The Storyteller

New Zealand Tablet, 11 April 1912, Page 3

The Storyteller

- WHAT GOD HATH JOINED ‘Oh, Dot L D-o-t! D-o-t called Elaine as she stooped, over the small white bed waiting - for her; little daughter,, to awake. Dot was an only child, and, consequently, the pride and darling of the household.' And a little darling, indeed, was she, being not quite six years old, fair, chubby, and a perfect little angel blonde / ‘ Another call and a slight shake soon brought Miss Dot to a sitting posture in the, bed. With a bright, cheery morning greeting, and a loving hug, she jumped from the bed to don her neatest dress.V To-day was a ‘ red letter ’ day for Dot, for she was to begin school. This had long been the object of her desires. For days she had entreated her parents to allow her to attend the Academy some few blocks from their home. At first they were averse to her starting school at so tender an age, but finally, after being assured the work would not overtax her mind, they gave their consent. , With the assistance of Elaine, Dot soon donned a pretty little frock and - ran down the stairway to greet her father. ■ / ' Jack Northrop, the lord and master of .this happy household, was a prosperous clerk in the brokerage establishment of James Northrop and Co. He was a nephew of James Northrop, and the only -surviving Northrop of the younger generation. He had married at the age of twenty-four much against his .uncle’s wishes. Old Northrop ■ had . longed to marry him to some heiress who would lend 'commercial influence to the name. Jack, having interited the stubborn character of the Northrops as well as the; name, had decided otherwise, and meeting Elaine, who then was’ a stenographer in a law office, married her. Although the old gentleman still remained highly, incensed over the affair, he realised Jack’s value as an office man and still retained him in his employ. By dint of saving, Jack and Elaine had managed to horde by, after seven years of married life, the neat sum of four thousand dollars. ’ ' While waiting for Elaine and Dot to come down . for the morning meal, Jack was contemplating the advisability of investing this amount so as to bring- a sufficient revenue to give Dot the best education possible. The evening before Clifford Hale, one of Jack’s college chums, had written him a letter which had caused him much thought, and which he held in his hand- as Dot came rushing down the stairway to greet him. . ‘Good morning, Daddy!’ shouted - Dot as she jumped upon his knee for her usual morning kiss. And with the kiss Dot received went forth a prayer to God for His help in safely investing ‘ Dot’s Educational Fund,’ as Jack and Elaine were wont to call their savings. - - , . - j Elaine had now placed the meal upon the table, and all three sat down to enjoy it. : < , ‘Here’s a letter from Cliff, Elaine. What do you think'of it?’ asked Jack, handing her the letter, as he fell to the work of storing away a veal chop. , Elaine, taking the letter, read: ‘ Dear Jack, — Just a few lines to advise you of a splendid opportunity. The Union Railway Company of this city is selling stock at 50, par value 100. The company expects to get a reasonable franchise from the city council. If they are successful, stocks ;will rise above par. Wire me as soon as possible if you are on. Company is almost sure of franchise. I’ve put all my savings into stock. Yours, Clifford Hale.’. f . , : : : y : y ' ‘What will you do?’. ‘ I’ve ■ figured it out in this manner,’ answered Jack. "‘ Cliff is a; pretty shrewd fellow. If he says; an investment is good he means it. He no doubt' has written to some of th!e other boys whom he knows will pull together,' thus creating with their united stock in the company a faction that will control the vote of the

managing board. I am satisfied the investment is O.K. j if you consent I’ll place our saving in this company.’ . - ‘Do as you wish, Jack. If we lose, you still have your' salary and we can console ourselves with the fact that what we did was for Dot’s sake.- - ‘ For Dot’s sake, then, we’ll try.’ : Breakfast over, Elaine soon had. Dot prepared for school, and"kissing her and Jack good-bye, set to work to make things tidy for, the day. :, /- After leaving Dot in safe keeping at the Academy, Jack sauntered off to the telegraph office, where he sent Clifford Hale the following telegram: ‘Draw, on me through Central Bank of this city for 4000 dollars. I’m with you. Jack Northrop.’ , . 11. James Northrop, senior member of Northrop and C0.,-brokers, sat in his office the next morning, a little in advance of his office clerks, figuring out a scheme that was to make him one of the richest men of the country.' He had long desired to attain the highest pinnacle of financial success. Being a cool-blooded r business man, by skilful manipulations and a straining of ethical methods, he had succeeded in gaining a strong position in the National Coal Company.: "His ambition was now to become the president of the company, a step that would gain for him an enviable position in the world and numerous advantages to enlarge his bank account. Feeling sure of his business ability, he realised to secure the position was equivalent to accumulating the fortune of which he had long dreamed. ' V. c’. While his holdings were large, there was but one way to attain this end, and that was to secure, the cooperation of another large stockholder so as to hold the balance of power. But whom could he influence ? This was the question that was/worrying his mind on this morning. It had caused him nights of sleepless worry. He must gain this-position, thought he to himself, no matter at what cost. He was growing old, and this was the opportunity of all opportunities. He scanned the list of stockholders carefully, but there was some objection to each; only one of them all might be induced to combine interests. The name of George Washburn' appeared on the list. Old Northrop knew Washburn 'had lately retired from active business life and was not playing for position. But how to get Washburn over to his side? Washburn was a reticent fellow, very gruff and cold to everybody save his daughter Lillian, whom he worshipped. Lillian Washburn was an excellent girl and a very desirable match, for she was the only child of one of of the richest men of-the city. For several years she had been.regarded as the belle of her.social set. . She could count her admirers by the score, which was natural for one having both beauty and wealth, but she remained impassive to all proposals. Indeed, society said that Jack Northrop was the only one who could have succeeded in winning her and now that Jack had willingly ostracised himself from the higher set by his lowly marriage, there were some who said that Lillian was hiding her grief under the mask of social gaiety, which was not at all improbable. .- Old Northrop, even at his advanced age, was quite a society man, and, moving in the social set, had heard these rumors. He had often regretted Jack’s marriage, and wishing' to show Jack his displeasure had never called at his home, nor inquired of : his home life. Elaine, on the other hand, who had a sense of pride, was aware of his uncle’s feelings towards her, and took good care to keep aloof from Jack’s office. -h - ".. Knowing nothing of Jack’s married life, old Northrop had heard society say that he was not'a happy man. It was generally thought that he would some day return to his old friends. Some said that pride alone prevented him from returning into his old set, who would have gladly welcomed him, as lie had been a general favorite. They all felt that some day he would realise the rash step he had taken by marrying beneath his station in life, secure a divorce, (the natural 'Outcome of .such marriages), and return to his old moorings.-

