The Detroit times., 1910-12-20

ambitious. and you'll make your mark
some day. No. | don't object to you.
II she wants it that way.
Thank you. sir" almost shouted
the stenographer; Il can come back
and see her little later?"
ANY time after you are through
with your work" said Belknap. be-
nignantly. This might be future
sonin-law, but he was not 10 be al
lowed to forget that he was a present
secretary.
Treading on air, Hezekiah started
for the door, and, blind TO all the
world beside his vision IL the enchant-
ing Jane, he collided with Sarah. the
housemaid. who had come in 20 an
nounce Mrs. Wilson
CHAPTER II.
The Widows Son.
Now, before Mrs. Wilson enters the
presence OF the father OF the Girl let
us explain that she Is the mother OF
the Boy.
Wilson died a good many years be-
fore this story began, leaving the Boy
and enough money TO support him
up to manhood. Wilson and Belknap
had been friends. and, since his death
il had been the widows habit to come
from her cottage. just across the
street, to the Belknap mansion for
comfort and advice.
Both were supplied lavishly and
without cost, for Belknap, whatever
may have been his faults, was always
loyal to his old friends. and ever
.1ffth ~
unfortunate.
During the conversation with Heze-
kiah, Belknap had seated himself, as
more befitting an interview with an IN
ferior. He sprang quickly to his feet
at the announcement of Mrs. Wilson,
an dhimself ushered her into the
room.
The widow seemed trifle nervous
and apologize. She was timid.
sweet-faced little woman, with gray
hair to match, her gray dress. and
big, trustfu eyes, that must have
been wonderfully beautiful twenty
years before.
Il do hope | haven't put you to
any trouble" said the lawyer as he
hustled about, making a great show
OF hospitality. I'D have been over
before. but you see I'm not allowed
to leave the house"
Sorry to hear you're not well,
said Mrs. Wilson, taking his hand
shyly, while her face wore a look
OF real concern.
A Little Tea Party.
Nothing serious, just cold re-
turned Belknap. But I'm getting on
In, - r1 tn mi OF
the doctors advice Perhaps you'd
like some tea" he concluded, after
an awkward pause. Jane isn't here,
but I'll have Sarah bring it,
Vastly relieved by his discovery of
something to do TO make the widow
feel at home, he crossed the room
and placed pudgy finger on the
call-button.
Hezekiah. who had been standing
by clumsily shifting from one foot
to another, here saw an opportunity
to get into the conservation.
'7Iowdy, Mis- Wilson," he said, ex-
tending his hand.
The widow gave a little start.
"Oh, how are you, Hezekiah,'' she
exclaimed. You're growing SO big |
didn't know you. Folks wello"
yes. thanks" responded the sec
rotary, grinning. "All 'cept Dad His
backs gone out on him again, but
otherwise he's all right"
Remember me to your ma. won't
you?" exclaimed the widow smiling
at Hezekiah as she spoke, and he
turned toward the door.
Yes. thanks, will. Got to go TO
the office now" he called back, and.
having impaired this information he
vanished through the portal and
strcde off down the sidewalk
Belknap was quickly back at the
widows side, taking from the house
maid the tea things she has brought.
and arranging them on the little table
near the door
III have to ask you to pour the
tea, Mrs Wilson, he apologized. 1t
is not exactly in my line"
A Busy Mans Social Hour.
He seated himself opposite her, TAX.
ing his cup from her trembling hands
and slipping ii between sentences.