, 1915-12-23

~ oN0R
bearing the name of Ellery Clark.
How Rodney hated that fellow He
must admit that Ellery had never done
anything to him, but he could not bear
him, just the same. He said as much
to Peale, whose curiosity seemed to be
aroused:
Lets have a peek at him." he said.
Take a good look at him." said Rod.
ney as Miss Burke went after Ellery,
a n see what father wanted me to
be like. Ellery went into business-so
must l. Ellery loved work-so must l."
But It was only his pride in you"
said Mary. Your father didn't want
old John Clark constantly rubbing it in
about Ellery's success"
81 didn't want 1t rubbed into me
either" said Rodney.
We'll, this is our chance to impress
Ellery," said Peale. who knows too?
He may have some money"
Meanwhile I'll go call up the steam
ship office again" said Mary. 'Oh, Rod
ney," she called back, find out how
Ellery's doing in business. will your
Rodney watched her as she disap-
pt"iCo abu was pAohbhl W DEcStnll
by Peale.
You're spelling that girl-she used
to be a good business woman Now
half the time instead of using her
brains she sits and looks at you as If
you We're some marvellous antique work
Of art"
Rodney laughed and, as a matter Of
fact, liked this teasing. Above all, 1t
was delicious to his heart to hear Peale
say that Mary was in love with him.
He did think Mary was beginning to
show a little more love for him lately
despite their troubles, and PeaIe's tes-
timony made him glad. He looked up
quite good naturally, only forcing a
frown on his face as Ellery Clark came
In. Ellery bored him awfully at most
times.
The truth is John Clark's Ellery was
a real pinhead and always would be,
overdressed in the latest style. affect
ed, aping the English when he remem-
bered to do so. but oftener than not
forgetting.
he called out cheerfully.
Pm very busy today. Mr.. Clark
said Rodney coolly.
"Oh, Isuppose you are" Ellery agreed.
Must take a lot of time to get up your
advertisements"
Peale prtcked up his ears ut this.
You like 'em? l write 'em. My
names Peale," he ratified of. coming
over to Ellery, who, however. looked
right through him as II he We're empty
air. That sort OF treatment was lost
on Ambrose, who only walked back TO
his chair, comically rebufred, and set
tied down to the role of listener.
What Is 1t. Mr.. Clarke Rodney
vel On.
"You see it's like this, old top" said
Ellery. I've been having rather n.
time with father lately. Silly old man.
OF course with a Lac like yours, who's
perfectly satisfied with you. you cant
understand that"
mo, of course not" said Rodney
lryly.
you see, my old mans out Of date"
Ellery went on, encouraged. Insisted
on the absurd idea Of my going into
business-beastly bore"
But you wanted to, didn't your"
asked Rodney.
81 should say not"
But l thought you loved work"
Work? It's preposterous except for
the lower classes. Men OF intelligence
go in for the professions. | paint"
"You look it." said Peale in n half
aside.
I'D heard you were a model son.
said Rodney. .
At this Ellery opened his eyes and
stared.
"why. that's Just what father says
about you." he exclaimed. HE says
you're a great executive"
well. / must admit that business
Life Is very congenial to me-" said Rod
ney, mussing up some papers on his
desk and employing his rubber stamp
vigorously.
''Oh, l don't consider 1t a compliment
to be u success IN business! Think Of
all the blighters who are declared
Ellery.
yes, the baIly rotters," Peale inter
jected, unable to keep still. He had
been observing Ellery all this time as
If fascinated by this new specimen.
Unconsciously be began to mimic him.
II Ellery crossed his legs he crossed
his. He even tool his handkerchief
and stuffed It in his cuffs like Ellery.
Father keeps reminding me of your
success every day." said Ellery plain
lively. Most irritating. OF course
he's sore because | haven't bothered
much about business. Oh, I've tackled
a thing or two. but luck was against
me-just didn't happen to work out.
Not my fault, you understand"
81 should say not. You couldn't be
to blame" came from Peale. who must
talk.