The Press., 1915-03-31

II. IL! eXplOueu tne idIIef. DO you think came over here with my daugh- ter to make fool of myself?"
 T-l-renlly. beg your pardon" stammered Smith. But naturally ] thought you knew when your own MT. Curtis paid the note"
 Its all right. Mr. Smith," muttered Johnson. stroking his brow. Come. Edna. let us gO."
 Johnson was still nervously clutching his daughters hand as they passed through the outer offices of the Acme Johnson Grocery company.
 Just before he ushered the girl into the private office he ordered the office boy to send in Mir. Curtis at once. The culprit entered with his usual placid air.
 Hear anything about the Warden note:" asked Johnson leadingly.
 "Yes. sir" replied Curtis dryly. 'The note has been paid"
 "Oh. it has. has it:' asked the chief sarastically. How do you know that since you haven't been to the bank to duy?"
 The smile on the confidential young man's face was serene.
 I've been at the bank. MT. .IOhnson, he said calmly Il went there for the purpose of paying the Marden note"
 And you paid it?"
 "I paid it.
 "You paid it." repeated Johnson. Tiled by the others nonchalance We know you paid 1t. but why? You-1n heavens name. Why did you pay 1t? There is something behind all this and want to know il"
 "There is a great deal behind it. Mir Johnson" admitted Curtis cneerfully My life's happiness is behind 1t Grace Warden has promised to become my wife"
 And you thought you would do a very wise thing by paying her fathers note? demanded Johnson.
 .T thought so." replied the young man with just the slightest note of doubt in his voice. The elder man turned abruptly to his desk.
 'I am sure." soothed his daughter, that you are to be congratulated. MT Curtis. And your paying the note was very noble act.
 ''Thank you." replied Curtis sheep ishly as he took the dainty hand she had extended.
 Ungallantly and ungratefully. he wished the radiant young woman showering him with appreciation would suffer him to get away or-bet- ter yet-would depart herself and leave him to have it out with her imperious, heartless father alone.
 But suddenly Johnson rose to his feet. The young assistants worried expression gave way to triumphant grin at sight of the changed counte- nance of his chief. for the good. old fighting gleam shone in those eyes once more. Johnson handed the young man a check he had written.
 Now. listen here, Curt" he said sharply Curtis knew the tone and hearkened attentiyely. 'This is an or der. and if it isn't carried out to the letter I'll fire you" Johnson's gray eyes softened as he continued: Curt you have put your good self in a fix. Bully Johns daughter is too proud to stand for what you have just done Don't I know the girl? Now. boy, you go over to the bank and stop that fool deal you just made. Now. you listen to mer' as Curtis made gesture of protest Listen to sense. will you. even if you are in love! You go over to the bank and do as say. Then you come back here with that abominable note And then it's my move. I'll write Warden letter. agreeing to ex- tend that internal note of his another four months. I'll tell him-er-any- thing-changed my mind or something. Well. never mind what l tell him; that's none of your business nor." turning to his daughter. who had laughed audibly. ''any of yours either. madam. That saves the girls pride and relieves the old mans anxiety. Now. listen to me. you two-two-well never mind" for Edna had laughed ir reverently again. II want you to know this much. pay the $5.O0O-do you get that? I-Glenwish Johnson-and no other living man. or woman either: Now. Curt. scoot"
 Curtis having "scooted." father and daughter faced each other with new and better understanding.
 'I am so proud of you" she mur- mured. Glen Johnson caught the tears in her voice even before he saw them on her cheeks.
 You mustn't cry about it, girlie." he said tenderly.
 But she did cry about it. while her happy father held her very close to his breast. for he knew that every tear she shed was a token of her new love and reverence for himself.
 A Look Ahead.
 Simon had inst Daid A long della we'd