Los Angeles herald., 1908-04-26
Book III.

which he expects to make living and hopes to
make fortune"
"You are right. In my experience the men who
have made the most of themselves are those who,
deprived of the advantages of a collegiate educa
ton, began in their youth to climb the difficult
ladder which leads to success. That is the way l
began; the way that your father began. You are
getting a little the advantage of us in the jour-
nalistic school of which you speak. Are you think
ing of it seriously as professions?
MOO hardly think so; not that it might not
in the end lead up to great thngs-things far
beyond my meager capacity; butt takes too
long"
felt the blood rushing up into my face, and
dropped my eyes lest he should look through them
into my soul, wherever that may be located, and
see how much l thought of Dorothy. Silence fell
between us for moment. Finally looking up, |
said:
you see, have not yet found my bearings.
only boy; do not yet know what my capa
bilities for work are; nor the nature OF the work
to which | am best adapted. l am looking for my
vocation, and while doing so fell by chance into
the only one for which my education fitted me-
in a measure; and cannot deny that there is
fascination lure in journalism which gets very
tight grip upon who really becomes interested
in his work.
"You have not, then, yet any settled plans for
the future?"
"None. l am still going on with my education
in practical way" l smiled as | impaired the
information that the Board of Trade would prob
ably be my next assignment "And very 1mpor-
tant one" added.
He smiled-sphinx-like- | arose to take my
leave. 81 fear have taken up too much OF your
valuable time with my small personal AFFAIRS
mot at all; not at all, my son." That meant
nothing; he often called me that have been
very much Interested very much indeed. Perhaps
l have been making study OF your
MY teltale face flushed like school boys, but
I answered readily: perhaps you have; well,
have turned myself inside out for your inspection
I hope some day you may tell me the result of
your study.
"No doubt will"
AS he bade me goodbye he said, 81 very
glad to learn that you were able TO take up few
of your fathers securities in lead and zinc You
will not regret it. Can't you come around to din
ner some night?"
"Thank you, hope l can."
left his office treading air. l had been
weighed in the balance and had not been found
wanting, hoped;-else he would not have asked
me so cordially around to dinner. 1t was now up
to me.
How long? How long?" I groaned in spirit.
How long will 1t be before can take care OF
Dorothy? Two, three, four hundred month may
be necessary. l don't know how will ever get
it," My heart sunk.
Nothing is changed" l said to myself at
must be two or three years at least maybe more,
before 1 can go to Colonel Vernon and ask for
Dorothy-the most precious thing he has on EARTH
to give me Dorothy for my wife,"
l grew hot and cold by turns as I thought of it,
walking along the street. l came near being run
senses.
That evening was little late getting home.
In fact got off the car sooner than l needed in
order that might compose my thoughts; fight 1T
out with myself before reaching home and my dear
mother, whose clear, searching eyes would be sure
to fathom the trouble what is right, what is the
best thing for Dorothy; for her happiness?"
had, of course been obliged to dismiss my own
affairS-Which somehow been