The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-09-13
SHE MADE HIM PAY.


l frowned at the boy. 1t Is so silly
to come bursting in, hardly giving me
time to cram my novel into the waste
paper basket. William had his virtues,
but they are not those of a solicitors
clerk. rs it by appointment de-
manded, in a raised voice. The boy
stared at me idiotically. He might
never have heard the word. Yes"
l said, sternly, 'is the ladys name
down in my list?"
"Wh-what list, sir?"
Stupid idiot! l shall have to get ri
of him. "Show the lady in," | cried,
almost angrily; II can spare five min
utes."
He showed her in, fawningly; drag
ged chair to the fire, and was about
to lay down a low folio for a foot
stool when l waved him out peremp-
torily. His excitement was humiliaL-
ing.
My client was a demure little lady in
a VEIL sufficiently pretty to warrant a
hope that there was either breach Of
promise or divorce in the air The gold
knob on her silk umbrella seemed to
guarantee a decent bill of costs.
"Mr. Baggaly?" she asked, timidly,
l bowed and crossed leg. My pat
ent leather shoe would, of course, show
her that she was dealing with a lawyer
who was none the less a man Of the
world She stared at the fire. ~
hardly know how"
Nothing matrimonial, I hope?' said
l. encouragingly.
II am not married"
I felt vaguely glad. without knowing
why.
"NOt-er-not a breach of-er-"
think she sighed. Not even that.
! oh, it is very commonplace--and hor-
| rid. All business is horrid, don't you
7 Ithink?"
We'll" 1 cried. cheerily, 1--WE must
| eXtricate you as we'll as we can. Tell
me all about it,"
1t is so good of you. I have really
| come for a friend He is in great
/ trouble Some one owes him, oh! such
a lot of money, and he can't get it,"
! why doesn't he put the beggar in
court? Nothing simpler. It's done
every day. Does he want me to take
| out a summons"
He thought perhaps if you wrote a
letter like lawyers write
II see" | reached for a sheet of
paper. Something like this: Dear
Sir: / am instructed to inform you
that unless the amount owing by you
to Mr.. So-and-So. account whereof is
herewith inclosed. be paid by such a
date. further proceedings will be i'm
mediately taken'-and so forth"
She had put up her veil to look at
me. How cruelty direct you men are
with one another" she cried, with
something like a shudder
I'VE don't waste time over phrases.
I admitted. Now, what does this fell
low owe?"
"Thirty-six pounds fourteen shill-
ings."
For value received"
Yes, for dresses"
Dresses"
"Yes. coats and vests, and--anl
things
"Oh. a tailors bill. Well. unless he Il
dead to all sense of shame he won
wait to be county courted. Do you b,
any chance rccollect any of the-er-
the items"
She flushed uneaily and poEed at {
hole in my oilcloth.
Unless you would rather not"
said gently.
I'm try" She addressed the coal
scuttlc. There were three complet
suits at seven guineas, five vests a
twelve shillings, two frock coats a
three Guineas, two extra pairs of-o
things at one guinea, and some odd
and ends"
"A well dressed beggar. pom m,
soul"
"IIc dresses very nicely" assente
the girl, shyly.
And now for the creditors name
please"
She murmured something to the fir
irons.
"T didn't quite CATCH"
She repeated it to the coal scuttle
laid down my pen, feeling as nearl
faint as a solicitor can. a painful 81
lence ensued The fire cracked an
chucliled with heartless levty.
"A very falr.all-round tailor" said
when had mastered my voice. Blu
just tell him from me that his silk lin
ings don't wear We'll"
She drew down her veil M
Schneider has very heavy bill to NEE
on Tuesday"
"They always have" said pensively
"Rut l am glad to be reminded of m
little account These--er-these trifiin
personal matters slip ones memory"
CROPPED feebly in my private drawe
She had a prepared receipt ready (
exchange for my check. Pulling my
self together, / attended the demur
little lady across the room.
This is a capital idea Of Schncidcr's
l said ruefuIly.
| Yes, isn't iTn" she cried brightly