, certainly, he's
going to be a physician! That suits
me, Of course. I like the oldfashioned
way Of handing down an occupation,
so to speak, from father to son; but
independently Of that, I think that the
boy has-well, you might almost say a
genius for my profession. I really have
strong hopes that Dick will amount to
something. It's a great responsibility
this bringing up of boy; but if he
turns out we'll, it's worth the trouble. %
eyes," said the lawyer, little alb
sently.
"Your girl has done finely, too"
continued the doctor, with polite in
tention 'Dick says that she beat him
a little in most studies She certainly
has a good head of her own. Don't
you agree with me it's almost a pity
that she isn't a boy?" he added,
loosely.
Mr.. Deans smile was a little forced.
His family consisted of four daughters
of whom Alice was the youngest.
ct don't quite agree with you there, -
he replied, Though I believe I have
gone so far as to remark to Alice that
I wished she had twin brother.''
mot that it isn't possible for a girl
to look forward to career Of her own
nowadays" the doctor went on. "Wo-
mans sphere has widened considerably
since you and I were boys. I dare say
that your daughter. with her undoubted
ability, has something in mind other
than settling down into young woman
hood?"
"Wel1," he said, ct rather think that
Alice will devote herself to music
think that she has decided gift in that
direction"
"Ahw said the doctor, with a show
of interest. "I suppose that she has
already made beginning?"
|We11, she hasn't had much formal
instruction as yet, but it seems to come
natural to her I would rather hear
her play the piano than anv profession
al that I ever listened to. She seems to
make it talk right out"
The two men had not noticed that
a young girl, burdened with bouquets
and flushed with the excitement Of the
occasion, had entered the pew behind
them, and was waiting an opportunity
to speak.
Excuse me for interrupting," she
said, as she touched the lawyers arm,
"but aren't you going to congratulate
me. papa?'
"Why, Miss A1icew exclaimed DIR.
Carter, turning round and foresta11ing
his friend. ct will do so, at any rate.
Your father and I have been Dragging
a little about Our children and he was
lust speaking of your musical gift Al
low me to say that you owe it to your
self and to your friends to cultivate it.
Such a talent is not to be hidden under
q bushe1 Now in the case Of my boy
I am simply looking to see him es-
tab1ished as an ordinary doctor-a little
better one than his father, hope. But
you, my dear young lady, with your
gift. may yet become famous"
There was little twinkle in Alice's
ewes as she withdrew her hand from