The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1922-02-24
THE INFLUENCE
BY MoLliE MAThER.
&c. 1871. Western Newspaper usion-)

in his orphanage and Tilda would be
competent 10 raise his daughter, so
thought Alan; but be had not counted
upon tlIe difficult temperament OF bis
child Josephine. a.
Josephine's mother had grown mp
in the vicinity. and when Tilda ap-
proved of their comradeship, and sp-
proved also. OF the first Josephine's
domestic ability and gentle manners,
Alan conceded heartily with her views.
and his early marriage followed Jo-
sephine, the daughter, grown to early
young womanhood. possessed neither
her mothers domestic tastes nor amen
ability. Josephine was adventurous.
she had views, and she was apt TO be
lnterrOgative Alan. travelling afar up
on business interests which carried
him. grew vaguely troubled. T1lds's
complaint. upon his home coming, WIS
that Of a, new friendship in which her
charge persisted.
1T seems" Tilda told her brother.
that the affair has been going on
longer than l suspected. Probably
this intimacy Is responsible for many
Of Josie's wild views, An iDfatustion
l call It,"
"A man?" her brother Impatiently
questioned.
MY, no." Tilda replied, II almost
wish IL were a man, he would probably
knock some OF the nonsense out OF
the girls head; Josie's divinity is q
woman, a mysterious sort OF person
who has rented the Wells bungalow
for the summer. She looks like q
motion picture actress, and spends her
time playing the harp, selecting 10
notice no person In town save Josie.
Why Josie, 1 have been unable TO do
termlne.
"DlsagreeableI" again the father In
terrupted with a question.
NO" Tilda honestly replied. ION 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
TO her concerning her mistaken infu.
ence over Josephine. She would prob
ably listen 10 man. but when I
called"
You called" interposed the brother.
Tilda nodded.
II thought IL was my duty. Josie
positively refused 10 obey when l or
dered her not TO go to the w0man's
house again For let me assure you
that the people here think very little
OF such stranger. When l called
she was making a picture Of herself
draped before her harp In a greek
sort Of robe. and when l reproved
her regarding the notion she had put
In JOsephine's head. she was as sweet
~ and stubbOrnly insistenC as the
child"
Josephine really should be given
her opportunity. she said. So came
away. There is no use trying TO 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. II would appear
quite the natural thing to call 10 see
her home. So Alan went. Josephine
greeted him in the garden, she wss
proud of her handsome father and led
him forth 1ubilantly.
Janet" she called, "Janet come
here"
AT sight OF a white-clad figure in
the doorway. Alan's disappearing
frOwn vanished. while Josephine stared
in surprise from one 10 the other.
For her fathers quick cry had been
"Janey. my DEAR" while her friend
ran in a little rush toward him.
you will not be displeased, will
you Alan" she was saying, because
I stole a march on you and hurried
on 70 meet Josie. ] wanted TO win
your daughters heart you see, before
tunate name OF stepmOther. You were
far away Alan, IL really seemed the
most acceptable way Of spending my
time. And l have discovered a 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
IN opportunity"
But" murmured Josephine, 81 do
not understand"
"Of course you don't" penitently
Janets arms EMBODIED her.
1T means dear. that your father and
| met some time ago. quite scciden-
ally. when be called concerning q
'ertain suit for damages. Ny little
lrother. Laddie. had been almost Grip
|, lied 10y a reckleSsly driven automobile
md the suit was brought In order 10
nable US 70 procure the best pos
,ible surgical skill"
And while the suit was pending.
| Alan added. land the little brother
, ay In the hospital, this girl whom
learned 10 love. took the harp which
! had been her pastime and with II
gave recltals here and there. so thai
| Laddie need lack no help or comfort
| And she was becoming such a celebrity