Jane Lends A Hand

he first time. "What can I be thinking of! You must have a hot bath and some dry things at once. Carl, take Paul up

ies as host as hospitably as he cou

hem, severally. The criticisms were very kindly, but at the same time, it soon became clear that so far no one felt any great enthusiasm for the stranger. His curt manner had hurt his aunt and his grandmother, who had been so eager in their welcome to the fatherl

own in their hearts they had been sadly disappointed in Franz's son. Elise also ranged herself in his defens

lost your father, and had landed in a strange country

tand it if he were just gloomy. But I don't see an

n to be disagreeable, my

n to his work," said Mr. Lambert. "That will take his mind off

? Can't you-" Carl broke off abruptly, reddening, for at that moment Paul entered the room. He was scrubbed and brushed, and, dressed in Mr. Lambert's summer suit, looked vastly better than the young tramp who had entered their midst an hour before. Unfortunately he had overheard Carl's remark, and his expression had changed from one that was almost friendly to the stony, immobile look that

entrance, during which Elise glanced at her brother in distress, and Mrs. Lambert struggled to think of something to say that would

overcome this imagined dislike, he carefully hid all that was winning in his nature, under his cold, unsympathetic manner. He even fancied that his aunt's affectionate little attentions

been too much to occupy him, too many difficulties and strange events for him to think much about the abrupt change that had taken place in his life; but now, as he sat with his eyes on his

have a little talk?" asked Mr. Lambe

imself, "I don't suppose that they want to have

ght. Well, Paul, suppose you and I get over here into my corner

tively on the window. The rain still rattled on the glass panes, and

d in a recent letter," began Mr. Lambert, rummaging through his orderly pigeon-holes. "It m

y, and I would not touch on the subject at all, if I did not feel that it were best for you to find something to occupy

ply I am interested in your

nteen

le of assuming the responsibilities which must fall upon you as the only-living-male descendant-of-the Winkler Family." Mr. Lambert uttered

her acquainted you

me to you, and that you

han water, my boy. Always remember that. But believe me, it is not family duty alone that impels me to give you all

erstand these allusions to his "po

little discouragements to overwhelm you," continued Mr. L

, completely bewildere

s, and which cannot possibly be made by any other baker in this country-in the world, I may say. It was his wish that the fruits of his labors should be the heritage of his descendants, and that only those who bore the name of Winkler, should learn the secret recipes by which those cakes are mixed. A moment's thought wi

, for a calm acceptance of what he had said, now drew forth a large pa

es, "Johann Winkler had two sons, Frederick and Samuel. Frederick, the elder had two sons, also Samuel and Johann. In this case, the younger became the Baker, and

en?" stammered Paul. "Maybe

"No, you need have no fears of any disputes, my boy. Surely, your father mu

he sort!" exclaimed Paul, pushing back his ch

ome, my dear boy," continued Mr. Lambert placidl

hink I am going to learn how to bake bread, and make pies!" burst out Paul

f his genius? Is it that you do not consider it manly? Surely, you do not mean me to understand this?" Mr. Lambert's face hardened a little; the expression of bland benevo

ut don't you see-I can't-I'm not fitted for such work.

e, my boy. Don't give way to discouragement s

e midst of his serious anxiety, the idea of himself

our hours! Bake bread! Rolls! Tarts! Sir, I

general does not rank them as it should. There was a time when a fine pastry or a sauce composed with genius called forth the applause of kings, and when eminent bakers were honored by the noblest in the land. But to-day, through the ignorance and indifference of the world, the profession is fallen in value, because, forsooth

actly twenty-five cents in his pocket, without even a suit of clothes that deserved the name, without a friend withi

lightest intention of relinquishing them. The question was, could he lay them simply before his uncle? One glance at Mr. Lambert's smooth, practical face was sufficient to make him feel that anything of the sort was not to be considered; certainly not at t

cle Peter," Paul at length said warily. "All this has b

ou, and which it is plainly your Duty to accept?" inquired Mr. Lambert, raising his eyebrows. He was surprised and annoyed b

underlying cocksureness, and h

r Duty has anything to do with the ca

shrugged h

o the contrary. By all means consider the matter. I should, however, like to have your answer to-night, if it is convenient for you. I have several letters to write, and shall be here when you have reached you

rl's room for the "few moments of re

sitting at the table, with a book in his hands, and a greenshade over his nearsighted eyes, eng

himself acr

e had got into a pretty kettle of fish. "And uncle thinks tha

was a nice thing

s it rather hard to concentrate." This petition, uttered in a studiedly polite to

Paul, gruffl

ng his face to the glass so that he could see something besides the reflect

nyway? He had been perfectly free to choose-no one had been preaching Duty and all the rest of it to him then. He hadn't taken it, because he had been tired and hungry, and almost penniless-and lonely, too, and the

ped Carl. "It's the most maddening s

nful whistl

wasn't too late to take the other road yet. He'd walk a thousand miles before he would let

air. But not even the cheerless prospect of a clammy shirt dampened his resolution. He began t

of his cousin rapidly climbing into the soaking, muddy garments. But he felt that it was not in keeping

ot shaking that m

in his pocket to make sure that his quarter was still there,

t a word of farewell to anyone was rather a shabby way of

mp clothes, and glancing uncertainly toward the closed door of the dining room behind which his uncle sat waiting for his decision. Overhead, he heard the low murmur of his aunt's voice, and the thudding of the twins' litt

him stagger. The rain had gathered up its forces, and now ca

ooking to the right or to the left. The branches groaned and tossed, c

d then frowned. His impetuousness had put him in a very ridiculous position. His pride rebelled at the idea of returning, and with the thought of Carl's smothered amusement, came the memory of his cousin's inhospitable speech. On the other hand, he saw that it was no less absurd to follow up his plan of flight, and the strea

d left his cap and bundle in the hall tried to stand in the shadow so that his clothes would not be noticed. After a short silence, Mr. Lambert preferring

t have you

ared his

he finished by spreading his ha

ities?" prompted Mr. Lambert, as

hen mumbling some vague excuse he backed out of the r

nd tiptoed shamefacedly up to the bedroom, and began to undress in the dark. But Carl was not asleep, and after liste

tones from the bed, "wh

tain note in his voice warned Carl that it would b