The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1906-04-12
CHAPTER l.
"eTHE Little Sons of the Rich We're
gathered about the long table
in Pettingilfs studio. There


sides Brewster. They were all young,
more OF less enterprising hopeful and
reasonably sure of better things to
come. Most of them bore names that
meant something in the story of New
York. Indeed one of them had re-
marked, "a man is known by the
street that's named after him. and as
he was new member they called him
Subway.
The most popular man in the COM
pany was young Monty Brewster. He
was tall and straight and smooth
shaven. People called him "clean look
ing" Older women were interested in
him because his father and mother had
made romantic runaway match,
which was the talk of the town in the
seventies, and had never been forgiven
Worldly women were interested in him
because he was the only grandson of
Edwin Peter Brewster who was many
times a millionaire, and Monty was
fairly certain to be his heir, barring an
absentminded gift to charity. Younger
women were interested for a much
more obvious and simple reason-they
liked him. Men also took to Monty be-
cause he was good sportsman, man
among men, because he had a decent
respect for himself and no great aver
sion to work.
His father and mother had both died
while he was still child, and as if to
make up for his long relentlessness the
grandfather had taken the boy to his
own house and had cared for him with
what he called affection. After college
and some months on the continent,
however, Monty had preferred to be
independent. Old Mr.. Brewster had
found him place in the bank, but be-
yond this and occasional dinners Mon
ty asked for and received no favors.
1t was question of work, and hard
work and small pay. He lived on his
salary because he had to, but he did
not resent his grandfather's, attitude.
He was better satisfied to spend his
weakly salary" as he called it, in his
own way than to earn more by dining
seven nights a week with an old man
who had forgotten he was ever young.
1t was less wearing, he said.
Among the Little Sons of the Rich
birthdays were always occasions for
feasting. The table was covered with
dishes sent up from the French res
taurant in the basement The chairs
were pushed back, cigarettes were
lighted, men had their knees crossed.
Then Pettingill got up.
"Gentlemen," he began, 1--WE are here
to celebrate the twenty fifth birthday
of Mr.. Montgomery Brewster. I ask
you all to join me in drinking to his
long life and happiness
mo heel tapsv' same one shouted.
"Brewster! Brewster" all called at
once.
For he's 4 jolly good fellow,
For he's a jolly good fellow!'
The sudden ringing Of an electric bell
cut off this flow of sentiment, and so
unusual was the interruption that the
ten members Strengthened up as if
jerked into position by string.
"The police" some one suggested.
All faces were turned toward the door.
A waiter stood there, uncertain whether
to turn the knob or push the bolt.
"Nuisance.' said Richard Van Win
kle. Il want to hear Brewster's
speech
speech! Speech"' Echoed every
where. Men settled into their places.
MI. Montgomery Brewster" Pettin-
sill introduced.
Again the bell rang-loud and long.
"Re-enfOrcements. I'll bet there's a
patrol in the street, remarked Oliver
Harrison
IF it's only the police, let them in"
said Pettingill. II thought it was a
creditor"
The waiter opened the door.
Some one to see Mr.. Brewster, SIR,
he announced.
"Is she pretty, waiter?" called Nc
Cloud
HE says he is Ellis, from your grand
fathers, sir!''
MY compliments to Ellis and ask him
to inform my grandfather that it's aft
er banking hours. I'll see him in the
morning." said Mr.. Brewster, who had
Redeemed under the jests of his COM
panions.
"Grandpa doesn't want his Monty
to stay out after dark" chuckled Sub
way Smith,
1T was most Thoughtful Of the old
gentleman to have the man call for
you with the perambulator," shouted
Pettingill above the laughter. 'Tell
him you've already had your bottle,''
added McCloud. &c., .-
Waiter, tell Ellis I'm too busy to
be seen,' commanded Brewster, and as
Ellis went down in the elevator a roar
followed him.
"Now for Brewster's speech! Brew
ster!''
Monty rose.
Gentlemen, you seem to have for
gotten for the moment that am TWEEN
ty-five years old this day and that your
remarks have been childish and wholly
unbecoming the dignity of my age.
That have arrived at a period Of dis
erection is evident from nv choico ~