THE COLUMBIAN, BLOOMSBURO. PA 0B The Girl 3aimauii-iiii mi uiia n The man In the big easy chair looked across the table at hla wife. "I mil repeating what Richardson Bald. He told me this morning that the boy had braced up In quite n won derful way. He Is punctual and encr getlc and works as if he meant to climb. Richardson says he is positive that Edgar has stopped drinking. Hla ryes have lost their dullness and his hand Is steady." The woman breathed more quickly. "Wh-what will you do, Robert?"' "Ho?" the man answered. "Noth ing. This isn't the first time the boy has tried to brace up. You know how long If lasted." "Hut perhaps a word from you would help him, dear." "No." "You are his father." "See here, Kmily, this won't do. I'm the boy's father, and I've been a b'ld father. Where I meant to please him I proved his worst enemy, lie spent the money I gave him in waste ful living. Hut why speak of it? He fore the-s,' doors are opened to l.im aaiii he's got to prove that lie'n lit to enter them. He hasn'L forg'iiten what 1 said to him. If there a spark of manhood left in hla breast lie will make no nttempt to come near lis until he shows he is worthy." "You are very bard. Robert." "I've been sol tor than w ax. I'l l na hard as nails now. Hut, there, we've hnd enough of this for to-n!;;ht. I told Richardson not to report to mo until a week from to-day. Then wo can tell, perhaps, whether this spasm of reform has any foundation." "It will bo hard to wait. Robert." The man looked across at the wo man. His stern face relaxed. Let us hope for the best, my dear," he softly said. It was a week later and the woman had patiently waited for the man to unfold his news of this erring son. ""Ichardson reported again to-day," he said as he sank back in the easy chair. "Well, dear?" "The boy continues to do himself credit. Richardson says he is grasping his duties with a firmer grip. The other day he came to Graham he's the head of the department and told him he must have more pay. He said he knew he was worth more and that he could get a Job at any time with the AJax people. Graham will double his pay next week. He told Richard son the boy was well worth the raise. It seems that Richardson noticed the change In Edgar two months ago, hut wouldn't mention It because he was afraid It might not last." He pausod. "Sounds good, doesn't it?" The woman's head was bowed. She looked up slowly. "I know what's brought about thl3 change," she said half hysterically. "It's a girl." The man stared at her. "Thank God for the girl!" ho salti In his quick and earnest fashion. "I I must see her at once," s claimed the woman. "Go slow, Kmlly," said the ma?. "You are jumping at conclusions. Hut if there Is a girl a good girl, of course with enough Influence to turn our boy into the right path whin his father and mother have filled tihe ls not to be Interfered with iio you hear me?" There was a little silence. "I did so want him to marry Alie I.ar.don," said the woman. "Iluh!" growled the man. "lie will please to marry himself if bo nar rles at all and there's no probability that he will ask our advice. If vo ir suspicion Is correct and I snppo , e It mleht be called intuition don't Inter fere. There'll bo nothing too good for the girl who can awaken our hoy to his duty. Let her alone." But the woman said nothing. Two nights later they were In their accustomed places beside the big li brary table. The man suddenly smiled as he looked across at the woman. "There is a girl," he said. ' Yes," said the woman, "I hare seen her." Vhe man stared at her. "I hope you did nothing rash," he said and his voice was almost harsh. "No," she answered; "I was very careful. What do you know' about her?" "Very little. She Is a stenographer In the factory office. She earn? a fair salary and bears an excellent rep utation. Edgar has been seen In her company a number of times. That's the extent of my knowledge. You say you've seen her. How did that hap pen ?" "It was easily planned, Robert. I waited about the factory until Edsar jame out I was In the little antique shop across the way and he didn't see me and, oh, Robert, our boy looks ten years older." She paused with a little catch In ber voice. "Go