All of these rumors James Northrop eventually heard, and - being business mad, blase, and knowing nothing of the value and power of love, he readily accepted them as true. • ; Again . and again, as ; he sat at his -desk that morning, did he turn scheme upon scheme through his mind; yet ,none of them seemed possible| for some reason or other. At last, after taxing his mental powers to the very limit, and being ; driven ;; to the last extremity, he decided on . the only one : that seemed - possible -to him. He must reach Washburn in a round-about way. - ' • ■ Why not force Jack to own up to his unhappy marriage and assist ■ hifn in getting a divorce? ' Jack, being free, then he would turn to Lillian ' Washburn as his social equal and marry her. It' would be an easy matter, with a little diplomacy, to combine interests. A great scheme, thought he. ’/ Jack "might be stubborn-at first in listening to his advice, - but after his pride would have been overcome, he - would surely thank his uncle for his help. A thought flashed across his mind that perhaps these .. rumors were false. '.l But no, no, they could not be; this was not the: first unequal match that had ended in this manner. He would try the plan at any cost. Here was the chance of his life. If he succeeded, it meant financial .prestige and a quick rise in the commercial world. He could not, he would not allow this opportunity to slip through his fingers— one thing he had dreamed of, had striven for his whole, life. Jack must aid him, and James Northrop was determined to win at any cost. 111. V"; ’■ ‘ -v ‘Did you wish to see me, sir?’ asked' Jack as he entered his uncle’s private office.' < v ; ’- Yes, Jack.. I’ve a- matter of importance to lay. before you matter which concerns you.’ For a moment neither spoke ; the old gentleman thinking how-best to begin, the young man wondering what could be the matter. . ' , > ‘Now,’ began the old man, ‘I want you to give me-your close attention, and I insist that you do /not interrupt me, but hear me out.’ Evidently the old man knew his nephew well, . and wanted to be fully understood. Jack remained silent, and the old man continued. You may be surprised when you find out that this business I wish to speak to you about is in reagrd to your domestic affairs. For some time I have been hearing of your domestic unhappiness; and for this reason I have sent for you. ; • You know, I was always opposed to your marrying, because I felt that unhappiness would be your lot. Your social set is still waiting for you to return to them, : for they look upon your marriage as I domerely as the foolish act of a headstrong boy.’ ' / ‘ Now, if you wish to be free (and I have no doubt of:.that) I will help you. The boys say that your pride will keep you from acknowledging your error, but I •know that when your happiness ,is , at stake, you will think well over the matter, and allow reason to overcome your pride. I know, at first you will resent my interference, but I cannot allow that to stand in the way of my duty towards you. Think well over this matter, and to-morrow I’ll send for you, and we can look,further into this affair.’ {J ' " " ...' The old man was satisfied with the manner in which he placed the condition before his nephew. He spoke throughout in a low, kindly tone; , for knowing - the character of his nephew, he did not wish to appear 'as overlording him. 5 Jack’s silence seemed to him as proof of the truthfulness of his view of the matter. He thought that in spite of his admonition to keep silent, had he been wrong, Jack would have interrupted him before he would.have had, time to finish speaking. , , Jack, on the other hand, was completely thrown off his guard. . This was the first time his uncle had ever spoken to him of his marriage since : his, wedding .day..: Once or twice during his uncle’s conversation he was on the point of interrupting, but respect for:his uncle made him keep his- peace.yy .. .....//' „ • ‘ I assure you, uncle, said Jack after; he had gained his composure,{ ‘ that I -am perfectly happy. : with my

