The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-02-09
copyrtgnt, 1908, by Thomas H. Mckee.

- n had roof put Gu his house. he also
laid II ready-raade library. Previous TO
the installation Of this collection Of splendid
bindings and uncut edges he had been permitted by
urbane book agents who silk hats and gloves
on the street to invest money in limited editions. His
wife liked to open these subscription books and look
the numbers.
Hopkins had a vague idea that the lower your num-
Der was the more secure was your standing as
bookloyer but he was not sure.
And in spite of the nine hundred dollars worth Of
the best literature Of ages which he had placed in
his library 1t took great deal of argument to make
him sure that when the Literary and Culture Club
elected him to membership the members of that organ
ization having fun with him.
Il know all about day-books and ledgers." he said,
"and little about handbooks but III make an aft
davt that I don't know enough about the old mas
ters, living or dead to qualify literary per
son"
But having been elected, he did the handsome
thing He invited all the gorgeously gowned ladies
Of the Literary and Culture Club and those husbands
who were sufficiently tanned to with them to
his house He hired best caterer in town. He
bought of champagne. He took the newspapers
off the lbrary-tabe, where they hid fine copy Of
Somebody's "visits" to the Homes of Some Other
Persons and he stood by hot and uncomfortable for
three solid hours while the members took down his
books and rayed them.
And he sent the treasurer check for his dues in
advance and gave her the of couple OF chaps
in hardware business that really needed eevatns
along ethical and literary lines.
Also he secured important business engagements at
the time Of the next club meeting and arrived at the
house where the club was in session just the
rers we're putting their hats and telling
other what lovely time they had enjoyed
But they caught George Hopkins at the next meet
ing He was net present His wife made his
c,ses She said that he had in New York to
look at some new importations CT books,
He was In New York it true but he pur-
suing an arduous of study al the theatres
rather than the libraries the au2tionrooms,
The morning he got back his wife met him the
door of his library.
You can't guess George, what has happened while
you have been awayo" she said gayly
"The cashier has away the typewriter has
been married or the is out OF order, said the
practical Hopkins.
You" said his wife fixing upon him look of
great pride. you have been chosen next lee
turer."
9TH play the pianola for you" said Mr.. Hopkins,
'but I'll not lecture for thousand dollars night,
never did such thing in my life. At my age it's
too late begin. Who started this nominating
venuon for me, anyway"
Mr. Pilsbury suggested it, his wife told him,
land Mr. Haines said thought it would be per
tectly fine. He said you could tell the
members many things they do not know"
Those two hardware brgands" muttered Mr. Hop
kins as he stamped the door
And remember, George" Mrs. Hopkins called to
him, 1.-The meeting is on Monday evening"
They can have it at six o'clock Monday morning
81 they like" answered Mr.. Hopkins. I'm gong to
send in my resignation as I get the store
When l fed that club of yours did not know that it
was going to punish me by insisting upon me making
fool Of myself"
On his way downtown he thought seriously upon
futility Of trying to clamp culture gentle
men In the hardware line. lie had admit that they
had evened matters with him Tor rutins them into
the club.
He telephoned each Of them from the store, and
each of them refused to believe that he was not
eated with the prospect opportunity to deliver
lecture Further they promised to come and bring
sone friends.
Like fugitive who awaits the coming of the po-
lice did Mr.. Hopkins await the coming OF Monday.
lie passed restless Saturday He essayed golf. but