The Democratic advocate., 1909-12-03
The Girl.

The man in the big easy chaii
looked across the table at his wife.
Il am repeating what Richardson
said. He told me this morning thai
the boy had braced up in quite q won,
derful way. He is punctual and ener.
getic and works as II he meant IL
climb. Richardson says he is positive
that Edgar has stopped drinking. His
eyes have lost their duilness and his
hand is steady"
The woman breathed more quickly
''Wh-what Will you do, Robertr
Dor the man answered. Moth
ing. This isn't the first time the boy
has tried to brace up. You know how
long it lasted"
"But perhaps a word from you
would help him, dear
NO"
You are his father"
"See here. Emily, this won't do
I'm the boys father, and I've been
a bad father. Where | meant to please
bim / proved his worst enemy. He
spent the money gave him in waste
full living. bat why speak of It? Be-
fore these doors are opened to him
again he's get to prove that he's fit
to enter them. He hasn't forgotten
what ! said to him. II there is a
spark Of manhood left in his breast
he will make no attempt to come near
us until he shows he is worthy"
you are very hard, Robert"
I've been softer than wax. I'm as
hard as nails now. But, there, we've
had enough of this for tonight /
told Richardson not to report to me
until week from today Then we
can tell, perhaps. whether this spasm
Of reform has any foundation"
1T will be hard TO walt, Robert"
The man looked across at the wo-
man. His stern face relaxed
Let us hope for the best, my dear, -
he softly said.
1t was a week later and the woman
had patiently waited for the man to
unfold his news Of this erring son.
Richardson reported again today" {"
he said as he sank back In the easy
chair.
well, dear?'
''The boy continues 10 do himself
credit. Richardson says he is grasp
ing bis duties with a firmer grip. The
ether day he came to Graham---he's
the head of the department--and told
him he must have more pay. He said
he knew lie was worth more and that
he could get a job at any time with
the Ajax people. Graham will double
his pay next week. He told Richard
son the boy was we'll worth the raise
1t seems that Richardson noticed the
change In Edgar two months ago, but
wouldn't mention II because he was
afraid II might not last" He paused
Sounds good, doesn't it?'
The woman's head was bowed. She
looked up slowly
Il know what's brought about this
change she said half Historically
ITS a girl"
The man stared at her
Thank God for the girl" he said
in his quick and earnest fashions
Il must see her at once" ex-
claimed the woman.
Go slow. Emily" said the man
You are jumping at conclusions
But II there Is girl---a good girl. OF
course--with enough influence 10 turn
our boy into the right path-when
his father and mother have failed
she is not TO be interfered with-do
you hear me?"
There was little silence
Il did so want him to marry Alice
London" said the woman
Huh growled the man. lie will
marry to please himself-if be mar
ries at all-and there's no probability
that he will ask our advice. II your
suspicion Is correct-and | suppose II
might be called intultion--don't inter
fere. Therell be nothing too good
for the girl who can awaken our boy
to his duty Let her alone"
But the woman said nothing
Two nights later they were In their
accustomed places beside the big H.
brary table.
The man suddenly smiled as he
looked across at the woman.
There is q girl" he said,
Eyes" said the woman, Il have
seen her"
The man stared at her.
II hope you did nothing RASH" he
said and his voice was almost harsh
mo" she answered q was very
careful. What do you know about
herr"
VERY little She Is a stenographer
in the factory Office She earns
fair salary and bears an excellent rep
utation. Edgar has been seen In her
company number of times. That's
the extent of my knowledge You say
you've seen her. How did that hap
penT
at was easily planned. Robert |
waited about the factory until Edgar
came out--I eas In the little antique
shop across the way and he didn't
see me--and, oh. Robert, our boy
looks ten years older"
She paused with little catch in
her voice.
go on said the man. Lets hope
he has grown ten years the wiser"
He held himself straight Robert
and ] think there is a new look In
his eyes
go on, you foolish mother"
II saw him quite we'll, because he
crossed the road and passed in front
Of the shop, walking slowly. And
after the others had gone girl came
out Of the Office, a slender girl, walk
ing alone, and when our boy saw her
his face lighted up and something
seemed to grip my heart"
The man softly laughed
THE mother love showing itself
through maternal jealousy. Go on,
my dear"