Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1904-04-23

a
the fad too far. His com
pleXlon had lost its ruddy glow, his
muscles We're relaxing. But he worked
on.
The fact is, he was determined tc
succeed. He wanted fame and he
wanted money. He wanted fame fol
itself, and he wanted money because II
meant power. 1t meant something else
to him--at least lie hoped it did
something so far away that 1t made
stretch out his arms for 1t.
John Hammond often said to him
John Hammond was his partner and
very good friend-".Jim Warwick
you're putting too much good fuel into
e-our 6roboa. Nou'n have nothing I,
fall back upon when you need little
reserve force. Slack up, my boy, and
take things easier. We are doing well
enough. This is Il rising firm. We are
going to climb all right, and there's
no use taking any short cut to the sum
init. Put on the brakes, my lad
So spoke John Hammond, three-aIi
thirty To I"","s ''--."feh, hihe-aIiu
twenty. 1t was the voice of experience
and the voice Of wisdom. but James
Warwick wasn't ready to heed it.
Once in Il while John Hammond drew
him into society, pleasant little card
parties, theatre party once, and once
Il dance. John Hammond's wife liked
Jim-everybody liked him, for that
matter-there hadn't been Il more pop
ulac man at college-and she devOtedly
wished that he would encounter some
charming girl. who would lure him
away from that Uttered desk for q
rea5onable portion Of the time.
There was such a, girl, but Anna
Hammond. for all her cleverness
never dreamed of her identity. And
Jim Warwick scarcely dared to dream
it either.
Jim was alone in the Office this Jan
uary afternoon. Hammond's wife had
called for him and he had gone away
with her. She had put her bright face
for moment in the doorway.
'All work and no play makes Jim q
dull boy" she cried. II want you tC
come to dinner Sunday, and you arc
going with us to the theatre next week
Goodby."
And Jim, looking after her, felt tina,
Hammond was n very lucky man.
Presently he pushed the papers back
and lifted his head with a little sigh
He even leaned back and pushed his
hand through his thick hair. He fell
sudden impulse to grab his hat and
run away. Was the game worth the
candle?
He put his teeth together with q
sharp click and seized his pencil again
Lady wants to see you, SIR"
the d %aS tS: v"'"A Of F"" "'H"" ''"''
'Tell her Mr.. Hammond is out"
asked for you, SIR"
Warwick frOwned.
"I'm very busy" He looked around
"Are you sure she asked for me-"
ohe satu, 7 want to see MI
Warwick"
"Show her in" she said.
He did not hear the light football as
the visitor entered. He was not aware
of her presence until her pleasant voice
electrified him.
Good afternoon, Mr.. Warwick"
He turned sharply and arose. A dull
red suddenly surged i'll his cheeks.
Miss Ormsby," he stammered
She put out her slim hand, and he
took it timidly.
"How do you do, Mr.. Warwick?'
"Thank you," he replied, II am quite
well"
She looked at him critically.
"Are you sure?" she asked. II fancy
I have seen you when you looked less
tired"
II am quite WE'LL" he repeated. He
was still dazed by her sudden appear.
ance. "Will you take a chair"
Eyes, thank you," she answered. "Do
interrupt you at an inopportufe mo-
ment?"
mot at ALL" he replied, as he pushed
the papers back.
II warn YOU" she said, "that my
business will take a little time
II am quite at your SERVICE" War
wick said. He was beginning to feel
more at his ease. He knew that he
hadn't appeared at his best. She had
startled him by entering in this I'M
expected manner. He never could
have dreamed that such call was
possible. Yet there she was, almost
beside him, her fair presence filling
the dingy room with radiance.
There was little silence.
'This is entirely a confidential mat
ter, Mr.. Warwick"
He bowed and waited, but she
seemed at loss for further words.
Yet the glance from her clear gray eyes
did not waver.
"Mr. Warwick" she presently said,
II fancy I have known you much
longer than you imagine"
She met his surprised look with lit.
tie smile.
II cannot understand" he said, show
you have this advantage-if advantage
It can be called"
"Do you remember Arthur Ridge.
ley?"
II remember an Arthur Ridgeley who
was college man."
arthur Ridgeley is my half brother
But he never told me-"
; IL have no doubt he told you he had
sister,"
"Yes, remember now. was a tutor
then. He did tell me of his sister. He
seemed proud of her."
She nodded.
arthur and are quite alone in the
world. We are very dear to each
other" She paused for moment.
"You were kind to the delicate boy,
Mr.. Warwick. He never wrote me
without telling of some new favor at
your hands, Warwick stirred un.
easily, but she gave him no chance to
speak. you were his hero as we'll as
his benefactor. / cannot tell you how
my own heart throbbed with gratitude
when l read those letters. knew
what an effort it was for Arthur to