The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-11-14


but stilr what?' she said as he
paused.
"But still-well, suppose I'm a
little old-fashioned and fastidious, but
I'm afraid being a sort of engine
driver never will appeal to me,
mother. It's exciting, and I'd like that
part Of it, but still it doesn't seem to
me precisely the thing gentleman
ought to do. Too much overalls and
monkey wrenches and grease! No; /
believe I'd rather wait for September
and tandem. mother"
Nevertheless George sometimes con-
scented to sit in an automobile, while
waiting for September, and he fire.
quently went driving in one of Eu-
genes cars with Lucy and her father.
He even allowed himself to be escort
ed with his mother and Fanny through
the growing factory, which was now,
as the foreman of the paint shop in
formed the visitors, turning out car
and quarter a day."
From the factory Eugene took them
to lunch at a new restaurant, just
opened in the town, place which sur
prised Isabel with its metropolitan
air, and, though George made fun Of
her, in a whisper, she offered every
thing the tribute of pleased exclama-
tons; and her gayety helped Eugene's
to make the little occasion almost a
| festive one.
Georges ennui disappeared in spite
Of himself, and he laughed to see his
mother in such spirits. II didn't know
mineral waters could go to persons
head" he said. 'Or perhaps it's this
place. 1t might pay to have new res
| taurant opened somewhere in town
every time you get the blues"
"No," Isabel said. "what makes me
laugh so much at nothing Is Eugene's
factory. Wouldn't anybody be delight
| ed to see an old friend take an idea
| out Of the air like that-an idea that
most people laughed at him for
wouldn't any old friend Of his be
happy to see how he'd made his idea
into such splendid, .humming thing
as that factory-all shiny steel, click
ing, buzzing away, and with all those
workmen, such muscled-looking men
and yet so intelligent looking? It's
beautiful to see, such thing" she
said. 'It makes us all happy, dear old
Eugene!"
And with brave gesture she
stretched out her hand to him across
the small table. He took it quickly,
giving her a look in which his laughter
| tried to remain but vanished before a
gratitude threatening to become emo
tional in spite Of him. Isabel, how
ever, turned instantly to Fanny. "Give
him your hand, Fanny" she said gay
ly; and "as Fanny mechanically
obeyed, "There!' Isabel cried. "If
brother George were here, Eugene
would have his three Oldest and best
friends congratulating him all at once.
We know what brother George thinks
about it, though. It's just beautiful,
Eugenew
Lucy leaned toward George and
whispered, did you ever see anything
so lovely?"
"As what?" George inquired, not
4 because he misunderstood but be-
cause he wished to prolong the pleas
ant neighborliness of whispering.
"As your mother! Think of her do
| ing that! She's darling! And
| papa"-here she imperfectly repressed
a tendency to laugh-"papa looks as
if he were either going to explode or
utter loud sobs !"
Eugene commanded his features,
however, and they resumed their Gus
tomary apprehensiveness. II used to
write verses" he said-"if you remem-
! ber-''
YES" Isabel interrupted gently. 81
remember"
81 don't recall that I've written any
for twenty years or So" he continued.
"But I'm almost thinking I could do
| it again, to thank you for making a
! factory visit into such a kind cele-
bratiOn."
"Gracious !" Lucy whispered, gig
Cling "Aren't they sentimental"
people that age always are"
George returned. "They get sentiment
tai over anything at all. Factories or
restaurants, it doesn't matter what -
And both of them were seized with
| fits of laughter which they managed
to cover under the general movement
OF departure, as Isabel had risen to 60
Outside upon the crowded street
George helped Lucy into his runabout
and drove off, waving triumphantly
and laughing at Eugene, who was
struggling with the engine of his car,
in the tonneau of which Isabel and
Fanny had established themselves.
"Looks like hand-organ man grind
ing away for pennies" said George. as
the runabout turned the corner into
National avenue. "Ill still take
horse, any day."
He was not so cocksure half an hour
later, on an open road, when a siren
whistle walled behind him, and before
the sound had died AWAY Eugene'S ear