The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1916-06-13

OF his poor business affairs, that Rob-
ert sat down to read over the two let
tiers his father had given him.
One was from James Laidlaw and it
read: Il shall be willing to practically
adopt you, but want to state the situa-
ton clearly at the start SO there are no
afterclaps. have acquired a fortune
and my high position In life by fol-
lowing a system. If you come to me,
! shall expect you to accept and live up
to its conditions. You are old enough
to have done with the follies of youth,
and my disposition Is such that at the
evidence Of any delinquency or short
comings on your part l would dismiss
you promptly"
Rich, but selfish, as father has often
told me- unused Robert over this cold
formal epistle, and then his face bright
ened as he perused the second letter.
Il am lonely old bachelor" wrote
Uncle Henry, but not so old or per-
verified that do not realize that If you
are live, up-to-date young man we
shall have famous time together 1t
will do me good to have q general
shake-up through such companionship
as am sure yours will be. / under
stand that Brother James is also bid
ding for you. Well, he has the rocks,
and If you come with me you will have
to work, but I'll be your good friend
If you stick to me-"
In one moment Robert Laidlaw made
his decision. He wrote note to I'm
Gle James thanking him for his kind
ness, but declining to make his home
with him. He indited second to I'm
Gle Henry, also thanking him and an
nouncing his intention of accepting
his kind offer.
All that Robert fancied this latter
relative to be he found him-a jolly,
careless old man living in an antiquat-
ed mansion, reputed wealthy, but per-
sonally insisting that his means were
as dime to double eagle compared
with the massive riches of Brother
James. From the start Robert felt
that his life had fallen in pleasant
places. He started out on his own
initiative to find work the third day
after his arrival.
I've found employment, Uncle Hen
ry," he announced that evening.
Have, hey?" remarked his relative
with a quizzical CLEAN in his kindly
old eyes-"what line, now?"
Down at the steel plant"
You don't mean common labor
ing?"
About that. See here, uncle, my
bent at college was along mechanical
engineering lines and I've made up my
mind to learn all there is about metals
and construction from the ground up"
1t was not all work and no play with
Robert. Uncle Henry never talked OF
his riches, but Robert learned that he
was regarded as a substantial man in
a capital way. Besides his possible
wealth, however, his long honorable
standing in the community had made
him respected, and the old man was
in fact listed with the aristocracy OF
the town.
He introduced Robert among good
people. There was calculating ex-
preston in the wise eyes of Mr.. Laid
law after he had spent an evening
with the Carringtons.
Social leaders, my boy!" he OBJ
served. "And that queenly Helenal
How did she strike your"
Gold as ice," replied Robert with
a slight laugh, none of the genial
warmth of soul of some modest yet
gentle-hearted girl like"
"Eh!" started Uncle Henry, as Rob-
ert paused and flushed.
"Oh! like those natural friendly
girls in the Office Of the plant" con-
cluded Robert, generalizing.
Your lofty Miss Darlington cut me
dead today, uncle" reported Robert,
later in the same week.
"Oh, you must be Mistaken remon-
strated Mr.. Laidlaw.
Not at all, it was palpable and
meant. You see, l had my working
clothes on and the CRIME Of honest
labor shocked her sensitive spirit"
"Hm!" muttered the old man
thoughtfully, and then he went to his
lawyer. See here, Hunter" he began
to the attorney, Pm doing that boy a
wrong"
"In what way?" was the pertinent
query.
Mr.. Laidlaw narrated his story of the
disadvantages of mental employment
In the eyes of the higher social set"
He further deplored the arduous labor
which was hardening the hands of his
protege, the slow promise of final ad-
vancement. The lawyer chuckled.
Tired OF the program. Ell. already
that laid out to make real man Of
your nephew" he challenged. What
you want to do-rear him in the lap
Of luxury and spoil him?"