Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-04-20

WNS VI that club! Are you going to the ad- ministration ball next week?"
 Are you?"
 "Why?"
 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. No. only every one connected with the administration goes, but all sorts of capitalists and other people like that I've heard that some of the biggest financial deals are arranged during that ball. Isn't it queer?"
 Not especially. There's deal Pm thinking of putting through myself that night if don't get good chance earlier-a deal that means lot to me-"
 Then why wait till the ball? Why not
 "J'd do it now, only Bennett might cone in before
 What a worker MT. Bennett is" broke in Cynthia. turning very pink and hastening to change the subject.
 In 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 He'-
 The eulogy on the new mayor was cut short by that dignitary'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. A 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. "what'srfhe excuse this time?"
 "The what" asked the youth un- easily.
 "The excuse. You come here-when I'm likely to be out-about four times a week, and always witi a perfectly new excuse for your intrusion. l tol- crate you for the originality of those excuses. What is today's?"
 "I have no need of an excuse" re. piled Perry. with an air of hurt dig. nity. T am the bearer of a most i'm portant message to you"
 From 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 thatf"
 No: not exactly that" evaded Per ry. wriggling uncomfortably.
 Well, what was her message then:'
 "She-she didn't send any"
 Then who sent the message that she has come homeE" ...
 Well. the fact is sent it myself. That's why l brought it."
 "Oh. you poor idiot" laughed Ben nett. "The same old excuse in new shape. Well. now you're here. you can stay just five minutes. I'm too busy 10 play with little boys today"
 Little boys, I'll be twenty-two next spring. r.
 Any messages while was out. Miss Garrison?"
 :.Yes. one" answered Cynthia. Your mother telephoned that sine would be here at half past ?. Sine said she had q surprise for you"
 Say" remarked Perry. feeling he was being excluded from the talk. "I'd go easy on that surprise if I were you. Alwyn. I've had surprises over tine telephone myself. and they're punk. Once a girl"-
 Alderman Phelan would like 10 speak to your honor" said ingram. tho old doorkeeper. popping out of the anteroom.
 show him in" answered Bennett Now. then. Perry
 Were you about to ask me to stay awhile longer?- asked the boy. Be cause I'm sorry. but I cant. GOodby. Good afternoon. Miss Garrison. Glad you liked the photo. So long. Maybe I'll bring another message from Dallas tomorrow"
 What can PheI-n waBt of me. l wonder" unused Bennett. half aloud He and I scarcely Good afternoon. alderman. Ithink this is the first time you've honored me with a visit"
 Then he Ienient with first offense. your honor.- suggested Pbelan. shak- ing hands with the mayor and holding pleasantly to Cynthia ss sne passed out to her own office.
 .'Sometbing important. I suppose. {" hazaried Bennett.
 CTo be Con.inued.D