The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-03-30
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE.
BY Sara Ware Bassett.

Lessons certainly frightful things said Made
line Maynard as she threw down her Caesars Conn
mentaries after afternoon of study II do believe
if Cesar had lived now and had tried TO learn English
he wouldn't have liked it any better than like to learn
Latin"
The bang Of the front door arrested her
Why, it's Tom Hello, Tom" she cried. I'm up
here!"
Up the broad staircase came Brother Tom" two
steps a time, and Madeline sprang to meet him and
dragged him into her coy study.
How came you up from Harvard to-day" she asked,
NO replied Tom, rufling up her neatly smoothed
hair with the brothery instinct tease and returning
her greeting bit uneasiy Il just had the chance and
so came home for dinner"
Toni cried Madeline there is something the mat
ter. What is I'll"
oh, no, there isn't-that is, not much; | simply
wanted to see Dad" Tom averted his eyes and looked
out of the window in nervous embarrassment
Now. Tom, here" said Madeline firmly. 'there
have gone and over-spent your allowance know you
havc-and you going to ask Father for money.
I'd be ashamed TO-" she went on with blazing eyes;
there it is, your second year in college and you've
pretended to keep inside the big allowance which
Father gives you.
Tom walked away impatiently.
rs Father ashamed Of me he asked, turning her
lie IS disappointed, Tom" said Madeline more gen
tly Besides that / do not think he is we'll; he has
been awfuy quiet lately he does not eat and he and
Mother talk lot together ! think she's worried but
can't get her to admit it"
Tom grew thoughtful and Madeline continued: For
several nights they have stayed downstairs talking until
twelve o'clock and one night went in TO speak to
Mother and found her crying. Maybe it isn't anything
Tom listened ntentiy TO his little sister although
five years younger, Madeline still his piayfelow
AT this moment the maid announced dinner and the
young people joined their parents in the dningroom
We'll, Tom, my boy, this is surprise" said his
father cheeriiy as the boy and girl entered the room
Il just dropped upif it is possible to perform such
feat laughed Tom, not however, quite naturally.
al vtagF
sadly, for want to talk with both you and Madeline
after dinner"
Later when they all were in the library Mr. Maynard
spoke
4 want to tell you children something it is not
pleasant news but ! want you both to know and help
your mother and me. OF late have had great deal
Of worry about my business; some of my investments
have turned out badly and carried away most of our
money have saved enough TO keep an Inexpensive
roof over heads, but that is about all There Is
shadow of disgrace In it, he went proudly but it
is very great misfortune. am deeply sorry for your
mother ard you children do not care for myself"
Mrs Maynard crept closer to her husband and took
his hand fondly in hers
"You know, Henry. that do not mind anything so
long as we are all together and we are well.
Father, dear I'm So sorry for you cried Madeline,
'blt / it will all come out right We all love
each other 50 much that we can be happy anywhere.
Shall we move away from here?
Yes. my dear" replied her father. 1--WE can't afford
this big place and the necessary servants Your mother
old Maynard farm is. Living is cheap there, and we
have the house; the doctor thinks had better rest
little while Later on VIC will see what do"
Go to Vermont to live" cried the boy and the girl
in breath
after ali children broke in Mrs Maynard "there
lots of nice things to do there in the winter there
IS snowshoeing. skating, and sleighng think It will
not be unbearabe7
aNo place IS unbearable ii it ID best" cried Madeline
bravely. What do you say, Tom?"
Tom isn't going answered his father. Il have man
aged to enough Of the wreck SO that Tom
fnishscoege and make his mark I can't have him
cheated our of that"
Tom colored and took his fathers hand IT dem
deserve it. Father" he said husIy II am not worth
your making any sacrifice for; am going with you
to help you III can"
Good, Tom That Is spoken like the man know
you but your father has set his heart OH wear
finishing your college and he wants Won to do
too Ii will be money wasted to stop with half
done" said Mrs, Maynard decisively.