Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-12-22
THIS WEEK MAGAZINE

Martin sat down in his foreign easy chair
II haven't seen my father yet, he said.
''Oh, he's busy very busy =" Ling Ma
said She had her face deep in one of his trunks.
He could only see her stout back.
II never knew my father to be busy" he
remarked. He could say things to Ling Ma
that he could say to no one else.
Hes very busy nov" Ling Mas voice came
out of the trunk.
A sudden thought struck him. He put it
away and then returned to it. After all, it was
only Ling Ma.
He's not getting married again. is he?" The
thought was repulsive, but his father was only
fifty years old and it was possible
Don't ask me!' Ling Mas voice was sud-
denly snappish. She came out of the trunk and
her face was very red from bending so long.
Don't ask me anything, Young Master!
don't know anything. If anybody asks me any
thing about this house, don't know. l live
in the country now with my son, and l only
came back to welcome you home, heart of my
body"
He was used to outbursts from Ling Ma,
for she was woman of impetuous temper.
Now he hardly knew whether there was truth
in his suspicion or whether she was angry be-
cause she had been treated in some way she
considered unfair. Ling Ma had quarreled often
over his fathers DEGREES during his childhood,
and it might be her old jealousy against author
ity over the child in her care
did my father treat you unjustly?"
She laughed loudly. me, little heart? No,
l left this house of my own accord. He even in
vited me to stay and await your coming But
no, would not No, it was nothing he did to
me!'
Ling Ma pursed her lips and looked solemn.
He was about to put another question to her.
Then he decided against it. He did not wish
to resume with Ling Ma the old affectionate
childish relationship that gave her power over
him. He was a man, now. So he said a little
ooldly: THAT is well, for if he had not given
you your due, should have felt ought to
make amends"
She felt the difference in him and gave way
to it at once. From you expect only what is
good" she said. and then spoke no more, but
crept about with her silent, solid tread putting
his things right. Then she went away and he
was alone.
The house was very still He had not in years
heard such stiffness. New York was full of
noise This was the stiffness of centuries. He
felt it around him "a protection of strength.
What could the enemy do against great silent
old country?
They are like swallows attacking snow
capped mountain" he thought proudly.
At that moment to his establishment the
door opened abruptly and his father came in.
"Fatherw he cried with joy.
MY son." his father replied. He came for
ward and seized Martins two hands and held
them closely and gazed into his face.
kAND Martin, receiving that earnest. ques
tioning gaze, felt suddenly shy. Why had his
father done 50 strange thing as to come to
him in his own room? 1t was not like the austere
man he remembered, 50 to step aside from GUS
TOM He had been prepared to 60 to his father
when summoned, to stand while his father sat,
to answer when he was questioned. But instead
here his father was an eager, even importunate
look upon his ageing face. He had aged very
much.
Martin drew back. Instantly his father loosed
his hands and the look disappeared.
Are you well?' he inquired.
Quite WE'LL" Martin replied He hurried on,