Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1913-01-10
CHAPTER v.

There was change in the Ffrench
Affairs. tightening of the atmos.
phere, a vague quickening and stir Of
healthful cheer in the days that fol-
lowed The somber master Of the
house met 1t in Bailey's undisguised
slation and pride when they discussed
the successful business now taxing the
factory's resources. met 1t yet again
IN Emily's pretty gaiety and content
But most strikingly was he confronted
with an alteration in Dick
1t was only a week after his first
morning ride with Lestrange, that
Dick electrified the company at din
ner, by turning down the glass at his
plate
I've cut out claret, and that sort Of
thing" he announced. Its bad for
the nerves."
His three companions looked up in
complete astonishment It was Satur-
day night and by ancient custom Bal
Icy was dining at the house.
What has happened to you? Have
you been attending revival meet
ing?" the young mans uncle inquired
with sarcasm
Its bad for the nerves." repeated
Dick. There isn't any reason why
shouldn't like to do anything other
fellows do. Les-that Is. none Of the
men who drive cars ever touch that
stun. and look at their nerve"
Mr.. Ffrench contemplated him with
the irritation usually produced by the
display Of ostentatious virtue, but
found no comment Emily gazed at
the table. her red mouth curving in
spite Of all effort at seriousness
You're right. Mr.. Dick" said Bal
ley dryly. stick to It,"
And Dick stuck. without as much
as single lapse Ffrenchwood saw
comparatively little OF him. as time
went on. the village and factory
much. He lost some weight. and &C
Quired coat Of reddish tan.
Emily watched and admired in ST.
lence She had not seen Lestrange
again, but 1t seemed to her that his
influence overlay all the life Of both
house and factory. Sometimes this
showed 30 plainly that she believed
Mr.. Ffrench must see. must feel the
silent force at work. But either he
did not see or chose to ignore. And
Dick was .incautious.
I'm going to buy one Of our road
sters myself" he stated one day. Can
have 1t at cost?"
Mr.. Ffrench felt for his pince,nez
you? Why do you not use the
limousine?"
Because don't want to go around
IN box driven by chauffeur want
classy car to run myself. I've been
driving some Of the stripped cars.
lately, and like It."
II will give you car, II you want
one" answered his uncle. quite kind.
ly. go select any you prsfer."
"Thank you." Dick sat up. beaming.
"But I'll have to walt my turn. we've
orders ahead now. Lestrange says
I've no right to come in and make
some other fellow wait"
Mr.. Ffrench slowly stinened.
"We do not require lessons in ethics
from this Lestrange." was the cold re-
buke. II shall telephone Bailey to
send up your car at once"
Rupert brought the sixty-horse-pow.
er roadster to the door, three hours
later. And Emily appreciated that Le-
strange was discreet as we'll as com.
pelling. when she found the black.
eyed young mechanician was detailed
to accompany Dicks maiden trips;
which duty was fulfilled, incidentally,
with the fine tact of Richelieu.
In May there was still greater 40
cession Of work at the factory. In ad.
dition, the first Of June was to open
with twenty-four hour race at Beach
track, and Lestrange was entered for
1t. Excitement was in the air; Dick
came in the house only to eat and
sleep