The Press., 1908-03-04
Reversing a Decision.
By EDITH MELNO
Copyrighted. 1907, by c. H. Sutcliffe.

wrandly from the elevator, rather re- Oentful of the elevator boys patroniz ing pat on the head. Men who came downtown on business should not be patted on the head even if their moth CTS do possess foolish ideas that curls are cute. Men on business bent always act importantly and should be treated with deference.
 The pat had the effect of stiffening Thomas Henderson Howie's small backbone to an unusual degree of ram rod stiffness, and it was very pom pous six-year-old who entered Dorring- tons office.
 Tim Darlington looked up from a pile of papers with a genial smile.
 "Welcome to our city, MT. Thomas Henderson Howie." he cried. And what good fortune brings you to the office? Surely you are not about to be sued for breach of promise? l am afraid of that little Houston girl, or perhaps it is the embezzlement of pre- serves again.!
 sIts letter." explained Tommy stiffly. as he delivered the square white envelope into Tim's trembling hands. T will Ike going now" he add ed as he turned away. Tim raised his hand
 ''Wait moment, please" he asked. ''There may be an answer"
 Tommy climbed into the biggest chair and settled himself with quaint. old fashioned gravity. while Dorring- ton opened and read the note. Twice the man read 1t, though the first time the words had scared themselves into his brain.
 1t was d cold, almost curt note in which Jessie Howie acknowledged the honor he had done her in offering to clined, regretting that there had been anything in their friendship to lead him to believe that the friendship might grow to greater intimacy.
 Darlington smiled bitterly as he read the last few lines. Surely he had had every reason to hope for a favorable answer to his letter. Jessie had been tenderness itself. With sigh he thrust the letter into his pocket and turned 10 HIS SmdH VlSlIOF.
 ''I regret, Thomas Henderson Howie. :" he said in the playful banter that had been suggested by the child's quaint dignity-"I regret that my pleasura ble anticipations of wild dissipation in soda water and candy in celebration of an important event have been dash ed to earth But man turns to drink k; l,s sorrows. Therefore I pray yoE to de scend with me to the drug store on the ground floor and assist ne i'll the lat ter ceremony. They have hot choco- late with whipped cream"
 'No. thank you," said Tommy polite ly. Il don't want any soda
 Perhaps you prefer the stronger ton. Tt is a cup that cheers without inebriety and can be rendered quite palatable if you use enough celery salt to disguise the flavor of the beef ex- tract Shall we go?''
 'T don't want to go with you," said Tommy stolidly. Il don't like you any more. You make Jessie cry"
 That" said Tom, ''is what they call an inversion of facts. Your sister has made me cry"
 "Pm glad of it," said Tommy cruelty. 'You made her cry lots."
 "You are sure?' asked Darlington quickly. "She was crying over my letter."
 Lots" declared Tommy with a sweeping gesture that suggested a very flood of tears. Il went to her dog again. She was crying awfully, and she was kissing your letter and saying things"
 Darlington moved closer to the boy "You don't remember what she said, do you?" he pleaded gently. See if you can't think. Tommy, boy. Try hard. laddie."
 Thomas Henderson Howie knitted his brows thoughtfully and assisted the mental process by solemnly wrig- gling his right foot
 ''It was something about a mean sacrifice" he said at last. Sacrifices" he added informatively, ''is where the Indians kill people and burn 'em up."
 ''The operation is bloodless and the fires are internal nowadays" said Dor rington softly. What else did she say?"
 ''She said How can I do it? and then she cried some more," continued "Then there was something about for fathers sake, and mother came in and said something about duty and then something about Mr. Bowen, and Jessie cried lots more, and then she wrote the letter, and she gave me penny for myself and kissed me-
 For a moment Darlington sat stun ned. He had invested heavily in sub- urban real estate. and much of his cap ital was tied up in land, but Dorring- ton had not guessed that MT. Howie's need was so great that he had been to go to Bowen.
 For nearly year Cyrus Bowen had sought to make Jessie the fourth Mrs. Bowen. Mrs. IIOwie had favored his suit. for the matron was ambitious for her daughter but it must have been dire need that caused blunt Henry Howie to add his influence Dorring- ton turned to Tommy.
 Thomas Henderson Howie,' he said quietly. T pledge you the word of one man to another that I did not make Jessie cry. Will you mind the office a 
 He swung the youngster into the big chair before the roll top desk, supplied him with a pencil and pad and slipped from the room. It was less than block to the office building in which Henry HOwie had his suit, and shortly Darlington entered the private office of the operator.
 You will pardon my abruptness." began Tom, but I have just had a etter from Jessie refusing an offer of From what Tommy says l imagine that her refusal is influenced by the fact that you need Bowen's as- and she is the bonus for the