The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-09-01
CHAPTER XII.
Two Interviews.

Francis Willett was doing rather
well, Mr.. Stacey told the young mans
father. He was faithful, ambitious,
prompt. His employer wanted to trust
him even more than he did. But there
was drawback
That boy of yours" said Stacey.
'..is as bright as they make em. He
has the commercial instinct"
Look here. Stacey" said Willett.
eff you think so well of the boy. |
could buy block of your stock. and
Francis could be my personal repre-
sentative on your board. 1t would be
a great thing for the boy, and he'd see
something substantial coming to him
in the future"
'.That's good proposition, john
said Stacey, except for one thing: and
that's what I'm here to see you about"
'Well?" Somehow Willett felt a
queer little dread before Stacey spoke
again
I'm tell you, John. That boy of
yours is too fond of--well-er -" Sta
cey made significant gesture.
"But he's living at home, Stacey.
should know it, I'm sure
"Don't fool yourself-or. rather.
don't let Francis fool you. He's fallen
in with crowd who go to the Waldo
mere to lunch every day. and when he
comes in for his afternoon work.. /
notice it. Lord love you, he'd be as
surprised as anybody if he knew. |
suspected. But, John. he's only boy.
and he's forming habit that may
do him tremendous harm. If he could
be made to promise to quit. and stick
to it for reasonable length of time
I'd entertain that proposition of yours
mighty quick
STACEY. what do you advise? I'm
at my wits end. I'm afraid III do or
say the wrong thing. Boys are so
touchy. and l might tip over the apple
cart. tell you, it's terrible situa-
ton"
wait minute, John There's some
thing else haven't told you 1t may
make difference. He's got girl"
"a girl? You mean"
"In the glove department-a little
beauty. The boy is fairly wild about
her, | catch him down there two or
three times week. In fact, had
to caution him only yesterday. | can't
have him neglecting business for a
salesgirl Last winter-T guess it was
in January-he borrowed my new
French runabout and took her riding.
She lives out Hillside Falls way. /
tell you. John, she's beauty. Only.
of course, she's rather humble"
rs her name Brown?"
II believe so. Mary, | think" I.
'.Mary Alice. I've known her since
she was little girl, and a smarter
child never lived. wonder If she's
| as bright now?"
81 understand she's one of our best
salesgirls"
.'Mary Alice, Mary Alice" repeated
John Willett. sWhat If | wonder
what his mother'd say
81 should think she'd be rather up.
set. She's an aristocratic woman. your
wife,
Stacey, you know aristocracy goes
a precious little way with me- This
girl saved my boy once. wonder If
we can't get her to help US save him
| again"
~She ought to be willing; he's a line
fellow But if"
IF what Stacey?"
81 was thinking OF the girls own
happiness. You know how it is. almost
always. when a woman marries man
to reform him. 1t doesn't work"
'.All right, then: let her reform him
before she marries him. tell you.
Stacey. if-he wants that girl and can
help him get her. he shall have her.
provided he quits this foolishness. I'll
settle it with Mrs. Willett. Now tell
you what. You send Mary Alice Brown
to see me, right here in this office. VIII
you do it?'
81 most assuredIy will, John. You
can depend OH It,"
That afternoon Mr. Stacey--the Mr..
Staeey-the merchant prince and all