Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-09-15

son found herself listed as assIstan
private secretary at a decidedly com
Portable salary.
It was while she was working In tha
capacity In the mayors private room
in the city hall during Benefits luncl
hour one day In midwinter that he
solitude was broken by the entrance o
a, visitor.
Perry Wainwright, redolent Of band
box and soap as ever. found his wa.
past the doorkeeper and burst into tn
sanctum.
"Hellor' was his greeting. "Hi
honor isn't around?"
NO" answered Cynthia demurely
looking up from her work with tn
most busInesslike air she could as
sumo. Hes out at lunch"
81 knew he would be-" grinned Per
~. ~ timed 1t fine. didn't I"
"If you knew he was out. why dit
you come" she asked severely. "Yo'
know I never receive callers durinl
business hours. II you didn't come t.
see Mr.. Bennett
"But did. Honest I did. have
message for him. It's awfully impor
tant He mustn't miss It."
Perhaps you'll leave 1t with me?
cam
mo: it's got an answer to It III
have to wait, suppose"
He sat down. unlimited, with IN al
Of mock resignation that was too mucl
for Cynthia's gravity.
Perry Wainwright" she exclaimed
in evaporation, "how often am l t
tell you you mustn't bother me her
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 1t I'll give you
peace Offering. See? Your old Bosto'
terriers Betty and Prince Charlie, ant
me holding them"
And he laid before her photograph
She caught 1t up. with a little cry o
pleasure.
"Oh, the beautiesw she exclaimed.
1--WE do look well in that pose," b.
admitted mOdestly.
"I was speaking Of the dogs" sh'
reproved him. with lofty scorn.
But I'm in the picture, too" he e1
planned. I'm the one with the ha
on. And
"Thank you SO much for the picture
| shall keep 1t always. They're tn
incest dogs l ever had"
"I'm nice too. And 1t isn't my faul
I'm not q dog. I"-
II told you once before not to Civ
up hope. You'll grow. "I'-
81 told that to some fellows at th'
club, and we tried to figure 1t out, AM
we decided you were guying me-"
what clever men you must be a
that club! Are you going to the ad
mlnIstration ball next week?"
"Are your
"WhyT
Because that's the answer. Nv
never been to an administration ball
but II you're there guess it,
Don't be silly The administration
ball is a very great function indeed
I've been asking questions about II
Not only every one connected with th'
administration goes, but all sorts o
capitalists and other people like that
I've heard that some Of the bigges
financial deals are arranged durinl
that ball. Isn't 1t queerT
Not especially. There's deal In
thinking of putting through myse!
that night If l don't get good chance
earlier-a deal that means lot t.
me-"
Then why wait till the ball? VIII!
not
"I'd do 1t now. only Bennett nigh
come In before
What n worker Mr.. Bennett Is!
broke In Cynthia. turning very pinl
and Fastening to change the subject.
"In the old days we thought he wal
the soul OF laZiness. but now he!
working here night and day. He's no
only the youngest mayor this city eve,
had. but I think he's the busiest too
He"-
The eulogy OH the new mayor wal
cut short by that dIgnitary's appear
ance from the center room. AS Alwyl
paused to bang up his coat and ha
and pull off his gloves Cynthia ben
| once more over her work. while PERI!
Strengthened up and tried to look al
though he really had business Of press
Ing importance with his honor.
The months had brought changes t
Bennett There were care lines on hi
fnce. and his eyes were tired. 4 few
silver strands. too. had crept Into tn
darker hair on his temples. There wa
little now about him to suggest tn
idler.
"Well. old man." he exclaimed OF
seeing Perry. whats the excuse thi
time?"
"rhe what?" asked the youth un
easily.
"The excuse. You come here-whel
I'm likely to be out-about four time
q week, and always with perfectl
new excuse for your intrusion. to
crate you for the originality Of thos
| excuses. What Is today's"
T have no need Of an excuse" re
piled Perry, with an air Of hurt dig
nifty. 81 am the bearer Of most In
portant message to you"
"From whom?'
"From-from- Dallas Is home; land
ed this morning"
A light came into the mayors tire
eyes at the news.
"And the message" he asked ea
gerly.
"rhat's the message She's home"
"She sent you to tell me that|"
mo; not exactly that. evaded Pei
ry, wriggling uncomfortably.
"Well, what was her message then
"She-she didn't send any"
"Then who sent the message tha
she has come homer
"Well. the fact is I sent 1t myself
That's why ! brought It"
"Oh, you poor idiot" laughed Bel
nett 1.-THE same old excuse In a ne'
shape! Well, now you're here, you ca
stay Just FIVE minutes. I'm too bus
to play with little boys today"
Little boys! I'll be twenty-five nel
spring. p
"Any messages while was out, Mis-
Garrison"
"Yes. one." answered Cynthia. "You
mother telephoned that she would b
here ut half past 2. She said she ha