The Worthington advance., 1908-06-26


"Are your
"Why7"
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 1t.
Not 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"
mot especially. There's deal I'm
thinking Of putting through myself
that night if I don't get a good chance
| earlier-a deal that means a lot to
me-"
'Then why wait till the ball? Why
not
"1'd do it now, only Bennett might
come in before
"What a worker Mr.. Bennett tsp
broke in Cynthia, turning very pink
and Fastening to change the subject.
I'm 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 dew 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
| ider
"Well, old man." he exclaimed on
seeing Perry, whats the excuse this
| timer
"The what?" asked the youth un-
easily.
| 'The excuse. You come here-when
I'm likely to be out-about four times
week, and always with a perfectly
| new excuse for your intrusion. l tol-
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. II am the bearer Of most i'm
| norta rot noeco ua to vo,,S
"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 that?"
"No; not exactly that" evaded Per-
ry, wriggling uncomfortably.
"Well, what was her message them"
"She-she didn't send any,"
'"Then who sent the message that
she has come home"
"Well, the fact is I sent it myself.
That's why brought it."
"Oh, you poor idiot" laughed Ben
nett. '"The same old excuse in a new
| shape! Well, now you're here, you can
stay just five minutes. I'm too busy
to play with little boys today"
Little boys! I'll be twenty-five next
spring. r.
"Any messages while was out, Miss
Garrison?'
eyes, one," answered Cynthia. ''Your
mother telephoned that she would be
here at half past 2. She said she had
a surprise for you"
"Say," remarked Perry, feeling he was
being excluded from the talk. 'Id go
easy on that surprise If were you,
Alwyn. I've had surprises over the
telephone myself, and they're punk.
Once a grip
"Alderman Phelan would like to
| speak to your honor" said Ingram, the
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
SsluSc 1 LII SOllS, Dut Chll l. NOctDy =.
| Good afternoon, Miss Garrison. Glad
you liked the photo. SO long. Maybe
I'll bring another message from Dallas
tomorrow"
"What can Phelan want of me,
wonder" mused Bennett, half aloud.
HE and scarcely Good afternoon,
alderman! think this Is the first time
you've honored me with visit"
"Then be lenient with first offense,
your honor" suggested Phelan, shak-
ing hands with the mayor and nodding
pleasantly to Cynthia as she passed
| out to her own Office.
"something important, I suppose, -
| haZarded Bennett. %&%
Maybe it is important and maybe it
isn't" returned Phelan. ut all de-
pends on whether that was a true story
In the Chronicle today about your veto
| Ing the Borough Street railway bill. II
you've really vetoed that bill all TIL