Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1909-04-02
IN FAMILY COUNCIL.

| man. Il had never dreamed of such
thing. l knew you had met few times,
but only in the most casual way. I've
talked about you at home. No doubt
have spoken very well of you. But l
don't remember that Edith showed any
particular interest in the subject Per
! haps she did Fathers are usually blind
And when did you find out that-that
this disquietihg influence was destroying
your peace of mind?'
The young man smiled.
"The expression has a weak sound
when YOU use it." he said. And yet
| I'm not ashamed to admit that it de
scribes the situation My peace of mind
| has been affected ever since Memorial
day. Perhaps you will remember that |
was working in the Office when you and
Miss Edith came down in your car. You
said it was a pity that the big flag on
the staff on the factory cupola had
twisted itself in the haliards. And then
/ went up and Strengthened it out"
THE most foolhardy thing | ever wit
messed" growled the old man.
Not for me-" said the younger man.
"And after | came down and was back
at my desk your daughter entered the
office and | saw that her checks were
| pale-L hadn't dreamed OF frightening
| anybody-and her eyes shining, and she
said very softly, That was splendid
And the look she gave me did the mis-
chief although | was ashamed to think
| had gained it by such a cheap circus
trick
The old mans face mad grown grave
You are fine fellow, George, a very
fine fellow This little confidence out
here under the willows only aG6s to my
regard for you. I'm afraid most Young
fellows would have smashed ahead with
out any regard Tor a fathers feelings"
He hesitated. you are a sensible boy
You have thought over this matter care
fully You realize just what IL means :"
Il think" he said, chat | would like
to leave your employ on the first of the
month"
The old man was startled
Here, here" he cried, you mustn't
take offense. No doubt my suggestion
was clumsily put. You have confused
me by your unexpected revelation He
paused and stared at the young man.
See here" he cried, you mustn't take
offense. No doubt my suggestion was
clumsily put. You have confused me by
your unexpected revelation He paused
and stared at the young man. See
here he said with great suddenness,
well have a family council over this
matter-you and Edith's mother and
Edith's father"
The young man hesitated a moment.
very WE'LL" he said ''You are kind
to put yourself to al this trouble. | can
see no hope in the council you suggest,
but at least it viii give me the chance
to set myself right in the mind of Edith's
mother"
1t was Just o'clock that evening
when George Wright was ushered into
the Prescott library. A moment later
he was Joined by his employer
Good evening, George" was the lat
ter's greeting Take this easy chair.
Mrs. Prescott will be here presently.
Ed;th is at the Fannings and she Just
called her mother on the phone" As he
spoke the lady entered the room. MARY,
this is my office manager, Mr.. Wright.
You have heard me speak of him"
The lady graciously gave the young
man her hand
Mr.. Prescott has mentioned you many
times she said, land always favorably"
She looked at him curiousiy as she took
her seat He bore the scrutiny well, as
the lady admitted to herself.
Il am placed in an awkward position,
madam" he said, ''and yet it is one that
| have willingly assumed. i welcome it
because it gives me the chance to say
something in my own defense"
That is not suggestion of mine,
George" said the old man.
The lady held up her hand and shook
her head at her husband
We will let Mr. Wright proceed with
ont interruption, my dear"
The young man hesitated moment.
IF you will have the patience to lis
ten," he said, II will tell YOU something
about myself. | want yoI to know why
1t is that | have not done more to itn-
prove my opportunities. Perhaps Mr..
Prescott has wondered why | have been
so reticent concerning my early expert
enees. | want him to know that while
am not ashamed of them. they were not
of character to be recalled with any
satisfaction" He paused and looked
around. My father was of New En-
gland stock, but with neither New En-
gland thrift nor New England industry
My mother was the daughter of 4 farm
er and my father soon made Of her a
drudge. 1t was not a pleasant home.
We were very poor. Then my father
grew morose and developed a cruel dis
position. He frequently beat me for
trivial faults. After one of these beat
ngs | ran away. / told my mother of
my determination and she babe me &c.
There was circus at the next town and
went away with it. 1t was a hard life
for boy of 10. There was trained
elephant in the show and | helped the
keeper. He was drunkard. but no one
else could handle Sahib. | slept beside
the beast and many times he saved me
from the fury of the drunken keeper.
And all this time l found no chance TO
improve myself in any way. When
Sahib died team of aerobats too, ne
up and for four years l was with them.
I became an excellent performer and
saved some money. But it was exacting