THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1000. The Girl Tho man In the big easy chair looked across tho table at his wife. "I am repeating what Richardson said. He told mo this morning that the boy had braced up In quite a won derful way. He Is punctual and ener getic and works as If he meant to climb. Richardson says he Is posltivo that Edgar has stopped drinking. His eyes have lost their dullness and his hand Is steady." The woman breathed more quickly. "Wh-what will you do, Robert?" "Do?" the man answered. "Noth ing. This Isn't the first time the boy has tried to brace up. Vou know how long It lasted." "But perhaps a word from you would help him, dear." "No." "You are his father." "Seo hero, Emily, this won't do. I'm tho boy's father, and I've been a bad father. Whore I meant to pleaso him I proved his worst enemy. Ho spent tho money I gavo him In waste ful living. I3ut why speak of It? Be fore theso doors aro opened to him I again he's got to prove that he's fit to enter them. He hasn't forgotten what I said to him. If there is a spark of manhood left in his breast he will make no attempt to come near us until ho shows ho is worthy." "You aro very hard, Itobort." "I've been softer than wax. I'm as hard as nails now. But, there, we've had enough of this for to-night. 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 be hard to wait, Robert." The man looked across at tho wo man. His stern face relaxed. "Let us hope for tho best, my dear," he softly said. It was a week later and the woman had patiently waited for tho man to unfold his news of this erring son. "Richardson 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 A J ax people. Graham will double his pay next week. He told Richard eon the boy was well worth the raise. It seems that Richardson noticed the change In Edgar two months ago, but wouldn't mention it because he was afraid it might not last." He paused. "Sounds good, doesn't it?" The woman's head was bowed. She looked up slowly. "I know what's brought about this change," she said half hysterically. "It's a girl." The man stared at her. "Thank God for the girl!" ho sold In his quick and earnest fashion. "I I must see her at once," ex claimed the woman. "Go slow, Emily," said the man. "You are Jumping at conclusions. But If there is a girl a good girl, of course with enough influence to turn our boy into the right path when his father and mother have failed she is not to be Interfered with do you hear me?" There was a little silence. "I did so want him to marry Alico Land on," said the woman. "Huh!" growled the man. "He will please to marry himself If he mar ries at all and there's no probability that he will ask our advice. If your suspicion Is correct and I suppose It might be called Intuition don't inter fere. There'll be nothing too good for tho girl who can awaken our boy 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 ho looked across at the woman. "There is a girl," ho said. "Yes," said tho woman, "I havo seen her." The man stared at her. "I hope you did nothing rash," ho eald 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 tho factory office. She earns 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 waa easily planned, Robert. I waited about the factory until Edgar came out I was In tho 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 her voice. "Go on," said tho man. "Let's hope he has grown ten years tho wisor." "He held himself straight Robert, and I think there is a new look in his eyos." "Go on, you foolish mother." "I saw him quite well, because he crossed the road and passed In front of 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 seemed to grip my heart" The man softly laughed. , "Tho mother lovo showing ItaaU through maternal jealousy. Go on, my dear." "Edgar crossed the street quickly and fell Into step beside the girl. They walked slowly, tho girl looking up into his face now and then. There's no doubt that she loves him, Robert" The man laughed again. "And did your eyes tell you all this?" "My eyes and my heart, Robert When Edgar and the girl turned the corner I hurried out and found Mich ael ho had the car on a little side street and I followed them." "In tho car?" "Yes, Robert." "Rather an obtrusive way to trail your prey. But go on." "They were standing still when wo turned the corner, but Edgar did not look around. Michael ran ahead slow ly, and as we passed them Edgar left the girl she gavo him her hand as he turned away and ran and caught a car. The girl looked after him she Is very fond of him, Robert." "We will admit the fondness, my dear. What next?" "I told Michael to stop at tho curb and I leaned out and called to the girl." "Was that discreet?" "Wait, dear. At first she didn't hear me. And I called again, and she heard mo and came toward the car. She sho has a nice face, Robert." The man laughed once more. "Your mother heart is defending tho boy's taste." "No, Robert, the girl has an at tractive face." "You will admit it's a lltlo crafty and hard about the mouth?" "No." "And that It suggests paint and flaunts its powder." "No. Robert." "And that it is feebly pretty and altogether cheap?" "No." "Then It was much better than you expected?" "Yes, Robert. Sho has a nice face not beautiful, but frank and clear eyed." Sho paused. "If sho had been simply pretty it would have hurt me, Robert. It would havo looked as If Edgar had been caught by a dimple and a curl. But the affair Is moro serious than I thought." Ho caught her eye and nodded. "What you are telling me is good to hear," ho said. "I'm feeling easier about Edgar than I havo felt since he 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 tho 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 she came to the car. I told her I was nervous and a little faint which was quite true, Robert. And I asked her If sho wouldn't sit by me for a