Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-01-28
by O3]ENRT
AUTHOR Of STRICTLY I
BUSINESS" ETC.

COPY HSJOhT 1908 BY BENZ z. HAMPTON
holstered seats conveniently near, and spoke of the
weather.
eyes, said she, II noticed 1t was warmer. But
mustn't take up too much Of your time during bust
ness hours That is" she continued unless we
talk business
She addressed her words to Blue Tie with q charm.
iEg smile.
Very WE'LL" said he. "You don't mind my cousin
being present do you? We are generally rather
confidential with each other-especialy in business
matters"
"Oh. no." caroled Miss De ormond. I'D rather
he did hear. He knows all about it. anyhow In
fact, he's quite a material witness because he was
present when you-when 1t happened. thought
you might want to talk things over before-well
before any action is taken as believe the lawyera
say"
Have you anything In the way OF proposition
to make?" asked Black Tie.
Miss De Ormond looked iefectively at the neat
toe of one Of her dull kid pumps.
Il bad a proposal made to me-" she said "If tho
proposal sticks 1t cuts out the proposition. Let's
have that settled first"
well, as far as" began Blue Tie
Excuse me, cousin" interrupted Black Tie, "if
you don't mind my cutting in And then he turned
with good-natured air. toward the lady.
Now. let's recapituate bit" he said cheerf,y
"All three Of US besides other mutual acquaint-
ances, have been out on good many larkg to-
gether."
I'm afraid I'll have to call the birds BY another
name" said Miss De Ormond.
"All right" responded Black Tie with vnlmpared
cheerfuness; Suppose say squads when we
talk about the proposal and larks' when we dis
cuss the proposition You have quick mind Miss
De Ormond. Two months ago some half a dozen
OF us went in motor car for days run into the
country. We stopped at road house for dinner
My cousin proposed marriage to you then and
there. He influenced to do So Of course by
the beauty and charm which no one can deny that
you possess"
Il wish had you for press agent Mr.. Car.
teret said the beauty, with dazzling smile.
You the stage Miss De OrmOnd"
on Black Tie "You have had. doubtless. many ad-
mirers and perhaps other proposals You must re.
member. too that party Of merrymakers
on that occasion. There were a good many corks
pulled. That the proposal of marriage was made to
you by my cousin we cannot deny But hasn't it
been your experience that, by common consent,
such things lose their seriousness when viewed in
the next days sunlight? Isn't there somethin of
code among good sports the word in its
best sense-that wipes out each day the folles OF
the evening previous?"
"Oh yes" said Miss De Ormond 81 know that
very we'll. And I've always played up to it. But
as you seem to be conducting the case-with the ST
lent consent Of the defendant-Ill tell you something
more. I've got letters from him repeating the pro
posal. And they're signed. too"
Il understand" said Black Tie gravely. whats
your price for the letters?"
I'm not a cheap one" said Miss De Ormond.
"But had decided to make you rate. You both
belong to swell family. Well, If am on the
stage nobody say word against me truthfuy.
And the money is only a secondary consideration.
1t isn't the money was after. IL believed him
and-and liked him."
She cast soft enhancing glance at Blue Tic
from under her long eyelashes
and the price," went Black Tie tnexorably.
Ten thousand dollars" said the lady nweetly.
II think it is time" interrupted Blue Tie, for
nc 10 be allowed to say a word or two. You and l.
cousin, belong to a family that has held its head
pretty high You have been brought up in sec.
finn oft ne he hore
branch Of the family lived Yet both of US are
Carerets. II some Of ways and theories
differ. You remember 1t is tradition of the fam.
lily that no Carteret ever failed in chivalry TO lady
or failed to keep his word when it given"
Then Blue Tie. with frank decision showing his
countenance, turned to Miss De Ormond
OLIVIA said ne, ION what date will you marry
Before she could answer Black Tie again inter
posed
"!t is long journey" said he, from Plymouth
Rock Norfolk Bay Between the two points We
find the changes that nearly three centuries have
brought. In that time the old order has changed
We no longer burn witches or torture slaves. And
today neither spread our cloaks on the mud for
ladies' to walk nor treat them to the ducking
stool. 1t is the age OF common sense. adjustment.
and proportion. All Of us-ladies. gentlemen, wo-
men, men, Northerners, Southerners lords, caitfs.
actors, hardware drummers senators. hod carriers.
and politicians-are coming to a better understand
ing. Chvalry IS one OF our words that changes its
meaning every day. Family pride Is thing OF
many constructons-it may show itself by main
tanning a motheaten arrogance in cobwebbed
Colonial mansion by the prompt paying of ones
debts.
Now, suppose you've had enough Of my mono
logue. I've learned something Of business and lit
tie of life; and somehow believe cousin that our
great-great- grandfathers the original Cartorcts.
would indorse my view Of this natter
Black Tie wheeled around to his desk. wrote In \
check book and tore out the check. the sharp rasp
Of the perforated leaf making the only sound in
the room. He laid the check within easy reach OF
Miss De Ormonds hand.
Business Is business" said he. 1--WE live In n
business age. There is my personal check for $,o-
600 What do you say Miss De Ormond-wi it be
orange blossoms or cash?'
Miss De Ormond picked up tho check carelessly.
folded ndifferently and stuffed 1t into her glove.
"Oh, thsl do" she said calmly. Il Just thought
I'd call and put 1t up to you. l guess you people
are all right But girl has feelings. you know.
rye heard Of you was Southerner-l wonder
which Of you it is"
She arose smiled sweetly and walked to the door.