Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-04-27
Contrasts


1t was generally remarked by those
who knew the two Burson brothers
that they were strangely unlike in ev-
cry way
Charlie Bvrson would devote hours
of serious thought to the disposition of
a button on the tail of coat, the
height of collar or the color of a
necktie. Whenever he appeared in
public he seemed to have just escaped
from the hands of valet. At such
times speck of dust would complete
ly spoil the day for him.
Anthony Burson, on the other hand,
seemed to regard clothes as a neces-
sary evil and anything in the way of
garments suited him. He would have
been just as happy in i'll fitting ready
made clothes as in the best suit of the
best tailor in town. Charlie could
turn pretty compliment and save
situation. while Anthony might be
counted on invariably to say the
wrong thing, and to say it awkwardly.
Conversationally, Anthony was about
as agile as hippopotamus.
Charlie could dodge an issue and
thus make friends, while Anthony had
an uncompromising way of hurting
out the plain truth, thus reducing peo-
pie to state where they could have
slain him joyously; in short. Anthony
was totally devoid of social graces,
but his eyes met yours clearly and
firmly.
Anthony got down to the Burson Off.
ces at O'Clock every morning the
year round and when Charlie strolled
in at about noon Anthony had broken
the back of good days work. Char
lie was always apologizing for his bad
business methods and explaining daily
with variations-that the Smiths
dinner party the night before lasted
till 2 o'clock and that he really was
goiEg to cut it out
car, while Anthony walked or took a
street car. The touring car helped a
lot when Genevieye Gilman ap-
peared on the scene. Genevieve
had come to pass the winter
with her aunt. She was re-
markably pretty, bright and fascin-
ating and she had fortune in her own
right Genevieve could have bad her
pick Of dozen devoted admirers, but
it was not long before Charlie Burson
seemed to have distanced the best Of
them.
He was omnipresent. If Genevieve
| happened to mention that she was 60
ing shopping the next morning she
found Charlie and his car out in front
as she descended the steps. If she
| went to an afternoon tea Charlie said
| he could just as we'll as not come
around that way from the office and
take her home. If she was going to a
luncheon he found time to take her
to it. Charlie was the sort of man
that any girl would be proud to be
seen with, being so good looking, popu-
lar and clever
| Charlie, when at home, talked a lot
about Genevieve Gilman, praising her
unstintedly Anthony listened silent
ly as he ate his dinner.
You ought to meet her" Charlie
told his brother. Il know you don't
care for girls, but she's the sort to
bring you out and interest you"
Maybe" agreed Anthony. But I'd
rather read than chatter. You go on
and glitter for the family, Charlie!"
However, Anthony did allow himself
to be presented to the fascinating Miss
Gilman She's nice girl" he said
afterward to Charlie.
You make me tired!" exclaimed
Charlie, disgustedly. you are petri
fed plum Nice GIRL indeed! Haven't
you brains enough to see what rar
ity she is?"
ooh, haven't got time for that sort
of thing" said Anthony. Besides
what show have in the social game
alongside Of you?"
Charlie thanked Genevieve in del
icate way for being SO good to An
thony and striving to talk to him.
81 appreciate it. really" he told her
poor old Tony doesn't exactly scinti
late and | know it was hard work fol
you"
Secretly he felt that Genevieve die
It for his sake. She seemed NOR.
than kindly disposed toward him ant
his devotion was so apparent that hi