The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-04-09
Cherub
DeViine
By SEWELL FORD
Cooypi6k 1919 bv MifeheN Kennselev
CHAPTER x.
By SEWELL FORD
Copyright. 1903. BY Mitchell Kenneriey
CHAPTER x.
NICHOLAS squirmed a little In
his chair.
Mr.. Devine is in many ways
a-er-a remarkable man."

If he were only something besides
q 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
be tells me that he has given up spec
ulating in stocks"
"He-he has given up. Why?
When:'
At noon today, when he obtained
control of the T.. 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
ioway.
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 a railroad president he will
be a financial power to be reckoned
with; as to his social fitness. that is q
matter to which | have not given the
attention which you appear
Am l 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 stifIy. only l 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
gentleman"
"Ah!' Young Mr.. Walloway seemed
to have gained a 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 a somewhat
picturesque public character whom
she had CHANGED to see at close range.
Il beg pardon for my suggestion
he went on. Il 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.''
rs he, indeed?'
There was an encouraging note in
her tone.
ooh, 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
ingly, whereas he might have pur.
chased them for a 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 l been selling the
shares for you, knowing how badly lie
needed them, 1 could have forced him
to pay even more. No, it was a 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 profit. Evidently he
wishes you to retain possession. how.
ever"
$50 it would appear" unused the
countess. Il wonder why?"
Nicholas pursed his lips quizzically.
II suppose it has not occurred to you
that he might be-well, interested in
you?"
The countess eyed him with cool un-
concern.
I'm afraid you are making rather
an impudent guess. Mr.. Wahoway."
But it's no guess. Devine told me
himself-that is. he as good as con-
! fessed as much"
Her calm poiSe was ruffled. Color
flashed into her checks betrayingly.
| DO you mean to imply that he talk
ed to you of-of me-" she demanded.
We'll, will admit that i drew him
out. could see it plain enough, you
know, and when l asked him he didn't
! attempt to deny. although he did have
! the grace to protest his own unworthi-
ness. Good Of him, wasn't it? Oh,
| yes, he has improved the opportunities
! you gave him! He has had the audaci-
! ~ to fall in love with you, countess
! My congratulations on your conquest
| He held his head at a knowing angle
Then why did he send you here to-
| day instead Of coming HIMSELF"
! "Cnaccountable Perhaps be funked
at the last moment He may have
| thought you would not accept his IA
| vors if offered directly. SO he asked
me to come. Me. Isn't that rich:"
I'm just what way:" And SO quiet
| II did she ask il that Nicholas should
! have had warning.
Why, he doesn't know how long
| nave waited for just such a chance
| But you know. Adele. and now
| He had risen and was approaching
| the countess with outstretched arms
| All that was needed to complete the