Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-12-20

uppered shoe sharply, took an impatient turn
about the room, and bolted Off towards the
secretary's desk.
Bub was generally understood to be an art
list. He had a high priced studio uptown,
patronized the best models, and enriched the
art material store at which he dealt, But
the fact was inexplicable to Mr.. Prouty, who
met his weighty hils--with tho exception of
nine which Mr.. Prouty had bought and pre-
sented to friends, he had never rs yet sold
picture. Had Mr.. Prouty been aware that
the nine paintings stood faced TO the wall in
nins respective back gairets, save only on
days when he was expected to dinner, his be-
wilderment might have been less. AS it was
he listened to his nephew's copious explana-
tions-heard gallery committees called cads
and private collectors roosters-in puzzled
sympathy.
Selkirk Prouty loosened the red silk hand
kerchief which ncased his somewhat lengthy
neck, cleared his throat, and picked up a
volume from the table.
&C. Lambert Robinson" he read with
sternness SIS it possible that you admire
that imbeciles boshi'
Il think it--harmlessl" Mr.. Prouty fall
tered.
''He is a fellow of tenth-rate ability" said
Sekirk,' severely. "His productions are
trash-doggerel." He dropped the book in a
WEAKNESS of disgust, strolled his chin with a
languid hand, and strolled in tho direction Of
the secretary.
Selkirk was literary; the fact by reason Of
the pecularities Of his apparel and the
length of his hair, was easily dlscernible. lie
had bachelor apartments on Washington
square, including an extensively fitted study
and a large library; and Selkirk employed
4. .+,r hat hs1
of it was dubious He had published vol
ume at his own expense-or at Mr.. Prouty's;
but the first edition, with the exception Of
press copies, still lay untouched on the PUB
lishers' shelves. Mr. Prouty, while surprised
at the result, was firm believer, through the
iterations of his nephew, in the depraved
idiocy Of reviewers and the crassitude of the
reading public.
Mr.. Prouty looked through the door to
where his secretary sat- well hemned in by
his nephews He was aware that their visits
had triped in frequency and length during
the past seven months, and that the carpet
on either side of his secretary's desk had be-
gun to look positively dingy and worn; he
was aware in short, that his nephews were
jointly and severally in love with Polly
Rogers.
Mr.. Prouty had told himself that this state
of affairs was highly gratifying. He had be-
come attached to his pretty secretary; he was
fully conscious Of it. What, then, could he so
much desire for her as an eventual comforta-
bic settlements He was aware that, were his
showering hand withdrawn settlement with
Bub Todd or Selllirk Prouty would not be
comfortable; but he had no intention of with
drawing it. Apparently, as the situation
promised, he should be able by proxy to
provide for Polly all the rest of her life; and
the thought was pleasing one. But whether
he should provide for Mrs. Bub Todd or Mrs.
Selkirli Prouty was mystery which, though
Mr. Prouty had made some few delicate and
hesitant attempts to tighten it, was as yet I'M
solved.
His bronze clock struck twelve; Bub and
Selkirk detached themselves slowly from the
secretary's desk.
GLOW shall you spend Christmas" Mr..
Prouty inquired, accompanying his nephews
to the door, with his usual cheerful cordial
ity, and quietly inserting an Endorsed check
into the hand of each, an attention which
Selkirk received with bow in which there
was an element of condescension, and Bob
with a nonchalant waive of the hand.
Il shall join friends at Old Point Comfort"
Selkirk rejoined, adjusting his red silk hand
kerchief.
"Geof Smiths going to have some of Us
fellows up the river somewhere" said Bub,
putting his hat on corner of his head.
"Where will you beg he added, incidently,
with his head in the hall.
Il shall dine at home" Mr.. Prouty replied.
~ have invited your Aunt and Uncle Tib-
balls to dinner and Miss Rogers. Her board
ing house dinner would not be a cheerful one,
you know
"Nop cried Bub, shortly.
/ "lndeed!n said Selirk with ironical EN-
phasis, closing the door with snap. Mr..
! Prouty, abashed and bewildcred, turned
| back. Polly was standing in the doorway
/ with his manuscript III her hand, her slender
form and peachy face and soft, light hair
charmingly outlined against the half drawn
portiere. Mr.. Prouty forgot his perplexty
in the sight.
81 am SO sorry have not been able to
| finish it., she saying, II will take it
home with me if l may" Polly's hours end
ed at twelve; in the afternoon she copied in a
downtown Office.
NO no; l will not allow it, Miss Rogers"
! her employer responded, quite warmly. at
is through no fault of your own; you were
interrupted" he added, with pleasant jocu-
larity
Polly smiled in return.
|
| Mr.. Prouty pursued; rather attractive"
"They seem pleasant" Polly responded
"They are unlike, to be sure" said Mr..
Prouty, musingly, "Selkirk has dignity and
repose of manner; Benjamin, with equal sta
bility of character, | am sure, is more i'm.
pulsive-more effervescent. Which style do
you consider the most engaging, Miss
Rogers"
81 have not thought of it," sal. Polly,
meeting his eyes serenely, and with some gen.
tie surprise.
"They are estimable young men, both, Miss
| Rogers" said Mr.. Prouty, desperately. II
believe them to be of deep intrinsic WORTH
with possibilities of warm affection and pro-
tecting strength, should-should there be oc-
casion for it,
81 do not doubt it, Mr.. Prouty," said Polly
! sweetly.
'They would make good husbands-they
would make a good husband, Miss Rogers"
said Mr.. Prouty, speaking hoarsely in the
difficult embarrassment Of his effort.
Il am sure you are right" said Polly. She
raised her blue eyes in faint alarm, and spoke
| soOthinelv