Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-12-08


ture had shown such profit that he
began to pile up small bank account
In spite Of himself; so he bought an
automobile which served to eat up any
monthly profits and guarantee deficit
under the most favorable crcum-
stances. Being thus relieved Of fnan.
clal uncertainty. he laid plans to wrest
from Kurtz full partnership in the
tailoring business itself.
The Whartons' new home was charm
ing, and Bob provided his wife with
every luxury. Lorelel did not regret
that she was prevented from going out
as much as formerly-her experience
at Fennellcourt had cured her Of any
desire to get into her husbands social
set-and unconsclously she and Bob
began to develop real home life
As time went on and evidences Of
prosperity showed themselves l.orelei's
family forgot some of their dislike Of
Bob and became more companionabe
Strangely enough. too, their cost Of liv-
ing increased in proportion TO their
frlpndiness: but Bob never questioned
any amount they asked him for, and
he swelled their allowance with char.
acterlstic prodigaity.
Lorelel was proud OF him, rs she
had reason to be. but she had occasion
for sorrow az well. His generosity was
really big his pagan Joyousness ban
ished shadows. but he was intensely
human In his faillngs. and in spite Of
his determination to stop drinking, in
spite of all his earnest promises. the
Old appetite periodically betrayed him
For month for two months at
time. he would manfully fight hs de-
Sires, then without excuse, without
cause, lust when he was boastng loud
est Of his victory. lie would fall AMI
yet drinking did not brutaize him ~
1t does most men, he never became dis
gushing; liquor intoxicated him hut
less In body than In spirit His re-
pentance followed promptly. his cha
grin was intense. aud his fear OF ore
lei almost ludicrous. But the girl had
acquired a wider charity. gentler pa
'ience; she gricved she tried to help
him. md his frallty endeared him to
her Love had been slow to awaken:
aware OF its birth: but suddenly she
had found II Towering In her soul. and
now Il hourished the more as that other
interest intensified and began to domi-
nate her
Bob responded to all her efforts save
one she could not make him serious
On the whole, however. they were
more happy than they had ever been.
one day. during the slack holiday
season, Hannibal Wharton appeared at
the Kurtz establishment. He ap
praised the elaborate surroundings with
hostile eye and stared at his son
impasslvely
80! You're senmstress now" he
began ana Rob grinncd, "Merkle told
me yon repaid bis loan and had an au-
tomoble,"
That's true
Secondhand car"
mo"
How much do you owe?"
"Nothins. eTSS1: s3- st,'s
"Stock! What do you mean"
"Kurtz and are partners in one end
OF this business.
"I'l be damned" brcathed Mr..
Wharton Then he inquired. curlously,
"Do you like this work."
ITS not what prefer, still there
is a margin Of profit"
Huh. | should think SO, at ninety
dollars n suit Well, this town is full
of fools"
Bob agreed But we dress 'em bet
ter than they do In Pittsburgh"
After moments consideration Han
n!bal said slowly: Mothers at the
Waldorf she wants to see you. You've
lust about broken her heart. Bob"
Were not going out much, but per
hans we could call on her"
1--WE" said she wants to see
you"
"And not my wife,"
Certainly not. Neither do |. You
don't seem TO understand
Bob answered smoothly: Certainly
understand; you think ninety dollars
Is too much for a suit Perhaps | can
show YOU something In scarfs OF al
exclusive design"
Don't be funny" growed his ia
Their
Really. dad, you'd better 90. Tha'
suit of yours is a sight Somebody
may think we made 1t for you.
Mr. Wharton remained silent for q
n,nmnnt "tIha situn tinn IL imDos Stblp