The Washington herald., 1914-06-14

py = couunuous STecu tAWu oI a1tOuisu-
ing breadth. unprotected by any sort of
fence between 1t and the street.
The sight of his uncle's house was ress-
surins, for 1t betokened undoubted
wealth. from which the instslmsnts he
hoped for might be taken without any
serious diminution of the principal.
He was admitted by a smooth-shaveH
serving man who. on learning bis guest
deferentiaIIy informed him that Mr..
Duplane had not enjoyed his usual
health for some time past, but was now
able to sit up for few hours each day.
He would therefore inquire whether or
not 1t was his pleasure to receive ris-
iters.
The young man was shown into a draw
ing room rather sumptuously furnished,
and he recognized at once that there was
nothing of the anchorite about his uncle.
This tended to encourage him. He felt
as one who meets a kindred spirit. q fell
Iow-sybarite. His uncle's illness was
doubtless the reason Why he had not at
tended the rather sparsely-followed fu-
neral of John Duplane.
These reflections were cut short by the
servants return. Being requested to
"step this way. please" Billy followed
the man into a library. and there for the
first time met his only living relative.
The gentle old man sat in q reclining
chair. with a rug spread over his knees.
II his namesake had been cheered by the
sight of the mansion, he was elated by
his quick observation of its owner. II
ever benignity, generosity, and goodwill
shone from a human countenance 1t was
here. Andrew Duplane was between
sixty and seventy years of age. Every
feature betokened q refined delicacy that
made it impossible to imagine him the
master of a thousand workmen, yet .
second glance indicated. rather than dis
played, a certain frmness about the
mouth ard chin that seemed at variance
with the kindly, sympathetic blue eyes.
The old man greeted his nephew with
subdued cordiaiity. begging permission to
remain seated on account Of his recent
indisposition.
Il hope it was nothing serious. $" nur-
INJURED the younger Duplane.
"Oh, no; 1t kept me in bed for q week,
and has since confined me to the house.
My doctor refused to allow the journey
to Chicago had meditated making; 9TH
erwise should have enjoyed the pleasure
Of meeting you before today. hope to
be out and about in a short time now.
and il can be Of any help to you in the
settling Of your fathers estate ] beg
that you will command me-"
There is no estate to settle" said
Billy dolefully
That is very unfortunate" said hts
uncle, in gentle coincidence. When do
You return to ChicagoT'
II don't return. I hope never to see
the place again"
"Oh. supposed you were in your faith
er's business-his partner. perhaps. or at
least his assistant
Even il I had been, there is nothing
to return to but a wreck"
"A clever or a skilful man may often |
recover salvage from a wreck"
mot in such a case as this, uncle. Be- {!
sides, knew nothing about my fathers |
business; less. probably, than you do for |
l was never in his confidence"
Neither was l." rejoined Andrew Du-
plane. He called upon me once for
which 1 was unable, or perhaps
should say unwilling. to provide. 1 am,
In every sense Of the word, one of those !
who stick to their lasts. Ny
growing boot-and-shoe factory needed all
the capital 1 could command. II you
were not associated with your father,
how have you employed your timer?
II am a senior at Harvard University"
But what is your object? To what
end are you studying?''
II expect to win a degree"
"A degree, as understand 1t, is mere
~ a piece of parchment. certifying that
you have finished your course and passed
certain examinations. Having attained
nave been through the law school. per-
naps?"
Billy showed signs of uneasiness He
lid not at all like the trend the conversa-
ion had taken. 1t embodied the evils of
hose college examinations which had
frequently called forth his impatient dis
To his fancy the firmness
II the lower part of his uncles face was
,ather overcoming the benevolent feat
Tres Of the upper portion.
mo, I have never studied law" said
Billy. THE degree am after is an NJ. A."
And Of what art will you be master
when you receive it?''
ng. then pondered for a few moments,
Isking himself of what he would be mas
er when all was said and done. Finally
| half-humorous smile hovered about his
ips as he began to realize his educational
limitations. He had never been brought
ace to face with them before. Harvard
nay be a seat of learning, but Billy had
lot sat in it to any great extent.
His eyes had been downcast, but now,
when he looked up. he thought he detect
d the vague glimmer of a smile hovering
bout his uncle's lips, and he formed the
witt conclusion that the old man had,
.fter all, some faint perception Of humor.
This hurried estimate served to vitalizen
lis waning hope. Perhaps the shoemaker