on," said the man. "Let's hope he has grown teu years the wiser." "He held himself straight. Robert, and I think there Is a new look In his eyes," "Go on, you foolish mother." "I saw him quite well, because he crossed the road and passed in front f)t the shop, walking slowly. And after the others had gone a girl came out of the office, a slender girl, walk ing alone, and when our boy saw her his face lighted up and something Beemed to grip my heart." The man softly laughed. "The mother love showing Itself through maternal jealousy. Go on, my dear." "Edgar crossed the street qulcklv and fell Into step beside the rf'r'.. They walked slowly, the girl looking up Into his face now and then. There's no doubt that she loves htm, Robert." The man laughed again. "And did your eyes tell you all this?" "My ryes and my heart, Robert When Edgar and the girl turned the corner I hurried out and found Mich ael he had the car on a little side street and I followed them." "In the car?" "Yes, Robert." "Rather nn obtrusive way to trail your prey. Hut go on." "They were standing still when we turned the corner, but Edgar did not look around. Michael ran ahead slow ly, and as wo passed them Edgar left the girl -she gave him her hand as he turned away and ran rnd caught a rar. The j;irl looked after him she Is very fond of him, RiV'rt." "Wo will admit the fondness, my dear. What next?" "I told Michael to pfnp nt the .'nrb and I leaned cr.it and called to the girl." "Was that discreet?" "Wait, de.ir. ,t first she .Wirt hoar me. And I called again, and rhe heard mc and came; toward the ca; She she hna a nice face, Robert." The man laughed once move. "Your mother heart Is defendirs the boy's taste." "No, Robert, the girl has r.n at tr.'v live f iiv," "Vol will admit it's a litlo crafty and bard nb.iut tho mouth?" "No." "And that it suggests paint nnd flaunts Its powder." "No, Robert." "And that it Is feebly pretty nnd alto-vether c heap?" "No." "Then It was much better than you evre.-led ?" "Ye. Robert. She has a nice face not beautiful, but frank nnd clear eyed." She paused. "If sho had been simply pretty it would have hurt. mo. Robert. It would hi "o looked as if Edgar had been caught by a dimple and a curl. Hut the affair is more serious than I thought." He caught her eye and nodded. "Whnt you are telling me Is good to hear." he said. "I'm feeling easier about Edgar than I have felt since ho left college. It looks very much as if his liking for this girl was the first sensible symptom he has shown. And there's another thing." "Well. Robert?" "If the girl can run the gauntlet of your critical mother eyes there must be something very attractive about her. But you haven't told me all the story." "I called to her and when she re alized that I wanted her sho came to the car. I told her I was rervous and a little Taint which waa quite true, Robert. And 1 asked her If she wouldn't sit by me for a few mo ments until tho nttack passed away. She looked at me wonderingly nnd then something In my face decided her and she took the seat by my sfdo. I asked her where she lived and she to'd nie and I directed Michael not to hurry. Then I tnlked to tho girl and found out something about her. Sho Is an orphan nnd came to the city from an interior town. She has been well educnted and Is qualllied tc teach singing, but her present work is fully as remunerative and more cer tain. And she Is twenty-three." The man laughed. "That's extremely interesting! don't refer to the age Item especially. Hal g on." "I don't know what she thinks of to. I tried to interest her." "P.y asking hor questions?" "I asked no questions. She told ine all this voluntarily. 