The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-04-26


would try TO find place for Cynthln
Garrison, IN consequence Of which
whom tho young man made up his list
Of personal appointments Miss Garri'
son found herself listed ~ assistant
private secretary at a decidedly com,
Portable salary.
II was while she was working In that
capacity In the mayors private room
In the city hall during Benefits lunch
hour one day In midwinter that her
solitude was broken by the entrance Of
q visitor
Perry wainwright, redolent Of band
box and soap az ever. found his way
past the doorkecper and burst into the
sanctum
'TIelIof' was his greeting. "His
honor isn't aroundf"
"No," answered Cynthia demurely.
looking up from her work with the
most businesslike air she could a..
sumo Hes out at lunch"
II knew he would be- grinned Per
ry. II timed II fne, didn't IT.
"If you knew he was out, why did
you comet" she asked severely. "You
know never receive callers during
business hours. II you didn't come to
see Mr.. Bennett
"But l did. Honest | did. have q
message for him. It's awfully impor-
tant. He mustn't miss It."
Perhaps you'll leave 1t with met !
cam 3gil 48
mo: It's got an answer to IL I'll
have TO wait, suppose"
He rat down, unlimited, with an air
OF mock resignation that was too much
for Cynthia's gravity.
PERRY Wainwright" she exclaimed
I'm evaporation, "how often am to
tell you you mustn't bother me here
In Office hourST'
Nov you've hurt my feelings an
nounced Perry In solemn conviction.
But" he added generously, I'm for
give you, and to prove It Ill give you
peace offering. Seer 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.
"0h, the beautiesr she exclaimed.
1--WE do look we'll In that pose," he
admitted modestly.
Il was speaking OF the dogs" she
reproved him, with lofty scorn.
"Hut I'm In the picture, too" he ex'
planned. I'm the one with the hat
on. And
Thank you 80 much for the picture.
shall keep It always. They're the
incest dogs ever had"
"I'm nice too. And II isn't my fault
I'm not a dog. r. @
Il told you once before not to give
up hope. You'll grow. "I''--
Il told that to some fellows at the
club. and we tried to figure 1t out and
we decided you were guying me-"
"What clever men you must be at
that clubl Are you going TO the ad-
minlstration ball next. weekf"
"Are your
"Why?"
because that's the answer. rye
never been to an administration ball,
but II you're there I guess IT,
Don't be silly. The administration
ball Is a 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 1t queer"
mot especially. There's deal I'm
thinking Of putting through myself
that night II I don't get good chance
earlier--a deal that means lot to
me-"
"Then why wait TIL the ball2 why
not
"I'd do 1t now. only Bennett might
come In before"
what worker Mr. Bennett isl'
broke in Cynthia, turning very pink
and fastening to change the subject,
I'm the old days we thought he was
the soul Of lazlness, but now he's
working here night and day. He's not
only the youngest mayor this city ever
had, but l think he's the busiest too.
He
The eulogy on the new mayor was
cut short by that dignltary's appear
anee from the center room. AS Alwyn
paused to hang up his coat and hat
and pull Off his gloves Cynthia bent
,nce more over her work, while Perry
Itraightened up and tried to look as
though he really had business Of presa-
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 whats the excuse this
timer
.sThe what% asked the youth un-
easily.