But just when we're busiest and need him most, off he goes
and gets drunk. Not so very often, oh! no, but always when he's needed
most. We've forgiven him time again, but he's had his last chance. We'll
not take him back."
Jane had even appealed to the president himself, but the appeal was
useless. He never interfered in such matters, left them entirely to the
department heads.
The eyes like Richard's filled with tears as Marie was told of the utter
failure of all appeals. The pale face grew paler day by day and the thin
figure drooped wearily. Jane had, more than once, offered pecuniary
help, which had been gently but firmly refused. They'd manage somehow,
Marie thought, until Jackie was well again and able to help, though it
was hard to feed so many on just one girl's pay. If they would only take
father back, that was all the help she needed; just for them to take
father back. He'd not touched a drop now for six months and vowed he
never would again. He'd taken the pledge and was making the First
Fridays. He'd not missed one since he began five months ago, and oh! if
they'd only give him one more chance. That's what father said himself,
that's all he wanted, just one more chance to make good. He meant it
this time, too, Marie was quite sure of that. If they'd only give him
that one chance he'd make the most of it.
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