few mo ments until the attack passed away. She looked at me wonderlngly and then something In my face decided her and she took the seat by my side. I asked her where she lived and she told me and I directed Michael not to hurry. Tluen I talked to the girl and found out something about her. She Is an orphan and came to the city from an Interior town. She has been well educated and Is qualified to 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 I don't refer to the ago item especially. But go on." "I don't know what she thinks of me. I tried to Interest her." "By asking her questions?" "I asked no questions. She told me all this voluntarily. I am quite sure she will tell me moro tho next time we meet" "Then you have planned to see her again?" "Yes. I am going to take her with me for a ride in the parks Wednesday evening. I told her I was a fussy old woman and that she was doing the best kind of charity work in amusing me. I said I had taken a fancy to her and It's true, Robert" "Eh!" "Yes, Robert I can't quite say that I am ready to take her as a daughter-in-law. Think of tho talk It would make!" The man laughed. "I see you haven't quit surren dered, my dear. And what's the girl's name?" "Elinor Viets." "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," ho 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 tho 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 after the coming ride." So It was Wednesday evening .when they took up the subject again. The man waa waiting In the library for the woman to come home. Ho looked up as she came through the doorway. Then he quickly arose nud went to her, and took her cloak and led her to a chair. "Why, Emily," he said. "What's happened?" For a moment she could not find her voice. "They are to bo married Tuesday evening," she sobbed. The man whistled. "The boy seems to he developing energy enough with his 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 sho has no In timate girl friends and she told me lust what I wanted, and yet dreaded to hear. Sho Is very fond of IMgar and she has tho fullest confidence In him. He has told her about his wild days and how he quarreled with his father and mother. She doesn't know who his paronts are Edgar doesn't want to talk about the past but she feels convinced they, were wrong In their treatment of Edgar. She Is sure they didn't understand him that his mother was Indulgent and his father unwise. Edgar needed an object in life, he needed to be thrown on his own resources. Now he had his am bition to rise and he had her." She paused and drew a quick breath. "Think of a mother listening to all this!" "You will be an unbidden guest, you know." "I want to be there, Robert" "Perhaps you would prefer to have It stopped?" "How, Robert?" "I might buy off the girl." Tho woman shook her head. "You haven't money enough to do that Robert" "Fine. Then the wedding goes on And to-morrow I will send for the Rev. Frank Darnley. Ho will be glad to come. I believe I have a little gift for his mission project. When he comes I will make the necessary ar rangements." He went over and gent ly smoothed the woman's hair. "I think this is going to turn out all right," ho said. It was Tuesday evening and tho Rev. Frank Darnley sat in his little parlor and waited for tho girl and the man who had asked his professional services. It was a neat little parlor, nicely furnished, with folding doors that connected it with the sitting room beyond. These doors were closed and tho Rev. Frank Darnley inspected them carefully before he answered the bell. When he returned from the front door he brought with him the girl and the wayward son. He greeted thorn cordially and bade them bo seated. "We are In something of a hurry." said the young man. "We 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," she said, "for you to have a woman present during the ceremony? I havo a fancy that I would like it better." Tho young pastor brightened. "Why, yes," he answered. "I havo two visitors at the present moment, a very worthy couple. I will ask them to bo witnesses in accordance with the State law." And he slipped from tho room. Ho was back presently. "They will be glad to aid us." he said a little hurriedly. "They will stand in the doorway hero while the ceremony proceeds. If you are quite ready you may arise." The doors at the back were softly opened. Tho ceremony proceeded, the most nervous member of the trio being the Rev. Frank Darnley. When It was all over and the Rev. Frank 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 the woman who startled the girl. "Why, madam!" she cried. "Are you here?" And she advanced with her hands outstretched. The woman was crying and could not answer. But she opened her arms and held the girl close. Tho bridegroom had whirled about, and then catching sight of the man and woman had drawn back. "Elinor," ho cried, "do you know this lady?" Tho 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?" he demanded. "Why, no, Edgar; I don't know the lady's name. I never thought of it" He was still amazed. "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 hope your re sentment doesn't go so far as to pre vent your father from kissing his new daughter God bless and guard her! The younger man gave a quick start and put out his hand. "Father!" ho cried. And the Rev. Frank 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, sho will remain a power In the land, but tho suburban lady does not care to be seen with her best friend if the latter be wearing an old-fashioned frock. Block and White. SATURDAY NIGHT TALKS By REV. F. E. DAVISON Rutland. VL SHIPWRECKED, BUT SAVED. International Bible Lesson for Nov. 7, '09 ( Acts 27: 27-28: xo). We have In this chapter one of the most vivid accounts of a storm at sea that has ever been written. Luke, who wroto it, was there and witnessed it and the description of