Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-12-17


all between old Buck, Pack junior, and
old lady Buck How can you tell
whether the new member viii want q
woman on the road, or not?''
A little steely light hardened the
blue of Mrs. MeChesney's eyes
Wen leave the firm of T. A. Buck
out OF this discussion, please"
oh. very Welt" Ed Meyers was
unabashed Lets talk about From
kin. He don't object, do you, Abe?
It's just like this. He needs your
smart head. You need his money.
TIN mean sure thing for you--a
share in growing and substantial
business. When you get your road
men trained it'll mean that you won't
need to go out on the road yourself.
except for little missionary trip
now and then, maybe. No more in
fernal early trains, no more bum hotel
grub, no more stuffy, hot hotel rooms,
no more naughty lady buyers-gosh,
wish had the chance!"
Emma McChesney sat very still.
Two scarlet spots glowed in her
cheeks. No one appreciates your
gift of oratory more than | do. Mr..
Meyers. Your flow Of language,
coupled with your peculiar persuasive
powers, make d combination statue
couldn't resist Bat | think II would
sort of rest me il Mr., F'romkin we're
to say word. seeing that it's really
his funeral"
Abel E'romkin started nervously.
and put his dead cigarette to his
lips. II amt much of a talker,9 he
said, almost sheepishly Meyers.
he's got 1t down fine. ! tell you what.
I'll be In New York the 21st We
can 60 over the books and papers
and the whole business. And | like
you should know my wife. And /
got little girl Would you believe
it, that child amt more as year
old, and says papa and mamma like
actress!' Yas
Sure" put in Ed Meyers. disre-
garding the more intimate family de-
tails. you two get together and fix
things UP in shape; then you can
sign up and have it off your mind
80 you can enjoy the festive Christ
mas season"
Emma McChesney had been gaz-
ing out Of the window to where the
street lamps were reflected in the
Recovered pavements. Now she
spoke. still staring out upon the win
try street
Christmas isn't season It's a
feeling. And haven't got it,"
oh, come now, Mrs. McChesney!"
objected Ed Meyers.
With sudden, quick movement |
Emma McChesney turned from the
window to the little dark man who
was watching her SO intently. She |
faced him squarely, as though utterly
disregarding Ed Meyers flattery and
banter and cajolery. The little man
before her seemed to recognize the
earnestness of the moment. He leaned
forward a bit attentively.
If what has been said is true" she
began. this ought to be good thing
for me. II 90 into it, Ill go in heart,
soul, brain, and pocketbook. | do
know the skirt business from thread
to tape and back again. I'VE managed
to save few thousand dollars. Only
a woman could understand how I've
done It, I've scrimped on little things.
I've denies myself necessities. I've
worn silk blouses instead Of linen ones
to save laundry bills and taken a
street car or bus to save quarter or
fifty cents. I've always tried to look
well dressed and immaculate
You'll" exclaimed Ed Meyers.
Why, say, you're what | call swell
dresser. Nothing fiashy, understand,
Or loud, but the quiet, good stuff that
spells ready money"
"M-m-m--yes. But 1t wasn't always
80 ready. Anyway, always managed
somehow. The boys at college. Some
Tines wonder-well that's another
story. I've saved, and contrived, and
ahead for rainy day. There
have been two or three times when I
thought it had come. Sprinkled pretty
heavily, once or twice But I've Just
turned up my coatcollar, tucked my
1at under my skirt, and scooted for a
rec. And each time it has turned out
% be just summer shower, with the
sun coming out bright and warm"
Her frank, clear, honest, blue eyes
we're plumbing the depths of the black
ines. Those few thousand dollars
hat you hold SO lightly will mean
to me- They've been my
cyclone cellar. If"
Through the writing room sounded
monotonous voice with
! note Of inquiry in it.
MRS. McChesneyi Mr.. Fraser! Mr..
ludwig! Please! Mrs. McChesney!
DR.. Fraser! Mr.. Lud--"
Here. boy" Mrs. McChesney took
he little yellow envelope from the
alver that the boy held out to her. !
Ter quick glance rested on the written i
words. She rose. her face colorless. |
Ma H. ~ rrtr. 4 :