The Redemption Of Kenneth Galt

residential street of the town, and was of red brick partly covered with clinging ivy. It had a colonial ve

te, and since the death of the doctor's father, a prosperous merchant, slave-holder, and planter, it had been in

f well-trimmed boxwood. And hearing the clicking of the iron gate-latch, Galt paused, turned, and advanced toward his friend. He was a handsome man, tall, dark,

le boy," he laughed, as he paused and s

ou would only listen to a few good sermons on the right line you'd burn up that free-thought

ution of mind as well as of matter. We are constantly advancing. Your old-time preacher, with all his good intentions, is a stumbling-block to intelligence. You may listen to a man who tells you your house is burning down over your head and urges you to save your life, but if you don't believe him you wouldn't care to have him pull you out by the heels on a cold night to convince you. But you don't hear what I am saying!" Galt finished, with a

a thoughtful shadow on his face; "but I think he will pull through a

r, came down the steps and walked across the grass to a rustic seat under a tree. He was about to sit down, but seei

be interested in such things any more. What's the use? I didn't want the money for myself, anyway. I saw the others coming back from chur

are just like a school-boy with his first sweetheart. You are actually flirting with your own niece.

he sound advice of a man as old and experienced as I am

See here, uncle, I'll bet you haven't had your medicine yet, and the dinner-bell will ring soon and you will have to wait fifteen minutes before you shall t

the General fumed. "I don't want to eat n

d Walton again," Dea

my eyes as to her doings with him; but I got it straight that he

clouded over. "You do

and took her from there, and when they got back, long after dark, he left her at Lizzie Slo

pt into his face, but he said, pacifically: "Oh, the

scamp off without a penny. He gave the fellow a position of trust in the bank, but instead of behaving himself properly, he started into gambling, speculating in futures, and every reckless thing he could think of. He turned customers away, scared off depositors, who don't like to leave their money in such hands, and in many ways injured the business. Old Walton was so mad he

's shoulder, which he could feel quivering with a passion not good for even a younger ma

r her, and I haven't many years to live. Sometimes I think I may snuff out like a candle without a moment's notice, so I don't intend to leave my affairs in such a shape that Fred Walton will gloat o

n the General so highly wrought up, nor heard such an exasperated ring in his voice. "

said," the old soldier thr

he went up the front steps, crossed the wide veranda, with its smooth, rain-beaten floor

come to her senses. She is driving uncle to

ening through which the walnut stairs and polished balustrade ascende

gh all the lower rooms-the parlor and library and adjoining study, and even the dining-room and kitchen. The colored cook,

he sent Lindy down fer some fresh c

tairs to his sister's room, adjoining his own. The door

tween two lace-curtained windows through which a gentle breeze was blowing. She wore a becoming wrapper, and her small feet were shod in dainty embroidered slippers. Her abunda

earing began, "but you will have to sto

ance falling to the rug at her feet. "I had

d her significantly. "You know how childish he is getting, Madge. It really upsets him not to have you at the table. He is old-fashioned, and was something of a beau when he w

t; but he is getting worse and worse. He wants me at his beck and call every minute in the day, and even if I go out to see one of my girl friends

tone of indifference, as he glanced out at the window. Although his eyes were still ostentatio

is feelings may be hurt by what uncle has said and done. I know Fred is wild and reckless,

ll knew that a temperament and will like his sister's would never be coerc

but really, Madge"-and he was smiling now-"for an honest, inoffensive cereal, the 'wild oat' has to bear the burden of many a tough young weed. Charity

liness!" the girl interrupted him,

his thing has taken a deep hold on me. Something has got to be done, and that right away. Young folks may love each other, or think they love each other, and if it does no

n that U

hemselves into softening of the brain over smaller things than this. You may not think it would make much difference; but remember that if any act of yours and Fred Walton's were to cause his death, even indirectly, you could never outlive the reproach of y

lately but him and his faults, and I appreciated your silence, and so does he. We were speaking about it only yesterday, and he praised you for it. He said

oing to say this: if I were in his place right now I'd feel that I could not conscientiously, or even

" the girl asked, her l

who aspires to the hand of a girl like yourself. His father gave him a splendid chance in the bank, but Fred's best friends admit that he hasn't profited by it. Instead of attending to business and helping his old daddy-who, harsh old skinflint though he is as to money matters, is a safe man in any community-instead of doing what was e

ean?" Margaret demanded, p

or his irregular conduct, but no creature with a spark of manhood in him would let his act impoverish the woman he loves. I have said nothing against him so far, but when he knows what

. "I'm going to tell him, Madge, but it will be only for his own good. In any case, he couldn't honorably ask you to marry him now, and the delay-if he is willing to wait-won't do either of you any harm. You are

r cheeks wet with tears, and clasped her hands round his neck appeali

but I'll not be rough; I pity t

m?" She was sobbing again, her f

d I are the only protectors you have, and he is too angry and easily wrought up

she threw herself oh her bed and hid her face in a pillow. Glancing at her

from any point of view, worthy of her; there are no two ways about it. He has got himself into a