Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-01-07
CHAPTER xvI-Continued.

As soon as Simmons could get out of the
room DR.. Lavender settled himself to the
business which had brought them to-
gether. He said to his senior warden,
briefly. that his father was concerned
about Sans attentions to Mrs. Richie:
"he thinks 1t would be an especially good
time to have the boy see a little of the
world. If you will consent? He says it's
narrowing to live In Old Chester" said
DR.. Lavendar. siyly jocose-but Samuel
refused to smile. and the old minister
went on with determined cheerfulness. II
think. myself that it would be good for
Sam to travel. You know
Housekeeping youths
Have ever homely wits
stopped: his voice cracked badly and
he cleared his throat; "a boy-Dr. Law
endar-is better at home
The old minister gave him a quick
look-his senior warden was trembling!
The cloak of careful pomposity with
which for so many years this poor
MANNED soul had covered its scars was
dropping away. He was clutching at it
clearing his throat, swinging his foot.
making elaborate show of ease: but the
cloak was slipping and slipping. and
there was the man of fifty-six cringing
with the modification of youth! 1t was
sight from which to turn away even
the most plying eyes. DR.. Lavender
turned his away; when he spoke 1t was
with great gentleness.
81 don't know that l quite agree with
you. Sam. any more than with your
father; but still. If you don't want the
boy to go away. can't we convince your
father that he is in no real danger of a
broken heart? If he goes too far l am
sure we can trust Mrs. Richie to snut
him indjciOnSlV Won think GO don't
Samuel?'
"Yes-Dr. Lavendar."
DO you hear that, Wright? p
Benjamin Wright took off his hat and
threw away another barely lighted cigar
put his hand into the blue ginger jar for
some orange skin and looked closely al
his son; his agitation had quite disap-
peared. II hear he said. calmly.
But as he grew calm Mr.. Samuel
agonizing, nor was It lessened by the
very old mans quite obvious interest in
it; his head, in its brown wig, was in
clined little to one side. like a canarys
and his black eyes helped out the likeness
except that there was a carefully re-
strained CLEAN of humor in them. But
he said nothing. To cover up the clam
orous silence between father and son DR.
Lavendar talked a good deal, but rather
at random. He was COMPOUNDED by the
SltudtlOn- tfdQ he maze q mistake, after
all, In insisting upon this interview? In
his own mind he was asking for wisdom
but aloud he spoke of the weather. His
host gave no conversational assistance
except an occasional monosyllable. and
his senior warden was absolutely dumb
AS for the subject which brought them
together, no further reference was made
to it.
Take some more whisky. dominic, -
said Mr.. Wright. His eyes were glitter
ing; it was evident that he did not need
any more himself.
DR.. Lavendar said, mo, thank YOU
spring had been released.
"Going?" said Benjamin Wright; "a
short call. considering how long it is
since we've met-Lavendar.'
Samuel cleared his throat. might, -
he said. huskily. Again there was no
Misunderstanding, but as they reached the
front door Benjamin Wright called to DR..
LaveEdar, who stepped back into the
library. Mr.. Wright had put on his
hat and was chewing orange-skin vio-
lently. 1T amt any use trying to ar
range anything with So I'll try another
tack" He came close to DR.. Lavendar
plucking at the old minister's black
sleeve. his eyes swapping and his jaws
working fast; he spoke In delighted
whisper. But, Lavendar-''
Yes
He wouldn't take a cigar"
Samuel never smokes" DR.. Lavendar
said. shortly.
And he wouldn't take a drink of
whisky
Hes a very temperate man."
"Lavendar-"
''Yes?"
"Layendar-it was efficacious,-