The spectator., 1920-12-21

thousand dollars, and I'll bet 1 could sell it inside of a week."
 "Sell it?" she exclaimed. You don't mean that you intend to sell this farm?"
 Why not? If somebody else wants 1t worse'n we do, and has the money to pay for It.. why shouldn't l sell itF'
 The tears stood In her eyes as she answered: "In all these years while we have been building up this home I never once thought of it as some thing to sell. It was too near for that "a part of ourselves, of our very life. 1t seemed more like--like one of the children, than a mere possession. And now you would sell it, just as you might sell load of wheat or a fat steer. Is this place-this home where we have grown old and gray-nothing to you? Have you no sentiment that will save 1t from the highest bidder?"
 Sentiment is poor affair in busi- ness" he answered. Property was made t sell money was made t buy 1t with. The successful man is the one who has his price for everythin', and knows how t get it. As for grow in old and gray on this farm, why, that's grudge l have against it, though don't thil.k I'm very gray and I don't feel very old. And if get my price, why shouldn't sell?''
 "Very well," she answered. "Pve nothing more to say. Sell 1t if you must, but remember one thing-I won't be here to see 1t pass into the hands of strangers" She strengthened her self up. and there was fire in her eye that reminded him of the day when she had elected to share with him the hardships of the wilderness. and in spite of himself some of his old pride in her returned. "I leave tomorrow for a visit, and may be gone some time. You reminded me of your liberality a few minutes ago; prove 1t now by writing me check for my expenses. Remember. will expect to travel like the wife of a prosperous farmer. man whose holdings are worth forty thou sand dollars cash"
 "So that's your decision, is 1t? You set me at defiance; you try t wreck my plans by your own stubbornness. You break up my family piece by piece, until all have left is Allan. Thank God, the boy, at least, Is sound. We'll, you shall have your check. and I'll make 1t a big one that 1t may carry you farther"
 Even in the teeth of his bitterness the mention of Allan's name strained the mothers heart beyond her power of resistance, and she turned with out stretched arms towards her husband. For a moment he wavered, the flame of love, still smouldering in hls breast, leaping up before the breath of her re- sponse But It was for a moment only. der, and surrender was the one thing of which Harris was incapable. So he checked the impulse to take her in his arms. and walked stolidly to his desk in the parlor.
 He returned shortly and placed check in her hands. She looked at 1t through misty eyes, and read that it was for S200. It represented two hundredth part of their joint earnings, and yet he thought he was dealing lib erally with her: he half expected, in fact. that his magnanimity would break failed. But she only whispered faint Thank you" and slowly folded the paper in her fingers. He waited for a minute. suspecting that she was over come, but as she said nothing more he at length turned and left the house, saying gruffly as he went out. "When that's done I'll send you more if you write for it."
 It was now 10 at night, and almost dark but Harris footsteps instinctive- ly turned down the road toward Riles'
 At the gate he met Allan, returning home from spending social hour with the Grant boys.
 "Where going, Dad?" the younger man demanded.
 'Oh, thought I'd take a walk over t Riles'. There's lot O things t talk about"
 'What's the matter, Dad" The strained composure of his fathers voice had not escaped him.
 "Nothin' I nights well tell you now: you'll know it in little while anyway. Your mother Is goin' away-on visit"
 Like Beulah's visit, l suppose. So it's come to this. I've seen 1t for some time. Dad, and you must we seen IL too, But you're not really gon' to let her go? Come back to the house with me-surely you two can get together on this thing. if you try"
 CrO BE CONTINUED