The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1917-09-27
David'S
Mistake
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Copyright, by w. G.. Chapman.)
BY Katherine Howe

''It's no use, mother! I wasn't cut
out for diplomat!''
The young man, who was strong Of
limb, well knit and athletic, looked
straight out Of pair of clear brown
eyes at the beautifully gowned, aristo-
cratic woman in the easy chair before
him. Her face was drawn in frown
of perplexity and displeasure. The
duckling was making for the water,
and the mother hen was trying to con-
vince him Of the unreasonableness Of
his course. M
"You know, David, that has always
been my wish. For that end you have
been educated and grounded in the
European languages"
'Don't think Pm ungrateful, mother,
for all you have done for me. I am
glad know the languages. They will
always be useful to me- But you know
I don't care for that life-the life at
courts, the scheming and deception of
diplomatic relations. It seems to me
they are mostly trying to see which one
can lie the most successfully"
David Holden!' was the Mortified
exclamation. "How can you say such
a thing? 1t seems to me there Is no
more dignified or worthwhile thing to
do in the world than to help conduct
the affairs Of great nations"
"That would be true" he answered,
"if they all held to the high standards
Of truth and justice. But when
treaties between nations are worthless
paper, and they must needs resort to
murder to get their will, it would seem
that the business of diplomatic rela-
TONS was about as useful and 'digni-
fed as umpiring dog fight"
Poor Mrs. Holden's horror was deep
ening.
II can't imagine where you got such
| dreadful IDEAS" she sighed, "unless
you've been going with some of those
vile anarchists
NO." he answered. 81 haven't been
going with anarchists. But a good
many people who are watching and
| thinking believe that. But even admit
ting that diplomatic position is high
| and honorable, and sometimes it is, I
am not fitted for it. 1 have always
told you I wanted to be out in the
open. I would like to build bridges
and railroads. want to be a civil en-
gineer."
Yes, I know. But I thought you
would get over that idea, and be guided
little by my wishes. You know what
tremendous advantage my position
here gives you. Do you know of any
other American woman who is on such
terms as I am with ruling royal
family, even the king and queen of an
important nation?"
''That is true, mother. I appreciate
all that. In the public eye I might
reflect some credit on you, but the
chances are wouldn't. I'd rather be
less distinguished, and do the thing
want"
Does Dorothy know of this wild
Idea of yours?"
The young mans face took on a
troubled, perplexed look.
mo-" he said, Il think not. I want
ed first to talk it over with you"
"She thinks you will get the appoint
ment Of attache. I know she is build
Ing on that. And when everything is
settled you can be married.
eyes," he admitted, 81 suppose it will
be something of a disappointment to
Dorothy"
'Something!" echoed his mother
with emphasis. 'Do you suppose a girl
like Dorothy Fuller, practically
brought up in the diplomatic set, used
to the most cultured society, would
think of going off into all kinds Of
places, and assOciating with all kinds
Of people?"
II supposed Dorothy was marrying
me-not the social set. Maybe that's
some egotism-but I think she's the
right sort. was telling Doris Gould
about my ambitions, and she thought
civil engineering was one of the man
lest things a fellow could do"
$50 you confided in Doris before you
did In your fiancee?" was the sarcastic.
reply.
"Oh, 1t wasn't exactly 'confiding.'
Doris is so chummS and sympathetic
fellow just naturally tells her things,
that's ALL"
"Well, Doris father being first Sec
rotary of the legation from the United
States, she's likely to stay here some
time, and even If she does give you
such fine advice, don't believe she
would be any quicker than Dorothy to
follow you if you took it."
perhaps not" said David. 81 wasn't
thinking of her in that light"
II he could have seen Doris at that
very minute, he might have been in
tensely surprised to find that she was
thinking of him ''in that light" or
rather she was trying not to think of
|