Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1910-07-12
CHAPTER x.

u a-er-a remarkable man.
IF he We're only something besides
stock gambler. If he would only ap
ply his talents to something differ
ent."
Il hadn't thought Of his talents as
being misdirected." he said slowly
But he has evidently been listening
to some one who thinks as you do. for
he tells me that he has given up spec
ulating in stocks"
"He-he has given up! Whyl
WhenY'
AT noon today, when he obtained
control Of the p, z. and N. railroad
and became its president"
"A railroad president! Why, that Is
quite-quite respectable, isn't it?"
Almost" gravely assented Mr.. Wal
loway.
isn't he splendid?" exclaimed the
countess. clasping her hands. And
don't you think. Nicholas. now that he
has-well. reformed-that he will be
asked about among nice people"
MY dear countess" began Nicholas.
once more assuming the judicial pose.
you must not forget that he is still
Cherub Devine. AS a successful ma
nipulator of stock he is entitled to re-
spect; as railroad president he will
be financial power to be reckoned
with; as to his social fitness. that is a
matter to which l have not given the
attention which you appear
Am being lectured. Nicholas Wal
lOway?" asked the countess demurely.
Il trust we have known each other
long enough. Adele. for me to offer a
friendly suggestion. But if you resent
SUCH
'Oh. no! Go on. Nicholas. What
else about Mr. Devine?'
Young Mr.. Walloway flushed under
the subtle mockery Of her eyes.
Nothing more. countess" and he
bowed stifily. "only did not know
that you considered Mr.. Devine a-a"-
The countess laughed lightly. "Oh,
I've told him he wasn't"
"You-you said that to the Cherub?"
The countess nodded.
And he-what did he
HE said he had never claimed to be
a gentleman"
"Ah" Young Mr.. Walloway seemed
to have gained new viewpoint His
exclamation was one Of relief. Now
he could understand the attitude Of
the countess toward Cherub Devine.
1t was merely an impersonal interest
which she had taken in somewhat
picturesque public character whom
she had CHANGED to see at close range.
II beg pardon for my suggestion"
he went on. II see you know the
Cherub better than l thought. Inter-
esting chap, isn't he? He has his
good points, too-oh. really, has code
of honor all his own that he sticks to
as faithfully as if it were-well, the
accepted code. And he is generosity
itself to those whom he fancies."
us he. indeed?"
There was an encouraging note in
her tone.
"Oh. extremely! Now, in the matter
of buying those shares, they were
never actually quoted at that figure,
you know, but he needed them very
BADLY. and he fixed the price accord
tngly. whereas he might have pur-
chased them for fifth as much and
still paid you the highest market
rate"
Then he practically makes me a
gift Of this?" And the countess flut-
tered the pink check disdainfully.
"Oh. no! Had been selling the
shares for you. knowing how badly he
needed them. could have forced him
to pay even more. No. it was bust
ness transaction. but generosity was
displayed none the less. And his offer
to hand over Hewington Acres at your
own terms-that is another example.
OF course he doesn't want the place
on his hands. but he could readily dis
pose Of it at a profit. Evidently he
wishes you to retain possession. how
ever"
$50 1t would appear" unused the
countess IL wonder why?"
Nicholas pursed his lips quizzically.
II suppose it has not occurred to you
hat he might be-well, interested In
vou?
The countess eyed him with cool un-
I'm afraid you are making rather
IN impudent guess. Mr.. Walloway."
but it's no guess. Devine told me
is. he as good as con-
'essed as much"
Her calm poise was ruff1ed. Color
dashed into her cheeks betrayingly.
DO you mean to imply that he talk
ID to you of-of meg" she demanded.
well, will admit that l drew him
'uts could see it plain enough, you