Middletown transcript., 1910-01-29
The older man looked hard at

4G.S A&D9, IS lts
The younger man nodded.
Your daughter is the uncon'
scious cause, he replied.
The older man shoook his head.
I don't know about the uncon
scious part Of ii, he said doubted
". Kate is very clever. He put
out his hand. Thank you, my
boy, for having confidence in me.
You're q tlne lad, and you've
pushed your way to the front ]
like you. II you can win my
girl there's no man I'd sooner
greet as q son-in-law.
he put out his hand and the
young man shook it warmly.
Thank you, sir, he said. Yonr
words are very kind. Unhappily
Idon'tseem toimpress Miss Kate
I'm afraid she regards me with
complete indifference, It's my
fault, Of course. I know I'm dull
in conversation, and altogether
plain and uninteresting.
Pooh, pooh, cried the older
man. Think better Of yourself,
David. That's the trouble with
you. You don't have Q high
enough regard for yourself. Why /,
boy, you've done things while
other chaps have waited. Do
you suppose I'd willingly give
my precious Kate if ! didn't con-
sider you clean AMI honest aud
cleverP Why, that's the highest
and finest praise you'll ever re,
ceive. Don't give up, and don't
hesitate too long. He suddenly
smiled. Here, he said, let's strike
while the irons hot.
He rose and stepped into the
telephone booth. Presently he
returned to his desk.
Kate is at home. he said. My
aunt who looks after the house
hold affairs is suffering from g
slight attack Of neuralgia and
Kate is the boss of the ranch. |
told her you would be there this
morning to consult o book OF
reference in my library-any
book you choose. Get yourself
invited to luncheon, if you can.
and perhaps I'll join you
although I doubt it. There, you
can't say I'm not doing my best
to help you. What are you get
ting red aboutP
The young man suddenly laugh
ed.
Ifeel like q conspirator, he said.
We're conspiring in q good
cause, hope, said the older man,
and it's against an extremely willy
foe. But, there, its time for you
to start. Good luck to you, my
boy.
Thank you, sir, said th g
younger man as he turned toward
the door. I'll report to you
as promptly IS possible. II il
happens as 7 fear it will happen,
III say goodby at the same time.
No croaking, cried the older
man.
But David Sherman did not
look hopeful as he passed ont.
When he rang the bell Of the
Langley home it was answered
By Kate Langley herself.
Come in, Mr.. Sherman, she
said. Papa phoned me that you
would call. It is a lovely day,
isn't it? Quite too lovely to be
cropping through musty books.
Yes, said poor David. As
usual her charming presence
overpowered him. She looked at
him smilingly as he laid bis hat OH
the hall table. He was big and
strong, and his eyes were good,
his chin was firm, but he was so
hopelessly dull.
Here are the books, she said as
she led him into the library.
Papa pays you quite compliment
when he gives you the run Of his
precious volumes. He evidently
has a high regard for you.
Your father is very kind and
considerate, said David.
OF course be is the best Of faith.
ers, cried the girl. Quite too
good, no doubt. ! suppose that's
the way with most fathers.
She look at David for confrma'
tion.
! have no father, said David
simply. He died when ! was
very young.
The girl looked at him with 9
new expression.
And 7 do not remember my
mother, she said.
Then she hastily crossed the
room and drew up the shades,
and pointed to the table.
! think all the materials
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