The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-18

blighted by Josie's supreme indifer- ence. this budding passion dropped and failed by mutual consent of both par ties concerned. Angle Tuthill became more conspicuously than ever the orb of Tracey's universe. Duncan walked home with Josie on two week day even ings and twice on Sundays and learned how to play haima and parcheesi. The drug store prospered in moderation. Sothern & Lee vainly contesting it's conquering campaign. And Duncan grew thoughtful.
 One has more time to think unself- where there's rarely more time than enough to think of ones own concerns. And Duncan was making time to think about others. notably Betty Graham. The girl was. as usual. shy. reticent. reserved. She kept her thoughts to herself. sharing the most intimate not even with old Sam, who would talk. But Duncan divined that she was un- happy.
 He saw her go and come, wiStful shadow on the borders of his occupa- tons. self contained, little timid. but at the same time brave in her own quiet. uncomplaining fashion. And the distant look in those soft eyes he di- vined to be one of longing for that which she might not possess-the ad- vantages that other girls had, socially and educationally; the pleasures they contrived. the attentions they re- ceived. the thousand and one slight things that make existence life for a woman. He saw her dropping insen- sibly day by day. growing a little paler, a shade more aloof and listless And he became infinitely concerned for her.
 He told himself he had solved the problem of her disease. but it's remedy remained beyond his reach. The busi- ness was doing very well indeed. but it was still young and must be sub jected to as few financial drains as possible. As it ran there was an in come sufficient to board, lodge and clothe the three of them. maintain the credit of the partnership and now and again admit of slight but advan- tageous addition to the stock of fix lures. Things would certainly be bet ter fin the course of time. but
 It came to pass that he left the store early one evening. excusing himself on the plea of some slight indisposition, and lost himself for the space of two hours. lr.s,. - 1
 He found himself shortly after s at pause by the gate to the Bohun place. An aged negro butler. one of the freed slaves brought from Virginia by the Bohuns. admitted him to the hall and took his card. smothering his own won- lerment, for in those days nobody disturbed the silence and the peace of decay of the Bohun mansion save it's master. Duncan had long to wait
 "Cunnel Bohun will see yo'. suh." the servant said and ushered him into the library.
 Bohun received the young man standing. He was as courteous be heath his own roof as he was impos- sible away from it.
 The colonel nodded. At your serv- ice, sir" and waited grimly.
 Duncan had his own way of getting at things.
 "May I inquire, sir. if you are ac- quainted with the firm of l.. J. Bart lett & Go. of New York;"
 "I have heard of it, MT. Duncan"
 ''Then would you mind doing me the favor of writing to Mir. Henry Kel- logg, the junior partner, and asking him about mer'
 The colonel stiffened. May I ask why I should do anything so uncalled for"
 Because it isn't uncalled for, sir. mean you won't think so after I've explained"
 Bohun inclined his head, searching Nat's face with his keen, bright eyes.