Peter Paragon: A Tale of Youth

Transcriber's Note: A Table of Contents has been added.

PETER PARAGON
A Tale of Youth
BY JOHN PALMER
NEW YORK DODD, MEAD & COMPANY 1915
Copyright, 1915 By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY
TO MILDRED
PETER PARAGON

Peter might justly have complained that his birth was too calmly received. For Peter's mother accepted him without demur. Women who nurse themselves more thoroughly than they nurse their babies will incredulously hear that Mrs. Paragon made little difference in her life on Peter's account until within four hours of his coming. Nevertheless Peter was a healthy baby, shapeless and mottled.
Mrs. Paragon was tall and fair, with regular features and eyes set well apart. They looked at you candidly, and you were aware of their friendly interest. They perfectly expressed the simplicity and peace of her character. She was mild and immovable; with a strength that was felt by all who dealt with her, though she rarely asserted it. She had the slow, deep life of a mother.