Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-06-29
CHAPTER III.


Enter at last, Miss Haldane, accom-
panied by her father, her mother, her
brother. Miss Louise Van Week
Stewart Zone of her intimate friends
and possible sister-in-law), Dr. War
rem Deveaux "a retired physician, an
old bachelor and an old and intimate
friend of the family. The newcomers
were all dressed In winter automobile
garments. 1t was young Haldane who
broke the somewhat awkward pause
consequent upon their entrance.
'Mr. Goodrich" he began, unbutton-
ing his coat and slipping it OFF as he
advanced.
Your pardon, sir" said Gormly.
but Mr.. Goodrich is no longer the
owner Of this place."
why, Mr.. Gormly," burst out Miss
Haldane impetuously, as she turned at
his voice and recognized him, this is
great surprise! We didn't know
that you were to be one Of our neigh
bors."
She had been in the background
and had not observed their host until
she heard him speak. As she spoke,
she stepped forward impulsively with
outstretched hand.
Eleanor" exclaimed her father in
great surprise, surveying Gormly as
he spoke, with stare as cold as the
winter weather. do you-ah-know
this gentleman"
Certainly do" returned the girl
1T is Mr.. George Gormly of the CORN
ly store. you know"
"Ah, indeed" began her father.
Il have known him for" she
paused uncertainty.
Seven months yesterday. Miss Hal
dane" answered Gormly. who was
nothing II not accurate.
I'VE have-er--bought things at
your shop for longer time than that,
fancy" here interposed Mrs. Hal
dane vaguely with an air of great con-
descension.
You have been on my books,
madam. as one Of my most valued
customers ever since I moved to
Broadway twenty-one years ago." re-
turned Gormly, who was by no means
ashamed Of his business, else he
would not have continued in It.
YES" said Haldane at this juno
ture. Il have been making out checks
with monotonous regularity to your
firm ever since"
MY good man" began Mrs. Hal
dane still somewhat vaguely, and evil
IDENTIFY rather at loss how to place
this irreproachably clad and fine APP
pearing gentleman who had soiled his
hands with trade and yet did not seem
to be at all embarrassed or ashamed
Of II.
'Mother!" exclaimed the daughter,
blushing with vexation. "Mr. Gormly.
forgive me. forgot that you did not
know my family"
Il have seen them often in the
store, Miss Haldane. and have even
waited upon some of them In other
days myself" replied Gormly, quite as
cold and formal In his manner as any
one In the room.
Nevertheless / want the pleasure
of presenting you to my mother. Mr..
George Gormly, mother. my very good
friend"
Mrs. Haldane drew herself up.
Gormly bowed himself down in bow
most carefully calculated to express
proper degree Of appreciation OF the
honor and nothing more.
my friend. Miss Stewart: my faith
err, and my brother. Mr.. Livingstone
Haldane: DIR. Deveaux."
The persons mentioned bowed cool
ly. except that Livingstone Haldane
infused little more cordially In his
recognition than the others did, while
DR.. Deveaux actually stepped forward
and extended his hand.
my dear SIR" he said genially, his
old face beaming with good nature
and genuine admiration. II am delight
ed to have the privilege of shaking
you by the hand. Anybody who has
the courage to attack the Gotham
Freight Traction company as you have
done in the papers may be recognized
as public benefactor whom It is an
honor to know"
Thank you." said Gormly. grateful
for this recognition.
Sir" began Haldane. Fan unfor-
tunate accident to our machine has
thrown us upon your hospitality. r
did not know that my friend Goodrich
had sold this place Or"
Let that give you no concern. SIR"
answered Gormly; Il pray that you
will consider the place and all IN It as
your own. I beg you win take of
your wraps and make yourselves en-
tirely at home"
That's very handsome Of you. am
sure continued the elder Haldane,
slowly removing HIS coat; but my
own place Hes but six miles beyond
here. and II you viii permit W to tele-
phone my stables, think We shall
have to trouble you but little"