Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-10-02

he preferred TO remain quietly with me
land the children. Robert was still very
busy-so he claimed-but he came home
every nightto dinner and often ran
lup to luncheon. Then, too, he remain
leo with us every evening during their
lstay.
Fathers belated appreciation of Rob-
ert's business ability, always a sore
point with me, and both his and Helen's
devotion to the children, made me very
happy But strange as 1T may seem
what made me happiest of ali was Rob
ert's remaining with us, giving us--me,
so much of his time; and saying moth
ing of engagements, or business COM
polling him to absent himself.
But, as always, when he remained
al home when we had guests, l wonder
ed if his plea of business, his engage
ments-when we were by ourselves
vas not simply an excuse.
Father stayed at home with me one
morning while Helen took the children
out in the car. She was a good driver.
so had no hesitation IN trusting my
babies with her. 1t was the first and
only time father and l had been alone;
the only chance we had had for a con-
fidential chat
81 am very glad to see that Robert
! is getting on his feet" he commenced.
He has happily disappointed me.
didn't think ii was in him, that he ever
would make a business man in spite
of Bruce's faith in him. And"
Getting on his feet" l interrupted,
Laughing. 81 think he's already stand
ing pretty firmly on them, if I'm any
Judge"
HE has made an excellent begin
ming" father went on not at all perturb-
ed by my interruption, but he is still
young If he has the requisite deter
mination he can accomplish much. L
understand from his conversation, that
there are good openings in this district
for a clever lawyer; many chances, some
of them political for preferment."
YES / believe all that is so, but
ould rather have him at home more,
and not have him get on so fast!'
exclaimed. We are very comfortable
row. and while we are not rich vet,
we certainly do not lack for anything"
Robert is at home much more than
most business men," he returned rath-
or severely, showing plainly he did not
like my attitude. I'VE have been here
about ten days and he hasn't been from
home excepting through business hours.
He has even been home to luncheon
several times. which l consider quite
extraordinary | know l never was
able to do such things at his age"
"Oh. that is because you are here"
. FASTENED to assure him. Robert
Iuever-or scarcely ever--comes home to
luncheon. He is doing that in your
honor And often he does not come
home TO dinner when we are alone"
We'll, while / enjoy his society and
like 10 visit with him. 1 wouldn't have
/ kim neglect his business on my ac-
count. I shall tell him so. Business
! first. should be every young mans
motto"
ooh. please DON'T" exclaimed. You
may be sure he has no pressing bust
ness Just now or he wouldn't come,
and"-I was going to add, II do so
. owe to have him, but caught myself
Just in time Such a plea would have
70 wei-ht with father. He never would
think OF accepting e as q good reason
Iyhy Robert should leave his business.
At times curing his visit l had been
liempted 20 yell father how miSerably
lonely and unhappy I was because Rob
- left me alone so much. But saw
that II would do 70 real good, ana
night make father feel unpleasant 70
ward one or both of Us. His would oe
simply the business mans point of
view. not the fathers: so once more
II determined % keep my unhappiness
Ito myself.
was so glad in the years which
came after that I had.
IL shall start Betty a bank account
when I return home" he said. land
shall give her the same as l do Bruce.
Helen saws Il ISN'T fair to show par
l;iality. So will deposit a hundred
dollars OF each birthday for her. She
ma, not want 20 go to college. but
she will find some use for 4, I'll wager
You have Helen 10 thank for it. |
rather think Betty is her favorite.
knew Bruce was fathers, and while
lhe loved my dainty little girl she did
mot appeal 10 him as did sturdy, lnde-
ccnGent Bruce.
THAT was levely in Helen and il
you." ] .old him. But she is always
sweet ana kind In every way
l 4 am glad that you feel that way
lat last. Margaret. / have always
lknown her beautiful character
81 know, father. And 7 always feel
ashamed, and like continually begging
liner pardon when ] think how little
pains I took to know and like her. 1
/ -uess most stepmothers are better than
hey are given credit for being. I just
| radc up my mind I wouldn't like her,
land | didn't until by her sweetness she
| ,Cmpelled me"
"There she comes now father eX-
aimed and started to assist her and
| he children. 1--WE will finish our talk
4 seer, Margaret l had some things
particularly wanted to say to YOU"