Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1912-08-07
Son and Heir

Wnen paoy is AT tnat crumpled, red
dish stage which indicates that its age
is still reckoning in days all that any
father ever does is to brag at a safe
distance. He would be exceedingly
bored by any closer companionship
with his progeny.
This spring, however, Sallyer felt
that Robert. Jr.. really was approach
ing grown-up stage. He could walk.
He could make noises that sounded
almost like words. He could smile in
diligently. Hence Sallyer felt that
Robert. Jr.. had developed into a son
who was quite human being and en-
tirely worthy OF introduction into in.
telligent circles.
why not let me take the kid out
to the club?" Salyer asked his wife
on a recent Saturday afternoon. 81
want to show him to the fellows. oh.
of course he'll be good-and won't
stay long. It'll give you a chance to
get little rest, too"
IT'S a perfectly crazy ideal" de-
clared Sallyer's wife. What do they
care about babies at golf club? They
want to play golf,'
Il guess II won't hurt 'em to look
at my SOM" declared Sallyer. fatu-
ously. They're always shouting about
their kids. 1 want to show 'em a real
boy"
Sallyer and his son created all the
interest that Sallyer had hoped for.
They arrived about O'Clock when
the verandas were we'll filled and
there was rush to see the baby. who
was exceedingly sporty in his new
spring clothes. The men shook hands
with him gravely and he bore him
self with ee1aA gravity, greatly to his
fathers delight. When the several
women began to COO over him Sallyer
withdrew to the company OF the men
and beamed.
Chief among the enthusiastic femi-
nine admirers Of Robert. Jr. was Miss
Quigley. Sallyer grinned a bit when
he observed her lift the baby upon
her knee. for he felt that Miss Quig-
ley was making a grand stand play
and was not above getting solid even
with the juvenile members OF the Sail
yer family. 1t was well known that
she had her eye upon Sallyer's broth
er. Bob. Beyond the fact that she
could play a disgustingly good game
= golf, Sallyer admitted that he
couldn't object to Miss Quigley as a
sister-in-law, though as a rule 1t did
not do for woman in a family to
outshine the men in any line She
doubtless was waiting for Bob now.
Sallyer turned to greet an acquain-
lance. Five minutes later he was deep
in discussion OF the virtues OF a new
bail. Ten minutes later he had fu-
riously accepted a challenge to
game to prove his contention. Fifteen
minutes later he was teeing off at the
first hole with energy and absorption.
1t was hotly contested game. At
its finish Sallyer and his opponent
found their argument still undecided.
so they played another round. 1t was
a glorious afternoon and they idled
over the course when I can drink
In air like this" Sallyer said every
little while. at makes me feel that
life is really worth livingi"
After he had finished playing Sail
yer and a group of men strolled into
a clump of apple trees and smoked
and then simultaneously sighed and
arose, for they must catch the $50
train. Beaming. flushed with exercise
and general happiness, Sallyer tramp
ed into the clubhouse. AS he passed
the big living room door shrill. angry
yells smote his ear. Something at the
back OF his brain was disturbed. but
not till he had walked straight by a
little group in the window did some
dim thought put the brakes on Sail
yer's feet.
He blinked a moment at the tableau
OF Miss Quigley with Robert, Jr. in
her arms before he comprehended
Miss Quigley was flushed, disheveled
awry, angry Robert, Jr., struggling in
her grasp, was furious. An unpreiu
diced person might have said that at
one particularly vicious yell of Robert
Jr's, Miss Quigley shook him.
Great snakes!" gasped Sallyer "a
he comprehended. 81 forgot forgot
all about his being here"
Il should think you had" Miss
Quigley assured him. "He seems a
very active child. / never worked so
hard in my lie as I have since .
o'clock. And your wife has telephoned
five times for you!"
She added this as though reioiced
TO know that retribution awaited Sail. |
yer at the other end Of the line.
Say" Sallyer begged. I'm scared
Come on home with me and help tenn.
per the atmosphere when l arrive.
fancy Bob will drop In for dinner
since he isn't out here!"
Well" said Miss Quigley, you de-
serve all you are going to get-but