1 am quite sure :2 will tell mo more the next time v; meet." "Then you have planned to see hor as 'n'.'" "Yea. 1 am going to take her with n o for a ride In the parks Wednesday evening. I told her I was a fussy old woman and that s'.e was doirg the best kind of charity work In amusing mo. I said I had taken a fancy to he1'- and it's true, Robert." "nil!" "Yea, Robert. I can't quite say that I am ready to take her a3 a daughter-in-'.aw. Think of tho talk It would make! " The man lnughed. "I see you haven't quite surren dered, my dear. And what's the girl's name?" "Elinor Vlets." "That's not bad. Of course, you didn't exchange cards?" "I thought of Inventing a name, but I couldn't bring myself to do that. I suppose she thinks I'm a forgetful old creature who doesn't remember even the common usages of polite society." Tho man leaned back in the deep chair and Interlocked his fingers. "Well," he said, "things are not nearly so bad as they might be. Up to the present moment I must frankly admit that the girl seems too good for the boy." "Robert!" "It's the unpleasant truth. Of course, he's improving, but don't let your mother heart cherish any belief that this fine young girl I take her at your own valuation Isn't much better than this wayward boy of ours. But there, we'll postpone any further discussion until aftor the coming ride." So It was Wednesday evening when they took up the subject again. The man was waiting In the library for the woman to come home. He looked up as she came through the doorway. Then he quickly arose and went to her, and took her cloaK Rnd led her to a chair. "Why. Emily," he said. "What's happened ?" For a moment she could not find her voice. "They are to be married Tuesday evening." she sobbed. The man whistled. "The boy seems to be developing energy enough with hla other awak ened qualities. There, there, calm yourself and tell me about it." Tho woman waited a moment. "I drew her out." she began, "and soon found that she wanted to talk to a woman It seems she has no In tlmnte girl friend and she told me lust what I wanted, and yet dreaded to hear. She la very fond of Hduar and she has the fullest confidence In film. lie has told her nbout his wild Jays nnd how he quarreled with his father and mother. She doesn't kno'V who his parents are Edgar doesn't want to talk about the past but s!ie feels convinced they were wrong In their treatment of ;dgar. She is siire liny didn't understand him that his mother was lndu!:;tnt and his father iinwlf-o. Edgar needed nn object in lifi . ho Herded to he ! awn resources. Now he had his am j aition to rise and he had her." S:i. I paused ami drew a quick breath, j 'Thtr.k of a mother lb-tuning to nil ! this!" I "Yon will be an ur.bbbb-n n'lest. vou "1 want to bo there. Robert." j "f 'i i ba:s you would prefer to have ! It Cupped ?" ! "How, Robert?" "I tniitUt buy of the girl." T'.:" woman Khook Iut head. "You haven't money enniiiili to do that. Rjbert." "Kino. Then the weddlns pr-.-s en And to-morrow I will semi for the Rev. Prank Darn ley. lie will bo g'a.l to come. I believe I have a little gift for his mission project. Wr.-.n lie coires I will make the necessary ar rangements." He went over and vat ly smoothed the woman's hair. "I think this is going to turn out n!i right, he said. It was Tuesday evening and the Rev. Frank Darnloy sat in his little parlor and waited for the girl and the man who had asked his profes: io:ia. services. It was a neat little parlor nicely furnished, with folding doors that connected it with the pitting room beyond. Those doors were closed and the Rev. Prank Dnnilcy Inspected them carefully before hu answered the bell. When he returned from the front door ho brought with him the girl and the wayward son. He greeted tl.eui cordially and bade them he serted. "We are In something of a hurry," said the young man. "Wo have a brief little trip In view, and time ta bles make no provlsons for delayed happy pairs." He laughed and the young pastor laughed with him. The girl unfastened her travelling cloak. ' Would It be possible." shu said, "for you to have a woman p-esent during the ceremony? I have u fancy that I would like it better." The young pastor brightened. ' Why, yes," he answered. "I hnve two visitors at the present moment, a very worthy couple. I will nsk them to be witnesses in accordance with the State law." And ho slipped from the room. He was back presently. "They will bo glad to aid us," he said a little hurriedly. "They will stand in the doorway here while th-? ceremony proceeds. If you tre quite; ready you may arise." The doors at the back were softly opened. The ceremony proceeded, tho most nervous member of the trio being the Rev. Frank Darnley. When it was all over and the