The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1911-03-18
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"An right, Jef Well discuss the
matter later when you've cut your wis
dom teeth. Just at present you're in
the clouds. But you spoke of my do
ing you an injustice. How can my
love Of power do you an injustice?'
Because" replied Jefferson, you ex-
ert that power over your family as
we'll as over your business associates.
You think and will for everybody In
the house, for everyone who comes in
contact with you. Yours Is an influ-
ence no one seems able to resist, You
robbed me Of my right to think. Ever
since I was old enough to think you
have thought for me; ever since was
old enough to choose you have chosen
for me. You have chosen that should
marry Kate Roberts. That is the one
thing I wished to speak to you about.
The marriage is impossible.''
Ryder senior half sprang from bis
seat.
49," he said sternly, ''this is your
latest act OF rebellion, is it? You are
going to welsh on your word? You
are going to jilt the grip
II never gave my word" answered
Jefferson hotly. Nor did Kate under
stand that an engagement existed.
You can't expect me to marry girl
don't care a straw about It would not
be fair to her."
"Don't be fool, jeff. I don't want
to think for you or to choose for you or
to marry for you. did not interfere
when you threw up the position I
made for you In the Trading company
and took that studio. I realized that
you were restless under the harness,
so I gave you plenty of rein. But I
know so much better than you what is
best for you. Believe me I do. Don't
don't be obstinate. This marriage
means great deal to my interests
to your interests. Kate's father is all
powerful in the senate. He'll never
forgive this disappointment Hang 1T
all, you liked the girl once, and made
sure that
He stopped suddenly, and the express
sion on his face changed as a new
light dawned upon him.
ut isn't that Rossmore girl, is ltp'' he
demanded. His face grew dark, and
his jaw clicked as he said between his
teeth: II told you some time ago how
felt about her. If I thought that it
was Rossmore's daughter! You know
what's going to happen to him, don't
your
Thus appealed to, Jefferson thought
this was the most favorable oppor-
tunity he would have to redeem his
promise to Shirley. So, little anticipat-
ing the tempest he was about to I'M
chain, he answered:
II am familiar with the charges that
they have trumped up against him.
Needless to say, consider him entire
ly innocent What's more, firmly be-
lieve he is the victim Of a contempt
BILE conspiracy. And I'm going to make
it my business to find out who the
plotters are. I came to ask you to
help me. Will you?"
II will see him hanged first! He has
always opposed me. He has always
dehed my power, and now his daugh-
ter has entrapped my son. So it's her
you want to go to, Ell? Well, can't
make you marry a girl you don't want,
self away on the daughter of a man
who is about to be publicly disgraced,
and I will"
poor old RossmOre!'' said Jefferson
bitterly. IF the history of every flnan-
cial transaction were made known,
how many Of US would escape public
disgrace? Would you?" he cried.
Ryder senior rose, his hands working
dangerously. He made a movement as
If about to advance on his son, but by
a supreme effort he controlled himself
"No, upon my word, it's no use dis
1nheriting you. You wouldn't care
think you'd be glad-on my soul, dor
Then, calming down once more, he
added: Jefferson, give me your word
Of honor that your object in going
away is not to find out this girl and
marry her unknown to me. I don't
mind your losing your heart, but don't
lose your head. Give me your hand
on it,
Jefferson reluctantly held out his
hand.
IF thought that you would marry
that girl unknown to me I'd have Ross
more sent out Of the country, and the
woman too. Listen, boy. This man Is
my enemy, and I show no mercy to
my enemies. There are more reasons
than one why you cannot marry Miss
Rossmore. If she knew one Of them
she would not marry you.''
''What reasons?' demanded Jeffer-
son.
1.-The principal one," said Ryder
slowly and deliberately, and eying his
son keenly as if to, Judge of the effect
of his words, "the principal one is
that it was through my agents that the
demand was made for her fathers i'm
parchment
"Ah," cried Jefferson, then I guess
ed aright!'
Marry Kate or not, as you please,
but want you to stay here" the elder
man said after pause.
Its no use. My mind is made up"
answered, Jefferson decisively.