Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1922-04-06
THE INFLUENCE
70. 1874. western Newspaper union.)

problem. When JosephIne's mother
died AT her birth. Alan was relieved
in the thought that his childs future
would be secure in sisters care. TIL
ia. the elder sister, had raised him
In his orphanage and Tilda would be
competent 10 raise his daughter, so
thought Alan; but he had not counted
upon the difficult temperament OF his
child Josephine. -
Josephine's mother had grown up
In the vicinity, and when Tilda ap-
proved of their comradeship. and APP
proved also, Of the first Josephlne's
domestic ability and gentle manners.
Alan coincIded heartily with her views.
and his early marriage followed. Jo-
sephne. the daughter, grown TO early
young womaphood. possessed neither
her mothers domestic tastes nor amen
ability. Josephine was adventurous,
she had views, and she was apt to be
Interrogative. Alan travelling afar up
on business interests which carried
him. grew vaguely troubled. Tilda's
complaint. upon his home coming. was
that of new friendship in which her
charge persisted.
at seems" Tilda told her brother.
that the affair has been going on
longer than / suspected. Probably
this intimacy is responsible for many
of Josle's wild views. An infatuation
call It,"
"A man?" her brother impatlently
questioned.
MY. not" Tilda replied. ~ almost
wish il were a man, he would probably
knock some of the nonsense out OF
the girls head; Josie's divinity is a
woman. a mysterious sort OF person
who has rented the Wells bungalow
for the summer. She looks like a
motion picture actress. and spends her
time playing the harp. selecting to
notice no person in town save Josie.
Why Josie, l have been unable to de.
fernine.
"Disagreeable?' again the father in
terrupted with n question.
NO" TlIda honestly replied, con the
contrary Josie appears unusually sweet
and reasonable The trouble IS. that
one wild notion persists. She will
study the harp. Alan. | wish you would
see that woman yourself and speak
/ 10 her concerning her mistaken influ.
ence over Josephine. She would prob
ably listen TO man. but when |
called"
You called" interposed the brother
! Tilda nodded
IL thought il was my duty. Josie
positively refused TO obey when ! or
dercd her not 10 90 To the wOman's
house again. For let ne assure you
that the people here think very little
Of such stranger. When I called
she was making picture Of herself
lraped before her harp in greel;
sort OF robe. and when | reproVed
her regarding the notion she had put
n Josephine's head. she was as sweet.
~ and stubbornly insstent as the
child"
Josephine really should be given
her opportunity. she said. So | came
nway. There Is no use trying 10 for
bid your daughter this companionship
Alan. but perhaps the young woman
may respect your wishes"
Alan hesitated. then decided that II
would be wise 10 have some knowledge
Of his daughters new found friend.
Josephine was making one Of her daily
visits at the bungalow. if would appear
quite the natural thing to call to see
her home SO Alan went. Josephine
proud Of her handsome father and led
him forth jublantlv.
Janet" she called, "Janet come
here"
Al sight Of Whitehead figure in
the doorway. Alan's disappearing
rrown vanished. while Josephine stared
in surprise from one TO the other.
For her fathers quick cry had been
"Janey. my DEAR" while her friend
ran i'm little rush toward him.
you Will not be displeased. will
YOU Alan" she was saying because
stole march on you and hurried
on 10 meet Josie | wanted to win
your daughters heart you see. before
she should know me under the unfor.
innate name of stepmother. You were
far away Alan. II really seemed the
most acceptable way of spending my
time And have discovered secret
for you, one that will not keep another
moment. Your daughter has great
musical ability. Alan. / am very GER.
tain Of this. and you must give her
an opportunity"
But" murmured Josephine, II do
not understand"
"Of course you don't" penitently
Janet's arms EMBODIED her.
1T means dear that your father and
met some time ago quite acciden.
tally, when he called concerning =
certain suit for damages. Ny little
brother, Laddie had been almost Grip
pied by recklessly driven automobile
and the suit was brought in order 10
! enable us TO procure the best pos.
sIble surgical skill"
"And while the suit was pending.
Alan added. "and the little brother
lay In the hospital, this girl whom
learned To love, took the harp which
had been her pastlme an! with IT,