The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1918-02-22
HIS DAD
BY AGNES e. BRoCAN.

Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union,
When Elsie's Aauce entered the room
that evening, she looked up in vague
apprehension, for Jacks usually sun
ny face, was clouded by a deep fur
rowed frown. |
'What is 1t, dear?' she asked and !
he answered her, pacing about rest |
lessly.
Its Dad, he said. 81 told him to- |
night that we were to be married, and
he put up the usual fuss. I'm tired
of it, Elsie surely his seltishness has
barred our happiness too long. One
must have consideration for i'll health
and overweight nerves, but when
this is coupled with stubborn unreal
sonableness I've got to take things into
my own hands, He insisted that l
choose between you two--and I've
ch9sen-that's all. The affair ended
in Dads threat to enter sanitariuIn,
to which retreat he says my cruelty
has driven him. He is decided upon
the point that no daughter-in-law-'n
fault-finding, debating daughter-in-
law believe were his words-shall
ever enter HIS uOIIit- ne Is cquuiiy ut-
termined not to be living in suffer
ance' as he expressed it, in his sons
home SO there lies the parting of
the ways"
Jack dropped into chair. cts a
probleln, Elsie" he said YEARLY. mo
hired nurse or attendant has been able
to put up with Dad for more than two
Il Nd no oh tc
in my mind, more or less imagination,
and temper"
The girl sat gazing silently at her
folded hands, and the flashing ring of
her betrothal. Jackie" she said at
length, perhaps that sanitarium idea
of your fathers is good one after
all-they do effect wonderful cures.
There is pleasant 'healthorium'
upon the hill. Why not agree to it for
month or so of trial? We could
postpone our marriage for month,
dear"
SO it happened that John Citrate,
ST., was installed in a large CHEEKY
room in the notwithstanding home at the
top of the hill. And here, where fret
full orders were of common occurrence,
frightened attendants did not always
rush to do his bidding. Neither did
the attendants leave in huff, but
smilingly unmoved, went about their
duties. 1t was when the pert-faced
nurse with the firm chin had dared
bring his egg-nog ten minutes late
that Citrate, ST., sent for the physician
in charge.
''Disgusting negligence" he fumed,
'if you have in the building a nurse
who is not impudence itself, send her
to me-"
DR.. Mary Wilson considered. miss
Earle is at least punctual," she said
thoughtfully, and presently Miss Earle
reported for duty. Her appearance
was undoubtedly prepossessing, and
her voice promisingly low and sub.
Inissive. Her constant bright, gooc
nature would have infected any one
but this adamant patient, and finally
1t won from even him grudging
smile.
"Pretty happy, aren't your he asked
one day.
always happy" she answered
promptly. 'Have to be, the other sort
of thing doesn't pay" She cast back
laughing glance at him. Happiness
like patience, can be acquired" she
said.
"I-wonder," the old man unused.
The nurse tapped her soft hair
Living example," she replied.
The egg-nogs were always on time
now, also. they were just right. Miss
Earle had a disquieting and battling
way of slipping quietly out of his room
during tyrannical outburst, limo
Gently returning later, low SOM
upon her lips, sympathetic concern II
her violent eyes The miracle hat
happened. John Citrate, the master
full, had found his superior" and hi
admiration was unbounded. Mixet
with the admiration was strange ant
long-lost affection. years ago he hat
known the loss of little daughter
something of the old protective ten
derness for the child, evidenced itsel
now, for the faithful young nurse.
"You are alone In the world?" h
asked
"Aione, since my own dear fathe
died." she answered.
A rosy flush crept to the roots OF he
hair. But now l am hoping for
home of my own. Some one, oh +! s
good and true, to care for me. Som
one to make happy. Would you Xix
to tell you all about it?"
"Please," said the patient, he wa
feeling unaccountably old again, ole
deserted, and, alone. So the girl cam
and sat down by his chair and til
freight In the big CHEEKY room shon
back upon their faces. When she ha
finished Jshn Citrate, ST., reached OF
fumbling hand and closed it owe
hers.
IF you will forgive a selfish oil
man." he said, land If / may call 70
daughter, / will try to learn tht
achievement of happiness you spok
f-and-patience."
In the doorway doomed tall fgur