Putnam patriot., 1911-12-15
'mily laughed out involuntarily. sur.

Emily laughed out involuntarily. sur. prised.
 q beg pardon" she at once apolo- gized, but it sounded so frivolous |"
 If you try this man, you had bet ter keep that nickname out of the fac tory" MT. French advised stifly. What respect could the workmen feel for a manager with such a title? If possible, you would do well to pre- vent them from recognizing him as the racing driver"
 Bailey, who had risen at the chime of a clock, halted amazed
 Respect for himl" he echoed. Not recognize him! Why, there isn't a man on the place who wouldn't give his ears to be seen on the same side of the street with Lestrange. let alone 10 work under him. They do read the racing news. That part of it will be lll right, if I can have him."
 "If it is necessary" 'I think it is, sir" Emily moved slightly, pushing back her yellow brown curls under the rib bon that banded them. On a sudden impulse her uncle looked up at her.
 What is your opinion?" he ques- toned '1f Dick had been listening I should have asked his, and I fancy yours is fully as valuable Come, shall We have this racing manager?"
 Astonished, she looked from her uncle to the other man. And per haps it was the real anxiety and sus- pense of Bailey's expression that drew her quick reply.
 Let us, uncle. Since we need him, let us have him."
 Very we'll" said MT. French. You hear, Bailey"
 There was a long silence after the junior partners withdrawal.
 Come where I can see you, Elm ily." her uncle finally demanded. T liked your decided answer few mo- ments ago; you can reason. How long have you been a daughter in my house?"
 "Six years" she responded, obedi- ently moving to a low chair opposite. q was fifteen when you took me from the convent-to make me very, very happy, dear"
 "I sent for you when I sent for Dick. and for the same reason. have tried three times to rear one of my name to fitness to bear it, and each one has failed except you. l wish you were man. Emily; there is work for a French to do."
 When you say that, I wish I were. But-I'm not. I'm not" She flung out her slender, round arms in a gesture of helpless resignation. "Pm not even a strong minded woman who might do instead. Uncle Ethan, may I ask-it was MT. Bailey who made me think my cousin whom I never saw, will he never come home?"
 He voice faltered on the last words, frightened at her own daring. But her uncle answered evenly, if coldly:
 Never"
 "He offended you sop
 His whole life was an offense School, college at home, in each he went wrong At twenty-one he left me and married a woman from the vaudeville stage. It is not of him you are to think Emily, but of a sub stitute for him. For that l designed Dick; once I hoped you would marry him and sober his idleness."
 Please, mo-" she refused gently. T am fond of Dick, but--please, no"
 q am not asking it of you. He is well enough. good boy, not over wise, but not what is needed here. Failed, again; I am not fortunate. There is left only you"
 "Me"
 Her startled dark eyes and his de- termined gray ones met, and so re- mained.
 You, and your husband. Are you going to marry a man who can take my place in this business, in the fac tory and the model village my brother and I built around it; a man whose name will be fit to join with ours and so in fashion preserve it here? Will you wait until such a one is found and will you aid me to find him UT Will you too 1olloW selnsh' Iule i"H cies of your own?"
 ''No," she answered, quite pale. T would not do that. I will try to help.
 You will take up the work the men of your name refuse, you will provide a substitute for them"
 Her earnestness sprang to meet ms strength of will, she leaned nearer Tn her enthusiasm of self-abnegatlon' scarcely understood.
 q will find a substitute or accept yours. I, indeed l will try not to Iaii'
 It was characteristic that he offered neither praise nor caress.
 You have relieved my mind, sala Ethan French. and turned his taee once more to the fire.