The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1908-07-02

IeTIy iCuoiCht VI OoAi"
box and soap as ever. found his way
past the doorkeeper and burst into the
sanctum.
"Hellor' was his greeting. His
honor isn't arOund!"
NO" answered Cynthia demurely,
looking up from her work with the
most businesslike air she could as
sumo. Hes out at lunch"
Il knew he would be-" grinned Per
~. II timed it fine. didn't IT.
'Tf you knew he was out, why did
you Gomez" she asked severely. "Yoa
know | never receive callers during
business hours. If you didn't come to
see Mr. Bennett
But I did Honest l did. have a
message for him. It's awfully impor-
tant. He mustn't miss it."
Perhaps you'll leave it with me? |
cam
NO; it's got an answer to it. I'll
have to wait, suppose
He sat down. unlimited, with an air
of mock resignation that was too much
Tor Cyntnla RraSlly.
Perry Wainwright" she exclaimed
in evaporation, how often am | to
tell you you mustn't bother me here
in office hours"
Now you've hurt my feelings. an
nounced Perry in solemn conviction
But" he added generously. I'll for
give you. and to prove it III give YOU a
peace Offering. See? Your old Boston
terriers Betty and Prince Charlie. and
me holding them"
And he laid before her photograph
She caught it up. with little cry Of
pleasure.
ooh, the beauties" she exclaimed.
1--WE do look we'll in that pose." he
admitted modestly.
II was speaking of the dogs" she
reproved him. with lofty scorn.
But I'm in the picture, too" he ex-
planned I'm the one with the hat
on. And
THANK you SO much for the picture.
l shall keep 1t always They're the
incest dogs l ever had"
Pm nice too And it isn't my fault
I'm not a dog. r.
81 told you once before not to give
up hope You'll grow ~
Il told that to some fellows at the
club, and we tried to figure it out. and
we decided you were guying me-"
"What clever men you must be at
that club! Are you going to the adj
ministration ball next week?"
Are you?"
"Why:"
J Because that's the answer. I've
/. never been to an administration ball.
but If you're there guess it,
/ Don't be silly The administration
ball is very great function indeed
I've been asking questions about it
Not only every one connected with the
administration goes. but all sorts of
capitalists and other people like that.
financial deals are arranged during
that ball. Isn't it queer?"
Not especially There's q deal I'm
thinking Of putting through myself
that night II don't get good chance
earlier-a deal that means lot to
| me-"
"Then why wait till the ball? Why
not
I'D do it now, only Bennett might
come in before
'What worker Mr.. Bennett isr'
broke in Cynthia. turning very pink
and Fastening to change the subject.
''1n the old days we thought he was
the soul Of laziness. but now he's
working here night and day. He's not
only the youngest mayor this city ever
had, but think he's the busiest too.
He
The eulogy on the new mayor was
cut short by that dgnitary's appear
ance from the center ROOM As Alwyn
paused to hang up his coat and hat
and pull off his gloves Cynthia bent
once more over her work, while Perry
Strengthened up and tried to look as
though he really had business of press.
Ing Importance with his honor.
The months had brought changes to
Bennett. There were care lines on his
face, and his eyes were tired. \ few
silver strands, too. had crept into the
darker hair on his temples. There WAS
little now about him to suggest the
idler.
"Well, old man. he exclaimed on
seeing Perry. whats the excuse this
time?"
1.-THE what?" asked the youth I'M
easily.
! 1.-THE excuse. You come here-whnn
| I'm likely to be out-about four times
q week. and always with perfectly
new excuse for your intrusion toll
crate you for the originality Of those
excuses. What is today's:"
II have no need of an excuse" re-
piled Perry, with an air of hurt dig.
nifty. Il am the bearer of a most i'm.
portant message to YOU"
"F'rom whom"
"From-from- Dallas is home; land.
ed this morning"
A light came into the mayors tired
| eyes at the news.
And the message? he asked ca
gerly.
That's the message. She's home"
"She sent you to tell me that?"
mo; not exactly that" evaded Per-
~, wriggling uncomfortably.
"Weil. what was her message then p
"She-she didn't send any,
Then who sent the message that
she has come homer
well. the fact is sent 1t myself
That's why brought II.
"Oh, you poor idiotw laughed Ben
nett 1.-The same old excuse in a new
shape! Well. now you're here. you can