The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1920-07-07
SWIFT REFORM
By OTILLlA F. PFEIFFER
'(CoDyrisht. 1920. western Nevsnans- 11.,o.,

ooSSi0 Ihe sparkle, Jessie the flash
Sne mad been out West with her hus
Dano and would visit for only a week
Out even that was treasured antici.
pated boon to John Dexter and his
wife.
Just think Of it, father, to see the
oear girl again!" spoke Mrs. Dexter
with motherly Tenderness. "Of course
sne has written every week and have
Kept up her letters, but that isn't like
having her all to ourselves under the
old home roof"
shell be welcome as the flowers in
spring, mother" acclaimed John Dex
Ter. Il suppose she's still the sams
OLD Jessie. running the house, bossins
MS 20 her hearts content. hope she
wont get 1t into her head, as she
used to. scolding If l don't shave inst
60 often and combing my hair sor'
- That's because she is like me-
thinks you're very good looking man
and ought to keep So" remarked Mrs
Dexter with an indulgent smile.
Il can't get out of lounging about If
slippers evenings" asserted her hus.
band. "It's pretty comfortable, too
when its warm, to sit in my shir,
sleeves.
"Oh! let the child have her will. II
she insists on some brushing up.'
laughed Mrs. Dexter. "She ENJOYS
having her own way, you know"
IL was the same brisk, animated
Jessie of old who smothered her dear
ones with kisses and caresses the fol.
lowing day, upon her arrival. She had
so much to tell of her new life that
she babbled necessarily. Her father
was glad to realize that she took
thlngs as they were, and enjoyed his
customary, somewhat slovenly comfor,
with happy soul. The second even.
Ing Of her visit, however, while he,
mother was over at a neighbours
! Jessie sat down beside him, care
In her hand, probing CLEAN in he,
Observant eyes.
I'm going to give you a lecture
father" she announced, $50 get ready
TO pay attention. You need perkins
up, and Pm going to help you. I've
made list of some things you need
and have got to do"
whats the idea" questioned hel
father apprehensively.
Just this, you're getting into bao
habits. Anyone would think you was
eventy, or sixty at the least, the way
III go around, when you are really
Oung man and ought to keep lookina
lie one, and set good example for
others. l see one Of your stockings
slipped down. Well, we won't mind
that, for I'm going to buy you pail
of carriers tomorrow. And some
gloves and eyeglasses.
Don't scold, JESSIE" pleaded hel
father. Mother makes me comfort
able, and I like it, and reckon she
does too, and outside of yourself and
her what do l care what people expect
or Think"
Eyes, mother has spoiled you" per
sisted Jessie. "and I'm going to change
all that. We both want to be proud
of you, as we'll as love you. Don't
spoil your life by getting into care.
less rut. Spruce up, and make the
world respect you"
Submissively John Dexter allowed
himself to be led as a lamb to the
sacrifice. Two morning later she sent
him to business, clean shaven, with
new hair cut, gartered, provided with
snowy white linen and pair of gold
eyeglasses. Mr.. Dexter grumbled
trifie to himself as he got out Of sight
A little later, however, when he no
ticed that his business associates he.
Astowed approving glances upen him he
assumed new born dignity that fitted
him very well.
tive reformed him !" Wanted Jessie
the day Of her departure. "Nsw
father Dexter" lifting a warning
finger, "Im coming here again in July
and If I find you've got back again into
the dismal swamp Of slovenlInesR.
shall bring you up with sharp turn"
'1'm missing some things" spoke Mr.
Dexter to his wife the next morning
coming down stairs in his bath robe
"Where's those new toys Jessie made
me wear?"
'"They are packed away, DEAR" ex
planned Mrs. Dexter. "YOu dear ol6
soul! l haven't the heart to spoil
your comfort by doing anything that
don't suit you. AS long as you are
comfortable and happy, and car
make you so, what does the rest mat
ter"
"And you don't care if get back to
the old duds?"
II won't say that. John, for 1t has
given me real thrill of pleasure and
pride to see you look so well as you;
do, carefully groomed, but
"Say," burst forth her husband
you care for me so much as all that
to make any sacrifice so I'm contentedi
Well, I shall just carry out our Jessie's
program to the letter. Whv, the fel.
lows at the office complimented me
as If had grown Young again, Get