The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-10

Nellie herself opened the door, her
face flushed from her exertions in the
kitchen. She took his hat and hung
1t on the rack and led him in to her
father, who sat in a wheel-chair.
dead from his thighs down.
This is Mr.. Lynn, father. He's
deaf so don't try to talk. Just
smile and ned. That's 1t. He seemed
SO all alone that I couldn't resist
asking him up. Besides, Bill Jenkins
thinks he's the incest young man he
ever met"
That's enough for me, Nellie"
said her father, holding out a white,
shaky hand. The warmth of the hand
which closed over his sent a kind
glow over him. Everybody has some
kind If cross; and you're always
the angel of mercy. Tommy come in
yet?"
7 think that must be Tommy now,
Tommy
"All right, Sis. Nm! Supper ready?
Lead exto it,"
The boy came in with rush, but
paused abruptly.
The Dummy" he gasped.
i asked him in to supper. Be
careful how you talk. He reads the
lips"
well, you're queer birdr' Tom
my stepped forward and awkwardly
offered his hand. He pulled two
ways; admiration for a great pitcher
and tolerant contempt for the afflic-
ton. How'll / talk to him?'
You don't have to talk" said
Nellie, wondering il Lynn had caught
anything of this dialogue.
"GeeI But this flat is an asylum.
Brcken-down cats and dogs, and
now deaf ball players. Well, that
let's me out. But this guy can pitch
ball. That game today was a siz-
zler."
did You leave the office ?"
Il was uptown on an errand and
saw the last half"
Tommy"
can the reproach stuff. Let's get
to the eats. I've got date"
Il don't know what we'll do IL
you lose that job. It's the best
chance you ever had of making
something of yourself"
"Sure'. And I'm not going to lose
it." Tommy marched into the din
ing room.
Lynn stepped behind the fathers
chair. Shall I wheel Mr.. Mill
ken in?"
She nodded and pcfntedsto the left
of the table. Lynn pushed the chair
to the place designated, while Nellie
ran out to the kitchen. to return with
huge tray.
let me handle that carving
knife" urged Lynn. TN ace high ct
CARVING
Say. Sis, you wouldn't think hc
was deaf. to hear him talk" Tommy
sent puzzled glance at Lynn, who
had stepped around to the head Of
the table.
1T is already carved" said Nellie
then blushed.s She was always for.
getting when he talked.
Beat me to it," laughed Lynn as
he saw the ccyer removed. He pulled
back Nellie's chair for her; and 1t
struck the girl that it was the first
time in months anyone had shown
her an attention like that.
Immediately Lynn began to talk.
He recounted all the droll things
that had happened at the game that
day. He told stories of baseball life,
of the hardships which underly the
glory. In fact. he was 1.-THE life of
the party" By the time supper was
over there wasn't wisp of embar-'
rassment anywhere.
The girl rly--understo cd the
high quality of this tact She had
been little worried after she had
asked him: but she was glad in her
heart now. The poor young man, How
bravely he faced 1t!
"Well I'm off" said Tommy. He
offered his hand to Lynn. and rushed
for the hall.
+ But Nellie started after. "Remem-
Der your promiser
"Surei Anybody, to hear you talk,
would think 1 was lush. Sometimes
/ get tired
ITS only because I love you.
Tommy"
Jaw, Sis-you're the best ever I'm
a measly pup. / won't touch anything
tonight. Honest"
where shall roll the chair"
asked Lynn when Nellie returned to
the dining room.
She crooked finger, and he. pushed
the chair in her wake to the living
room table. Nellie turned up the
reading lamp and laid the evening
papers on her fathers knees. Once
more she beckoned to Lynn. The most
difficult part of the evening was be-
fore her. She reached out her hand
palm upward, and Lynn gavaher thes
paid and pencil. Truth is. he wanted
to kiss that brave, reliant little hand.
The sfather helpless, the brother at
that age when strong hand was
needed, and never whimper
out of her.
You're just splendid" he said.
so are YOU" she wrote. It's Won
derful the way you overcome it. No
one would dream You couldn't hear,