Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-01-15
3:33G&
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE.
By Sara Ware Bassett.

Lessons certainly frig,tful things" said Made
line MAYNARD she threw down her "Cesars Com
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
Up the broad staircase came Brother Tom" two
steps at time, and Madeline sprang him and
dragged him into her coy study.
. How came you up from Harvard to-day, she asked,
NO, replied Tom, ruffing up her neatly smoothed
hair with the broherl instinct to tease and returning
her greeting bit uneasy, Il just had the chance and
SO came home for dinner"
Toni cried Madeline, there is something the mat
ter What is it,"
ooh, no. there sn't-that is not much; simply
wanted to Dad" Tom ayerted his eyes and looked
out of the window in nervous embarrassment.
Now, Tom, see here" said Madeline firmly there
IS something the matter; know it perfectly well You
have gone and over-spent your allowance know you
have-and you are going to ask Father for money
I'd be ashamed to-" she on with blazing eyes
~here It is your second year in college and you've
pretended to keep inside the big allowance which
Tom walked away impatiently.
as Father ashamed of me ?? he asked, turning her
in startled
"IIe is disappointed Tom" said Madeline more gen
tly Besides that do not think he IS well; he has
Mother talk lot together. think she's worried, but
/ can't get her to admit If"
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
but h ah1 something 4ed s{ SoErns SyRs
Tom listened ntently to his little sister; although
and pretty sound adviser when he her opinion
At this moment the maid announced dinner and the
"Wef, Tom my boy, this is surprise" said his
father cheerily, the boy and girl entered the
Il just dropped up-if it is possible to perform such
feat laughed Tom not however, quite naturally
I'm glad you came resumed his father somewhat
sadly for want to talk with both you and Madeline
Later. when they all in the library Mr. Maynard
Ire
Il want to tell you children something; it is not
pleasant but want you both to know and help
your mother and Of late have had a great deal
of worry about business; of my investments
have turned out badly and carried away most of our
roof over heads but that is about all. There is
shadow of disgrace in it. ne went on proudly but 1t
mother and you children do not care for myself"
Mrs. Maynard crept closer to her husband and took
you know Henry that do not mind anything
long as are all together and we are well"
"btt l sure it will all come out right. We all love
each other so much that we can be happy anywhere
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
have the house; the doctor thinks had better rest
GO to Vermont to livep cried the boy and the girl
in a breath ~. 49,. a....
lots of nice things do there in the winter there
is shoeing skating and sleishns think it will
not be unbearaole
mo place is unbearable if it is best" cried Madeline
bravely.- what do you say Tom p
Tom isn't goingp answered his father. II have
aged to save enough Of the wreck that Tom
finish college and make his mark. I can't have him
cheated out of that
Tom coiored and took his fathers hand 81 don't
deserve it. Father" he said buskily II worth
your making any sacrifice for; am going with you
TO help you if eau
Good. Tom That is spoken ike the man know
you are; but your father has set his heart your
finishing your college and he TO do
so. too II will be money wasted TO stop with it half
DONE said Mrs Maynard, decisively.