Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1911-06-16

ITS minded zephyrs.
And so it might have
$500 rested, inert and unheed-
ed, FOR other weeks uncounted, had
not Mrs. J. Grant Wells. in the seclu-
sion of her boudoir, become possessed
of the desire Of a parterre box for
the approaching opera season.
Nothing 1t would seem, could be
more remotely involved with the pom
derous machinery Of the Street than
this altogether natural desire. The
lady herself would certainly have
been the last to have associated them,
and, it is but simple justice to add,
from the prologue on through the sub
sequent chapters Of the opera box
epic-in which at times it may be
seen how perilously dear parterre
box may be-unto the very end, which
was the Ff1rst night" the Street to
her was, like the primrose to another,
the Strickland nothing more.
1t was inconceivably more, in the
interim, to President Wells, Of the
Twelfth National bank; it was unques-
tionably more to two of his intimate
friends, directors with him in score
of enterprises. To Joseph w. Barr,
who dictated certain not unimportant
parts of the epic, it was, by his proper
voice, joke-and something su5stan-
tial on the side.
From boudoir time to dinner time
Mrs. Wells bore alone the weight Of
the now well-matured desire. With
the coffee, however, came the strategic
moment for the economical division OF
labor.
With a careless display of the slen-
der hand and well-rounded arm, Of
which Mr. Wells was justly proud, she
moved a bit one of the sOft-shaded
silver candlesticks. The maneuveS
opened a white-paved little alley
across the board-a cozy invitation to
condolences. Mr.. Wells smiled under
standingly down it, meeting the lady's
smile just his side of halfway.
1--WE been thinking, Grant" said the
lady, with pretty hesitation.
"You have?" said Mr.. Wells, balan-
cling the fragile cup to enjoy the
aroma Of the mocha. He smiled his
disbelief.
why shouldn't we-just you and l
have a box at the opera this sea-
SOM"
"Ah," said Mr.. Wells, with no par
ticular infection, why shouldn't WEI"
The cup tinkled as it touched the
saucer.
Il am so glad you're nice about 1t,
Grant" There was the least trace of
haste in this. you always are so nice
about these things; 1 am sure l know
no one who is so thoughtful. Well
make it my Christmas gift, won't we?
None could give me more pleasure,
and, best of all, I can share 1t with
you. Of course, we couldn't use the
box on Saturdays-the popular per-
formances. you know-and that makes
it cost ever so little And then we can
entertain so nicely. 1t is really econ
omy: fewer dinners and receptions,
you know. I am so glad to have
thought of it-and so proud you ap-
prove; I knew you would, Grant
dear"
Confusing -blinding-smiles and in
donations tumbled unanimously down
the white-paved alley, and, gripping
Mr.. Wells, bound him, hand and foot,
Liliput like and returned him captive
to the lady.
"Of course" he capitulated, uncon-
ditionally.
President Wells, of the Twelfth Ma
tional bank, never specialized 1t was
matter of much pride to him that
dent should enjoy in common a sub
stantial reputation for conservatism
which was at once the envy and de-
spair of competitors.
Nor did Mr. Wells speculate in the
accepted sense Of that much-abused
word. Even In the old days, when his
neighbors up state,' ignorant of the
heights to which he should later at
tain, hailed him as JOSH" it was gen.
orally conceded that his local opera
lions partook very little of the nature
of speculation.
Did he but buy the apple crop of
hard pressed farmer, even while the
June breezes were still scattering the
sweet-scented blossoms through the
orchard with the fall there were
grooming trees which must be prop
ped, lest their burthen of fruit crush
them. Hay, oats, corn, wheat, cattle,
the very bees Of his native county,
all throve if Joshua Wells committed
his fortunes to their well-being. Let
him be pessimistic and venture not
his gold abroad, and the elements has
tened to range themselves on his side;
the crops withered, kline died, and the
bees abandoned their hives. It was
never speculation.
To the larger school of finance he
carried his gains and formulate, and
as the latter were exact the former
found Increase Mr. Wells found rec
ognition and, with the coming of Mrs.