The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-03-12
CHAPTER XXXIV.
ReXoI1

can remain continuously in the e1npyrean. Edith thought of what she must tell her father that even ming, and the anticipa ton of the in- terview sobered her joy perceptibly. tell him. That was the honorable thing to do. Then Chester must be honorable, she reasoned, and her heart sank within her that such a train of thought had become possi- ble. Was she always honorable her self, she wondered. Was she honor able when she would not let him go away the time they talked together through the hippcpotamus? He had said: Then I should obey my fath- er." But he had succumbed at her lightest word. It is doubtful if the latter reflection pained her.
 Tn the evening she was silent at dinner. Later, after SE1er father had lit his cigar, she came over and sat beside him. She had fully resolved to tell him everything, but somehow she found that the words would not come. Her father had always treat
 
 courtesy which is the best basis in the world for mutual respect and a dmiration, but is not always con ducfve to condolences. She knew that he loved her with all his heart. and shrank from paining him with her revelations. After al1s why should she tell him? Perry would never breathe word. It would be an in suit to her for him to do so.
 "Papa," said Edith finally, .'what does Perry Langham say that MT. Taylor has done?''
 There was suspicious qufetness in her voice, and MT. Twining glanced up from his paper apprehensively.
 ''Why, he says that he :"
 MT. Twining~ paused.
 'He simply told me that he was rot a desirable acquaintance" he said. ''He didn't make any specific sccusatfon.''
 Couldn't Perry have been nistak- en?''
 "An honorable man never makes such a statement about another man unless he is entirely sure.'
 sewhen did MT. Taylor leave Gold smith & Ellxins?''
 teHe hasn't left them"
 .Don't. they believe what Perry says?"
 Edith was clinging desperately to straws. She looked at her father with great blue, shining eyes, and he hastily laid down his paper.
 What is it, daughter?' he asked her gently.
 '1f Perry knows anything against MT. Taylor, isn't it his duty to tell Goldsmith & Elkins?''
 1T don't know whether he has seen fit to tell them or not,'' he answered | Perry is a thoroughly honorable | man, and consider his assurance | 
 "But hasn't MT. Taylor a position of trust? What is he doing for Go Idsmith & Elkins?"
 MT. Twining cleared his throat in some embarrassment.
 ssI believe that he has just been quite successful in some Southern en- terprise.''
 "But if they can trust him to do a thing like that. surely you can trust him.
 "Daughter,'' said MT. Twining. there are 8 great many things that | a man can do which make him an acquaintance, but which do not destroy his business value. They are things that you know noth- ing about, and would not compre- T51 trust him.
 Edith. rose up suddenly, regal and defiant.
 tI don't think that you're fair to him father. At first you allowed him to come and see us. You have. never found him dishonest. Of course I know Perry, but he may be mistak- hefore.''
 The first revolt of an obedient child is always a terrible shock to the parent.
 Listen, daughter said MT. Twin irg, 'tit is hard for you to realize how deeply pained and grieved I am at this outburst. I thought that be- 1 tween us there was perfect love and | perfect trust. have always striven | that it should be so. I sometimes think that it is more painful to shat | ter an old mans ideals than the l fresh illusions of youth. We have so | few of them, you know. Will you promise to be guided by me in this ] matter ?''
 "Yes. if you will not condemn him 
 MT. Twining sighed.
 That proviso hurts,'' he answeredst Daughter, you must trust me to be 1 upright and just. If Goldsmith &s