The midland journal., 1916-07-14

hated the word charity" vet he was
above all things charitable His heart
was SO tender that it sometimes hurt
him.
A character like that Of John VIII
lett collects friends and followers and
supporters as poppy collects bees.
Rich and poor, good and bad, all had a
good word to say for him. He never
could see any use in having enemies,
when 1t was so much easier and pleas
anter to have friends.
Willett was an ideal family man.
His friends said it was too bad he had
only one child, since he passionately
loved all children and was such a
model father. Little Charlie Thomas
stirred his tenderness and prompted
him to arrange for his old friend, Billy
Jackson. the great specialist, to see
the child. IL Jackson undertook the
case, Thomas would be allowed to
think he was paying the physician for
his services, and any differences be-
tween his customary large fee and the
amount Thomas could afford would
come out of Willett's pocket. Sam
Thomas could thus profit by Willett's
assistance and still hold to his own
self-respect. He thought his wealthy
friend the finest in the world.
Willett's interests were diverse.
Without following any specialized line
of business, he had acquired shares in
a score of enterprises. Thus he was a
power in Sheffield. A pretty valuable
and useful citizen, to be sure; any
city must be fortunate which pos
sesses John Willett.
1t was a foregone conclusion that
John Willett would. use the utmost dis
cretion in picking out preparatory
school for Francis. He studied cata-
logues and wrote letters all summer,
and not until a fortnight before the
beginning of term time did he make
up his mind.
For this beautiful boy he required a
schooling among the sons of an aris-
tocracy, not alone of wealth, but of
breeding. Francis must be surrounded,
shaping Of his manhood as John him
self had endeavored to shape it at
home. Francis had always responded
eagerly to his fathers affection; John
Willett had reaped richly in the respect
and admiration that alone can repay
such a love as his.
Francis, old man." he said, on the
day before the boy would start for
school, "you and father have been good
pals, haven't we?'
"The best ever" replied Francis with
enthusiasm.
Remember IT, went on John Will
lett. "And remember that no matter
ter what success he may achieve, it is
nothing compared with his pride in a
fine son. You are fine son, my boy,
a fine son. could trust you anywhere
to do the right thing, couldn't II"
yes Stree. you could dady'
"Well, then, boy, you are going
away where you will have lot Of
chances to choose between right and
wrong. You won't have mother or me
any more to run to and ask: Shall
do this?' or May do that?' Some
times you will not feel like putting
your problems up to your masters. You
will have to decide for yourself. Do
you realize it?'
''I'll try to, sir" The boy was quite
grave.
''Then perhaps 1t will help you to
draw little picture In your mind of
mother and me, with you standing by
us asking our consent or advice. In
this little picture ask your question,
then try to imagine how we should an
swer it. See what the expression of
our faces tell you; decide just what the
most likely thing will be for US to say.
Isn't that good way?'
Bully, sir; great!''
$50 you see, you can say to yourself
whenever you have to decide what to
do or what not to do: My father has
set me good example. My mother is
as good as gold.'"
"I'll always try to do like you, pop;
honest, 1 WILL"
"You will grow up and be bigger
man and better man than your IA
ther, dear little boy. I expect 1t of
you. am going to be so proud of
you"
Francis threw his arms suddenly
about his fathers neck. Sobbing a lit
tile, he Rugged him close and patted the
bearded cheek, which, oddly enough, he
found little moist.
Thus John Willett did his duty by
his son. And when next day he stood
on the station platform and saw Fran
els white handkerchief fiutter from the
rear door of the diminishing train, he
turned to his wife and said:
1.-THE makings of fine, clean man,
dearest; thank God for him and pray
God to make him all you and l have
planned"
Mary Alice Brown, working happily
ten hours a day in her little armed
turret at StaceyS missed the occasion