The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-09-21

ed rather than enjoyed this friendship.
 Bivens shook hands quietly and took a seat beside Stuart's desk
 "Well?'' said the la wyer at length.
 ''I've come to make you an important proposition, Jim. We need another at- torney. The business of the company is increasing so rapidly our force can't handle it. 1 need a big man close to me If you'll take the place I'll give you Q salary that will ultimately be as big as the president gets in the WhSte House Twenty thousand to start with.'
 Stuart looked at his visitor curiosly.
 Why do you want me, Cal? There are thousands of lawyers here who would jump at the chance Many of them are better equipped than I.''
 Because 1 know that you won't lie to me. you won't swindle or take ad- vantage of me-
 Why not?'' Stuart asked, with smile.
 Because it's not in you"
 ''l see. You want to capitalize my character and use me to ambush the other feIlow?"
 That's one way to look at it-yes."
 But that's not the real reason you come to me today with this proposi- t1on. is it?'
 Not the only one. You know my friendship for you is genuine. You know there's not a man in New York for whom I'd do as much as 1 will for you if you'll let me. Isn't that trueT'
 ,'I believe it-yes- And yet there must be another reason You're not afraid of Woodman and wish to reach him through meT"
 Tk1 rri1% the shining little black eyes.
 Afraid p he asked contem ptuously. ''I'm not even interested in him. The old fossils joke. He thinks he can stop the progress of the world to at- tend case of measles in Mott street.
 Stuart was silent a moment, watch ing the dark masked face before him. At last he blurted out: S
 Well, Cal. what's the real reason you make me this offer today?''
 You can keep little secre& ?''
 You ought to know that before mak- ing me such an offer."
 -"Yes-yes. of course, 1 know you will" Bivens paused and resumed his cigar. '.The fact fs-J1m-I'm in love-"
 But where do I come into this af- fair?'
 Simple enough. The Primroses''-
 ''Oh, it's Miss PrimrOSeg '
 "Yes-Miss Nan You, see, they think the world of you. She said you grew up together in the same town I was telling her about my business. I must have been bragging about what we were going to do. I was crazy, just looking at her. Her beauty made me drunk. ! told her we needed new at- torney. She said you were the man. I told her I'd offer you the place. She seemed pleased. Said she knew you would accept. You've got to accept, old man. I want to make her feel that her word is law with me. Tell me, do you think I've got a chance with a girl like that? You know I've never gone with girls much. Pm timid and awkward I don't know what to do or what to say. But my money will help, won't itY'
 Money always helps in this town, Cal"
 And it means so much to woman, too, don't it?"
 ''Yes. Have you said anything to Miss Nan yet?"
 Lord. no! Haven't dared. I'm kinder shying up to the old lady to get her on my side She seems awfully friendly I think she likes me. Don't VO0 IL G SOOo PAaA AC S01LANdlS herr"
 By all means,". was the dry reply.
 Say, Jim. help me. Take this attor- neyship. It will please her and I'll make you rich. Come in with me and you'll never. regret it. I know my folks. were not your social equals in the old days down south. But you know as well as I do that money talks here."
 There was no mistaking the genuine ness of Bivens' feelings. Stuart had but to accept the generous offer made in good faith. and every cloud between him and Nan would vanish! They could be married at once and the flu ture was secure. All he had to do was to keep silent for the moment as to his real relations to Nan and compromise his sense of honor by accepting the wages of a man whose principles be despised. His decision was made with out moments hesitation
 'T refuse the offer, Cal,'' he said 1 firmly.
 Bivens rose quickly and placed his | smooth hand on his friends.
 ''I won't take that answer now Think it over. I'll see you again."
 He turned and left the room before l Stuart could reply
 The lawyer drew photograph from | his desk and looked at it. smiling ten 1 derly. ''I wonder. Nan! I wonderP'
 The smile slowly faded. and a frown | clouGed his brow. The lines of his | mouth suddenly frightened. ''I'll settle it today" he said with de cision. as he rose. took his hat and left | for Gramercy park It was noon when Stuart reached the Primrose house, and Nan was again |