condition,; and nothing is further from my mind than a divorce/ •- ‘O, nonsense; do away with your pride.’ ' ‘■Ham as happy as I desire to be.’ * ‘ I want you to think this over, my boy,’ insisted the, old man, gradually seeing his opportunity slip from him and becoming irritated at his apparent failure. ‘ It is useless, uncle. . I will not forsake Elaine.’ ‘ Useless cried the old man, begining to grow wrothy. ‘ I’ll have you understand that you .are dependent upon me, and I should have my way sometimes. I want you to think this matter over fully before you decide. I’ll send for you to-morrow. Listen to me, and I’ll make you rich; refuse, and—well, there are other good men who can take your place, and less troublesome. Good-day.’ ‘But my wife and child?’ ‘ The courts provide alimony for them, and we can afford to pay a neat sum to free you. . Think the matter over. Good-day.’ IV., .‘ A message, sir,’ and Jack took the message from the extended hand. All the morning he had sat over his books unable to jdo anything more than stare at the upturned pages. The figures seemed to be bobbing up and down in mocking glee. Figures were forgotten now: Elaine and Dot were in his mind. He knew his uncle -better than to think that his words were idly meant. What had brought about this change-in his uncle’s demeanor? Fate seemed against him. Why had he invested his savings, now that he needed them' so much ? ? He regretted, the investment, and. almost despised his old schoolmate. He would keep this matter from Elaine to spare her the pain and worry. But how could he now? If he refused his uncle’s request-; there would be some reason to give for the loss of” his. position.' If the investment proved a failure, he was penniless. There was- the poverty and misery of being without a position endangering Elaine and Dot. And Dot, his dear little Dot, would never get the' training they had planned for her. Should he forsake them ? If he did they would bo saved from misery by . the alimony allowed, but he would be thought unfaithful. God knows, he hated the thought of having Elaine believe him untrue. ‘Sign, sir!’ Jack in his. troubled state of mind had forgotten to sign the receipt of the message, and was awakened from his reverie by the impatient messenger, who was anxious to move on. r * V - Jack opened the telegram. It read: ‘Rival company has bought up several councilmen. Chances look blue. 'Prepare for worst.—Cliff.’" The clouds of Fate were lowering on the horizon of Jack Northrop’s happiness. Was this, the price he was to pay for the few.years of bliss he had enjoyed in his dear .little, home. ' /And Dot—the thought almost drove him wild. How could he face them at home? They would surely know;'but then, he would keep them in ignorance as long, as he could. Yes, he would hide his misery behind smiles and choke down his sorrow with laughs. . : / . ' • ■ / . . v When Jack arrived home that evening, no one would have suspected that, his heart "was being gnawed by pain. With one supreme effort qlf will power, he had resolved to hide his griefand he did so nobly. ; ,While . Elaine prepared the evening meal, Dot insisted on reading. the lesson she had learned to read that day. Getting her book, she rested it on Jack’s knee and - read: 'y■ ■•/"'A 'A 1 ■ / ' ...• . ‘ Papa loves mamma. • •. f .''H'H/f,: 1 ' ■ Mamma loves papa. - : ~ I love papa - and mamma.’ - / -- How deep these words went to the bottom of ‘ Daddy s ’ heart, Dot never knew, but Jack gathered her .up in his arms and gave her a loving kiss. " ■ ‘ ’ ‘ V. ■ ' ■. . The next day seemed gloomier to Jack. ' Clifford had sent another gloomy message that morning. Everything seemed lost,"' Misery and poverty stared his

loved .ones in . the face. No, no, he could not think of their suffering—if necessary he "Would make a supreme sacrifice. The day dragged , ; by gloomily, but . Jack thought it too. fast for his stale, of mind. He dreaded the interview with his uncle. What was he to answer ? Would he ask for further time ? / What would he tell his dear - ones at home? No, no, he would not face them. -At last he was sent for. " - ~ ‘ Well, inquired his uncle after he had seated : himself, ‘what have you decided?’. ' r " , The .tone of the old man’s voice rang with a note of confidence. Jack,, hesitated for a moment fearful of what to say. -■ ■■ A:-. 1 ’ ' . - * Papa loves mamma. •• | ; ? ' // : Mamma loves papa. " - I love papa and mamma.’ • Dot s words rang through his. brain. • .-•■.a -• ■ ‘ I have decided to refuse your advice,’ came back the words from a determined man, as he walked out of the private office of James Northrop, not stopping to hear the angry words which flowed from the mouth of his irate uncle. T -; . : > * Arriving home that evening, Jack was on the point of telling Elaine all, as he had finally , resolved to do, although he realised the pain it would cause.her, when a messenger arrived. ' • ~ ~ ‘Franchise granted. Will you take office job, 2500 dollars a year?’ was the message,Cliff sent.’A. Dad, I’ve learned a new memory gem to-day,’ shouted Dot,-as she bounded into the room. ; T / ‘ What is it. Dot?’ asked Jack. ° ' ‘ What God hath joined, let no man nut asunder.— New Orleans Morning Star. . i..