The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-11-05
The Girl

said. He told me this morning that
the boy had braced up in quite Won
derful way. He is punctual and ener-
getic and works as IL he meant to
climb. Richardson says he Is positive
that Edgar has stopped drinking. His
eyes have lost their dullness and his
hand is steady"
The woman breathed more quickly.
'Wh-what will you do, Robert?"
"Do?" 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"
mo"
you are his father"
"See here, Emily, this won't do
I'm the boys father, and I've been
bad father. Where meant to please
him l proved his worst enemy. He
spent the money I gave him in waste
full living. But why speak of it? Be-
fore these doors are opened to him
again he's got to prove that he's fit
to enter them. He hasn't forgotten
what I said to him. If 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. l
told Richardson not to report to me
until week from to-day. Then we
can tell, perhaps. whether this spasm
of reform has any foundation"
at will be hard to wait, 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 to-day"
he said as he sank back in the easy
chair.
"Well, dear?"
"The boy continues to do himself
credit. Richardson says he is grasping
his duties with a firmer grip. The
other day he came to Graham-he's
the head of the department-and told
him he must have more pay. He said
he knew he was worth more and that
he could get 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 it because he was
afraid it might not last" He paused.
Sounds good. doesn't it?"
The woman's head was bowed. She
looked up slowly.
II know what's brought about this
change" she said half Historically.
tits girl"
The man stared at her.
THANK God for the girl!" he said
in his quick and earnest fashion.
Il must see her at once" ex-
claimed the woman.
go slow, Emily" said the man.
"You are jumping at conclusions.
But If there Is girl-a good girl, Of
course-with enough influence to 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.
81 did so want him to marry Alice
Landon," said the woman.
Huh" growled the man. "He will
please to marry himself-if he mar
ries at all-and there's no probability
that he will ask our advice. If your
suspicion is correct-and l suppose it
might be called intuition-don't inter-
fere. There1l 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 L.
brary table.
The man suddenly smiled as he
looked across at the woman.
There is a girl" he said.
"Yes," said the woman, II have
seen her."
The man stared at her.
'I hope you did nothing rash," he
said and his voice was almost harsh.
NO." she answered; II was very
careful. What do you know about
herr"
Every little. She is a stenographer
in the factory Office. She earns a
fair salary and bears an excellent rep
utation. Edgar has been seen in her
company a number of times. That's
the extent Of my knowledge. You say
you've seen her. How did that hap
penn"
ut was easily planned, Robert.
waited about the factory until Edgar
came out was 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
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