Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1921-12-28
Better Far
By MILDRED HARRIS
%. 1920. Western Newspaper Union.

i
Life had been disappointment to
David, through no fault Of his own,
and 1t was not until Helen was called
from his side forever that David
learned his marriage had been dis
appointment through lack Of love.
He honestly :heag'it that love fiiie,i
his heart when he asked the girl to
marry him, and not merely. the re-
spectful admiration that 1t was. But
the few years the two spent together
showed upon the young wife's part an
absence of sympathy and understand
ing which grew hard to bear.
Helen had been satisfied with her
husbands loyalty and concern for her
welfare. and had left little Robin to
his care.
As years passed, the boy proved
disappointment, too. David, In his own
great patience. wondered from what
source his son Inherited perverse ways.
Helen had been gentle and passive !;
Robin was alert and aggressive.
David labored at the profession his
parents had chosen for him. The study
Of law had been far from his wish, and
his lack Of interest in his work may
have accounted for its poor return.
Whenever David could he closed his
village Office and went out to work
on the loved old farm he had managed
to buy. through economies. His one
hope now was to make Of Robin the
man he had hoped to be, man known
In the world Of men through achieve
ment.
David sat long mourning over Rob-
ms last dlscouraging prank, the boy
appearing to have been benefited by a
recent talk Of David's had promised
better conduct.
Across the countryside Robins hos
tility to school instructors In general
was well known.
Various energetic maidens had given
up in despair the fight with Robin as
pupil; other boys, they complained.
following his mischievous lead.
The last, large and determined
Miss Price, invited by Robin, for
schoolward drive, was left stranded
in bis auto at q pleasant but isolated
spot, while the boys. championed by
Robin, took holiday.
When later he had returned Miss
Price to her boarding place. the in
dignanr teacher resigned her position.
David had not spared the rod after
this procedure, and Robin, almost as
big as his father, quietly submitted.
Now, David volunteered to meet the
new teacher that he might impress
upon her the necessity Of immediate
knowledge concerning Robins first mis-
demeanor. and his assurance OF pun
ishment for the offense.
Poor David's heart was heavy, but
Robins unconcerned whistle still
sounded.
ii5When David saw the new teacher he
was possessed Of a desire to send her
back at once.
Such small creature this, to do bat
tie with young ruffiansea girl of trust
ful eyes and radiant smile. Her name
was Nora Dean. z She told him she
had been left alone In the world and
loved both teaching and boys and girls.
You are to tell me at once. remem-
Der. David said, III Robin further Of.
tends and will see that he is pun
ished." s.e = ~
Miss Nora softly quoted line: Nv
"'Tis better far" she quoted ITO
rule by love than fear"
When for several evenings after the
opening Of the rural school Robin was
detained after closing hour, David, APP
prehensive, sought in person. the cause.
1t was not formidable picture that
met his eye. Three cheerful culprits
sat, writing at their desks variously
improving sentences. which the little
teacher read aloud. And as Nora
read, she touched with gentle appeal
the lesson to each offender. When
David offered to drive her on her home
ward way, it was to big Robin that
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