Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-09
CHATTER v.

ter Mrs. Main announced a
visitor, handing me at the
same time card on which was print
ed with an abundance Of fourishes and
ornament Mr. Morris Barnett" He
made ceremonious entry and politely
discharged few courtesies ere he got
to business.
II have come over, Mr.. Greatorex,"
said he suavely, Ito see if you are at
all disposed to do a client of mine a
great favor
did no. see any very strong reason
why l should favor client Of Mr..
Morris Barnett, but l murmnred that
was always glad to be of service to
my fellow creatures.
1.-The fact is, SIR" he resumed, laying
ais hat and stick upon chair and
!rawing packet Of papers from his
rocket, my firm has client who Is
related to the ancient VIVIAN family,
he original owners of this castle, as
You are no doubt aware, and he has
been informed that you have come into
possession of this very beautiful estate
in accordance with the will, If mis-
take not, of the late Mr.. Kesteven."
He looked at me inquiringiy, and
odd him that his information was quite
correct
Il gather, Mr.. Greatorex," he contin-
ued affably, that you have been until
comparatively recently stranger to
these parts and that, in short, you have
no particular ties in the county?"
'.That is true" said I.
"My client, sir, has naturally-yOu
will understand the motive-a desire to
purchase the property, If you are dis
POSED to meet him and we can arrange
terms And that, shortly, Is the OBJ
ject of my visit.
Now, you will easily conceive that,
falling in the present circumstances,
this set my blood humming. Here was
yet another, and within few days of
the demise Of the old proprietor, who
must needs come clamoring for sale
of the castle. The fact stirred my Gu
riosity-nay, to speak truly, infamed
me with something very like excite
lnent.
"And what. then, is your proposal,
Mr.. Barnett?" l asked calmly enough.
1 was sharp enough to notice CLEAN
of satisfaction pass over his face, but
he displayed none of his triumph in his
very businesslike tone.
"Ah, well, Mr.. Greatorex," said he,
lolling back in his chair, you see these
old places are more matters of senti-
mental than profitable investment"
True" said shortly, land men are
usually willing to pay high price for
sentiment"
"Ah, no, Mr.. Greatorex," said he
promptly, shaking his head, and here
there was a real touch of gutturals,
you mistake. My client is not rich
man, but he bankers after the place Of
his fathers. 1t would mean much to
him."
ut means a good deal to me-" said l..
"How much7" said Barnett suddenly.
"Supposing said f20,0o0?"
He held up his hands. MY dear sir,
my dear sir!' he repeated and stared
at me as if my audacity had plucked
away his wits.
"Why not?" asked.
Mr.. Barnett was thoroughly enjoying
himself
'Do you know what landed property
is selling at, Mr.. Greatorex?" he asked
confdentially. "1t is practically drug
in the market, sir, just now"
'"Then," said I, will you kindly ex-
plain, Mr.. Barnett, how it comes that
I have had two offers within a week
of my Entertainer
''Ah," he said meditatively, rubbing
his chin.
eft looks as If this particular proper
ty was not a drug in the market,
doesn't it?" l asked.
ITO be sure" he remarked vaguely.
and then. recovering himself, resumed
his gentle smile. But let us come back
to business, Mr.. Greatorex. Shall we
say f5,ooo?"
He cooed at me enticingly. His as
sumption that we had wandered into