the eye wit nes cannot be surpassed. There have been many great stormB on that turbulant sea before and since. The prophet Jonah experienced one on that samo ocean, and tho Roman ompcror Caesar, upon that stormy sea, a century before Paul's day, had warned tho frightened pilot, "Steer boldly, thou carriest Caesar!" This historic corn ship carried Paul. Tho boat had scarcely left tho har bor at Fair Havens, when a northeast tempest burst upon them. It was an equinoctial with tho force of a hurri cane. For fourteen t days it raged. The mariner's compass had not then been Invented, and sailors depended upon their observation of the sun and stars. But during that fortnight of awful weather, no rift In the clouds by day or night gave knowledge of their location. Only whistling tempest, the moaning cordage, the creaking timbers, the pounding waves, the roar lng breakers, the hopeless working at the pumps, the Incessant strain of mind and body. A Calm Passenger. Paul sets a splendid example to all storm-tossed Christians. For there are multitudes of such. We have learned not to expect fair weather and smooth sailing over the sea of life, The best of God's people havo some times to endure experiences of boiS' terous seas and lowering skies. There come times when as in this case we are "tossed up and down in Adria," when "neither sun nor stars appear," for many days, and when the best we can do is to "let her drive." Well is It for us under such circumstances If we can remember that the sun shines above the clouds, the stars sparkle clear and beautiful away above the tempest and the moon looks down as peacefully as on a summer's night, and, best of all, God our Father, stands with sleepless vigilance, keeping watch over his own. Such a soul can trustfully sing: "I know not where His Islands lift Their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and caro." The Shipwreck. Fourteen days havo passed and there is no abatement of the storm Suddenly the cry: "Breakers ahead!' They will soon be on the rocks. As a last resort they drop four anchors from the stern, the cables run out, they draw taut, the ship halts in her headlong plunge to ruin, and Just on tne edge 01 tne boiling sun tne an chore hold. Thus they swing till day-break when one more effort Is made to beach the ship. But in vain, the ves sel was doomed. The ship strikes, the planks spring asunder, the boat goes to pieces in the thundering surge, Then came the struggle for life. Strong swimmers plunged Into the sea, and breasted the waves, until they were tossed upon the sands, breathless, but safe. Men went under as If they would never rise, but catch ing a timber, came floating and pant ing on it to the beach. And when the roll of the ship was called two nun dred and seventy-six persons answer ed to their names. "And so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land." A Parable of Death. So may it be at last with all of us. Out on the sea of life we may be caught in the Euroclydon of death, as we approach tho shore. Darkness may lower, and the sun of prosperity withdraw Itself. Bewildered by tho tempest's roar wo may lose our bear ings and drift helplessly without chart or compass. All our comforts may fall us, and the planks In which we trusted may yield and break beneath our feet If such an hour comes, may It be ours to face tne issue with as calm a spirit as did the groat apostle. Ha waa not affrighted. Ho was the only calm soul on that foundering ship. The future had no terrors for him. H was going home, and whether he wont by land or sea made little differ ence. So he ate his breakfast that last morning as calmly as though al ready on shore. He aaid, 'I believe God." Down into the seething waters he went bravely, a few moments buf feting the waves, and then kind and gentle bands drew him out of the waters, and helped him up the beach. So, when at last all our hopes and comforts sink away, and we find our selves In the billows of death, may we speedily get our feet upon the beach of eternity, while tender, lov iaf bands are reached out to help us HP. the slopes of Paradise. NEW GOODS FOR Autumns Keystone Block Our New Fall Dress Goods and Novelty Trimmings, Latest Effects Our Long Corsets for the present season are all built for Modern Dress. In the Glove depart ment all the new shades can be found in the best quality goods. NewlHouselFurnish Ings in the late designs of.Rugs, Portieres Cur tains and Carpets. MENNER&CO. ! Leading Stores 2 X inner&Co's. Henry Snyder & Son. 602 &I604 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. Pa. PAY HIGHEST MARKET PRICES FOR Poultry, Eggs, Butter, Lambs, Calves and Live Stock. Apples in Season A SQUARE DEAL FOR THE FARMER. Old Phone 588 B New Phono 1123 I"I"I"H"M--I"I"I"I"I";"M Telephone Announcement This company is preparing to do extensive construction work in the Honesdale Exchange District which will greatly improve the service and enlarge the system Patronize the Independent Telephone Company which reduced telephone rates, anddo not contract for any other service without conferring with our Contract Department Tel. No. 300. CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE CO. of PENNSYLVANIA. Foster Building. We Pay the Freight No charge for packing this chair It is sold for CASH at BROWN'S FURNITURE STORE at $4.50 each Roll of HONOR Attention is called to tne STRENGTH of the Wayne County The FINANCIER of New York Citv has published a ROLL 0 HONOR of the 11,470 State Banks and Trust Companies of United States. In this list the WAYNE COUNTY SAVINGS BANK Stands 38th in the United States Stands (Oth in Pennsylvania. Stands FIRST in Wayne County. Capital, Surplus, $455,000.00 Total ASSETS, $2,733,000.00 Honesdale. Pa.. May 20 1003., KRAFT & CONGER ?i HONESDALE, PA. Represent Relic Companies ONLY ill mi rfffiift if :( V
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