Rev Prank had shaken hands with both and wished them joy, the girl looked around and suddenly started. A man and woman had entered the room, but it was tho woman who startled the Blrl. "Why, madam!" she cried. "Are you here?" And she advanced with her hands outstretched. The woman was c rying and could not answer. Hut she opened her irms and held tho girl close. The bridegroom had whirled about, mil thru catching sight of the man and woman hnd drawn back. "Klinor," ho cried, "do you know this lady?" The girl released herself from the woman's embrace. "Why, yes,' she answered. "She has been kind to me as a mother might be. There is no person I could so gladly greet on my wedding night " The young man stared at her. "Don't you know her name?" ha demanded. "Why. no, Edgar; I don't know the lady's name. I never thought of it." He was still ainaxed. "Do you mean to say that you don't know this Is my mother?" "Your mother!" she cried. "Your mother! Oh, I'm very glad' Don't cry mother." The older man took a step forward. "Eddie," he said. "I hop your re sentment doesn't go so far us to pro vent your father from klssli'g his new daughter God bless and guard her! ' The younger man gave a quick start and put out his hand. "Father!" ho cried. And tho Rev. Frunk Darney smiled approvingly. Duchess Can Be Shabby. A duchess may be as shabby as she pleases, and, In spite of socialism and a badly hanging skirt, she will remain a power In the laud, but the tniburbun lady does not care to be seen with her best friend If the latter be wearing an old-fashioned frock. Black and White. B H Always A Way When Frank Sheldon left the law school he settled in his old homo town. Fairfield was a small place, not far from a large city. Sheldon figured It out that he could live better on a retrain Income In Fairfield than on ft doubtful prosperity In a lnrge city There was something else. Edith Sawyer lived In Fairfield. Hut the Hon. John Sawyer railroad mrgnnte, could not appreciate nn -t-tnchment between his daughter and a po,r young lawer. So tho poor yomr; lawyer studied nnd struggled nlons lie had been struck by a peculiar phase of a great case that was being tri. d in a near by city. Tho law J nir riii which printed his article on 'lu subject commented on hla views rath or enthusiastically, nnd sent him n number of free copies, lie sent som' to his friends, including the Hon. .loan Sawyer, whose Interests were deep'y toi died by the cafe in question. I'rged by bis confidence that he had doae a worthy thing, he set off for tho Sawyer home, determined to Interview Mr. Sawyer. Ho was very civilly re ceived. "Quite nn Interesting article of yo irs." said the millionaire. "I thank you for the copy." Prank bowed, then plunged. "Mr. Sawyer, j ou must have seen that I hue your daughter, but I've said nothing until I felt assured of jour n u ent." "Oh, of course," Interrupted Mr. Sawyer. "How much did you get for Hint article?" "A few free copier," said Prank, blushing. "About what 1 thought." said Mr Sawyer. Now, Slieklon, 1 UKo you. but liking doesn't count when a life .'::';-act Is Involved. You've c.iven all yoi.r time nnd trouble f.ir nothing, l'he only things that count are re sults." He paused, then added, "1 ien't think I need say any more." "I thank you for your candor," said Frank, rising. "Good night." He n.'-ked out of the house, and down the street almost ran Into n stout, elderly gentleman who waa tolling up the hill. "Phew!" said the man. "Where can I find John Sawyer's house?" "The Sawyers' house Is on the hill." The stout man pulled the Sawyer door bell and said, "Tell Mr. Sawyer that John Hunter wants to see him." Mr. Sawyer almost ran down stairs. "Why, this Is an honor. What brought you here?" "You've got a young lawyer In this village named Frank Sheldon. Know him?" "Yes. he was here a few minutes ago. What's It all about?" "It's about that article the young man wrote. He has struck the right lead on that case of ours. Is he all right, honest, reliable?" "1 think he is," said Mr. Sawyer, slowly. "Then send a note to him at once, asking him to come." After the note waa sent, Mr. Hunter explained that the discovery of the young man, If known at the