The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-05-17

Mason EliSWOIlN uuSNtlcNs anu
squared my shoulders while he was
writing IL down on a slip before him.
/ College,"
/ Yale
CLASP"
"l9O-"
Step nearer TO the window and turn
SO that may see you thoroughly
! | went over 10 the window and turn
( ed myself about like clothier's dunn
my.
That is sufficient Ellsworth" he
said. when I had turned twice around
for his inspection; you won't do
Why | asked sharply, for | had
seldom been treated so abruptly be-
fore | had removed my gloves
That is my AFFAIR sir. Peters, open
the door for the gentleman
turned to the door with a heavy
heart II seemed | would not even
pass muster among the broken men
who answered doubtful Personals.
But, as | put on my hat the old man
at the table recalled me sharply.
Stop a moment. Ellsworth, he
said. why were you tempted 10 an
swer such a dubious advertisements?
That is my affair" | answered; for
| had had enough of this abrupt in-
QUESTION.
The old man grinned widely and his
chin trembled like rabbits. "On the
contrary il is very much my affair.
Answer my question:.
| was thoroughly angry. What right
had this silver-yoiced old ape 10 tor
ture me If he had already determined
my unfitness. | stepped over to the
table and slowly drew of my gloves.
stretching my hands across the table
to aim. The servant. by the door,
caught his breath sibilantly
sit down Ellsworth" said the old
gentleman softly; perhaps we can ar
range matters after all.
| sat down wonderingly Why should
the world be turned topsy-turvy? Why
should the very thing that had stood
in the way OF my fortune all my life
suddenly turn seemingly TO my ad-
vantage? Queerly enough liked
the old man at the table less than
ever. ! determined not to advance one
step in the AFFAIR until had sifted its
honesty to the very bottom, TO ques-
tion this strange man as sharply and
directly as he questioned me. After
ALL manual labor was still open 10 me;
was as free 10 refuse him as he had
been to dismiss me.
Il would rather know your name
before | permit you TO ask further
questions ! said.
The old man frowned. and then nod
ded slowly. You shall know my name
when | definitely engage you Are you,
or have YOU ever been married."
| moved my hands upon the table.
so | suppose he said Still
would rather have a positive answer.
Are you married. sir?'
Hardly" | answered, nor am
likely 10 be-"
His chin wobbEed amazingly.
And you have no other ties what
soeYer?"
None whatsoever" said.
you are how old?"
"Thirty-two.
Are you perfectly willing TO
break off all communication with
your friends, or TO coinmunl ate
with them only as | direct?"
Il have no friends. | tried TO
speak indinerently. but could not al
together keep some of the pain of
my isolation from my voice.
IL seemed as III this pleased him.
l wondered III he were NOT, perhaps.
sllghtly insane. His eye was very
steady and direct, however.
III you were settled IN the coup-
Try on a comfortable income. would
you De willing TO give me your word
10 remain there, or TO move only up-
on my CONSENT"
] thought this over for moreert
such life would feel fettereG I'm
time ! was sure, and vet even
prospect like this appealed 10 me
more strongly than any / had ever
dared to dream Of. "Ycs. | would |
agree to do that" said finally.
Then you can consider vo,,rsoIf |
engaged, Mr.. Ellsworth. NV name
is Ephraim Bond. Your income viii |
De about thirty-one hundred dollars
a year"
Are you not going a little fast
hr. BondY | asked "You have
not told me as yet how I am to earn |
this money!"
Frankly. Ellsworth, you ask
quite too many questions to please |
me- What does IL matter To Won
what you have TO do? give YOU NV
WORD That you will receive tn in
come. will deed the PRINCIPAL 10
that effect this afternoon.
cranky. Mr.. Bond. SAID with
rising anger, II dent care FOR rho
way you do business. do not eyen
reel certain OF your honesty Can
you tell me explicitly what ia 10 Won,
want me to do. or shall We consider
the interview closed? and | hogan
putting OF my gloves.
1ou re young fool I" he snannad
impatiently. and I'm an old f1ci "a
waste my time over you. There ara
40 other men waiting IN the ueyt
room. He peered at inc from he
meath the overhanging prows. met
my eye and looked away. "Au III
want you to do is 80 marry nv
niece. he fretfully concluded. "ore
Is rather good looking it that IS 81
any interest TO you
To- marry--your niece?"
yes. Ellsworth, marry her There
Is nothing dishonest in that. is
there?"
Ny brain whirled. I had ncyer
spoken two words to any other grown
woman than my mother I'M my lilo
since mad entered college cod
KNOWS ] had dreamed or them often
enough. but 10 speak u woman in
friendship 10 marry ne~--the very.
suggestion OF IL dazed me.