The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1905-09-27

his first 7lGnlc.
that kindly regard for his own welfare
did not enter into that shrewd schem-
ers calculations. He was more and
more disgusted also each day With
his employers cynical Indifference to
all sense Of honor and honesty, COM
ing to the conclusion that he was no
better than a thief at heart.
Beneath Albert's disposition to adapt
himself to those he mingled with lay
q vein Of sterling good sense, fine
honor and the energy Of self sacrifice,
if necessary, and Frye's attributes
were so obnoxious to him as to be
simply repulsive. At college he had
never INDUCED in much ''larking," and
Just why the bond Of friendship be-
tween himself and the good natured,
self indulgent, happy 60 lucky class
mate, Frank Mason, had been cement
ed Is hard to explain, except upon the
theory Of en- attraction Of opposttes.
When, few days later, that young
man appeared at the Office just before
closing time and suggested they "go
out for nights racket" as ne phrased
it, Albert was not inclined to accept.
What are you up to" he said as
they walked away from the Office,
.'and what do you mean by a racket?
If It's likely to be expensive, count
me out; I can't afford it."
Well" answered Frank lightly, "you
are working too hard and need shak-
ing up, so I thought I'd drop round
and do it. We will dine at the club,
then go to the opera house, where
there IS q burlesque on and no end
Of pretty chorus girls. I know two
or three Of them. and after the show
we will take them out to supper"
Its all right except the end-up,"
answered Albert, land on that I think
you had best skip me. As I said, it's
q diversion I can't afford. I've no
money to spare to buy wine for ballet
girls"
"Oh, that's all right" responded
Frank cheerfully 1--WE asked you out,
and it's my treat. I'll pay the shot
this time"
II shall pay my share if I co. as
serted Albert firmly, but would rath-
er omit the after part. We will have the
evening together, and then you can go
and entertain your chorus girls, and Ill
so to my ROOM
It was q laudable resolution, but 1t
came hard, for beneath all Albert'S S
good resolves was lurking desire for 4
little excitement tc break the dull mo-
notony of his life. He had been to the
theater only twice since he came to
Boston, desiring to save in every way
he could, and only the week before had
sent Alice one-third Of his first months
salary. At the club Frank introduced
him to several Of his friends. and Of
course they were asked to join them in
social glass, which did not tend to
strengthen Albert's resolution. At the
theater the exhilarating music and the
glitter Of stage full Of pretty girls
had their effect, and by the time the
show was over he found it impossible tc
resist his friends urging that they sc
around to the stage door and meet the
girls be had invited to sup with them.
Mind you, let me pay my share,
whispered Page, and then he found
himself being introduced By his first
name to two highly colored queens Of
the ballet, and all four proceeded al
once to a private supper room. Albert
found the girls bright, vivacious anc
expressive, as far as i superficial use
Of slang goes. They ORDERED the choic
est and highest priced items on the bi!
Of fare and talked about their "mashes'
in other cities in a way that made Al
bert grateful that be had been intro
duced by his first name only.
When in the wee small hours they
escorted the two girls to their boarding
place, Page was glad to be rid Of them
and when he reached his room he dc
not feel particularly proud Of himself
He felt less so the next morning
when he received a letter from Alice
which read:
Ny Darling Brother-I was so pleased
when I received your loving letter ant
! the money you sent. You do not know
| how it hurts me to feel Ye owe so much