beginning, n.Ight hnve saved a hundred thousand dollars In litigation; that now he had !t In his power to up set their plans if the other side get hold of him. "We must have him at any cost. A thou sand dollars will probably be enough icr him." l-'dith Sawyer had heard the conver sation. She was standing on the step watching the moonlight when Shelton arrived. She put her fingers to his lips. She told him of the conversa !;oa, and, as he was leaving her, whis :)c:ed. you needn't bid for me." There was a deal of hemming an:! hawing in the ensuing conversation. Prr.rk smiled. "I suppose you are jesting, Mr. Hunter?" "Why, certainly not; it Is a large offer " "It's ridiculous," said Sheldon. "Anc if you will excuse me, It is a mlstaku to think a man n fool because, know ins what he Is doing, ho settles where he can do It best." "Well, say two thousand," said Mr. Hunter, while Mr. Sawyer's eyes grew wider. "Really, Mr. Hunter, I appreciate your kindness, but I urn not a person to put up with a minor bid." "You call two thousand a minor bid," said Mr. Sawyer. "Of course," said Sheldon, calmly 'In order to shorten this interview, 1 will name my own terms a fee of twenty thousand and an equal share In the contingent fund." "It Is preposterous!" cried both to gether. "Gentlemen, I bid you good even ing," said Sheldon, rising and walk ing to the door. "Hold on there," said Mr. Hunter. "I shall certainly hold on to the terms given," Frank said. "Others will pay more." Mr. Hunter looked at Mr. Sawyer who nodded bis head. "Well," he said, "give us a few minutes to think It over." At the end of 10 minutes a knock came at the door. Mr. Hunter turned to Frank and Bald, "Mr. Shel don, we accept your terms." When the famous case of Hunter Sawyer Company vs. was ended, groat wore the congratulations given to that "brilliant young member of tho bar" as all the papers styled him. and predicted a great career ahead of him. He was retained by the Hunter-Sawyer Company as their attorney. Six months after he paid another visit to Mr. Snwyer. "Mr. Sawyer, I " Frank began. "Sheldon, my boy," said Mr. Sawyer, "Edith Is In the drr.wlng room. Go to br." MRS. ALICE J. LES1INER. Tho Kind You Have Always In uso for over 30 yours, nnd ' nonal supervision sine Its Infancy. cssCcAtti Allmv no one to derclvo vou In tlifx. All Counterfeits, Imitations nnd Just-ns-pood" nro hut ISxperlmmts that trlllo with nnd endanger tho health of Infants nnd Children Experience ngnlnst Experiment. What is CASTORIA Castorla Is a harmless substitute for Cnstor Oil, Paro porie, Drops nnd Soothing Syrups. It is Pleasant. IC contains neither Opium, Morphlno nor other Narcotic. Mihstanec. Its ago Is Its guarantee. It destroys Worm nnd allays Feverislmess. It cures Diarrhoea nnd Wind Colic. It relieves Teething Troubles, cures Constipation nnd Flatulency. It assimilates tho Food, regulates tho Stomach nnd Itowcls, giving healthy and natural sleep, Tho Children's l'anacciv-Tho Mother's Friend. GENUINE CASTORIA ALWAYS Bears tho The KM You Have Always Bought In Use For Over 30 Years. ' TMt OtNTAUH eOMMN. tt MUHK TR' CT. KtW OHK CrTV. BIG OFF To All Our The Great AMERICAN FARMER Indianapolis, Indiana. The Leading Agricultural Journal of the Nation. Edited by an Able Corps of Writers. The American Farmer is the only Literary Farm Journal pub hshed. It fills a position of its own and has taken the leading place in the homes of rural people in every section of the United States. It gives t'.:e farmer and his family something to think about aside from the humdrum of routine duties. Every Issue Contains an Original Poem by SOLON GOODE WE MAKE THE EXCEPTIONAL OFFER OF Two for the Price of One: THE COLUMBIAN The Oldest County Paper and THE AMERICAN FARMER BOTH ONE YEAR FOR $I.OO 11 "'' 'i-i 1a uiauc lu mi new suDScriDers, auu all old ones who pay all arrears and renew within thirty days. Sample copies free. Address : THE COLUMBIAN, STATE NOT LIABLE. Criminal Insane Must be Paid fnr in State Hospitals by Counties. The attorney general has given an opinion t'mt the State is uot liable for any portion of the main tenance of the criminal insane in the State hospitals. 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