Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-22

me most of the things that are worth
having in life"
She laughed shortly
You will cut down those hedges ana
drive away the birds to find fresh home;
you will plough up the green grass, cut
| out q street and lay down granite STONES
Then / see your ugly little houses coming
up like mushrooms all over the place
You are vandal my dear Leonard
IT am simply obeying the law" he an
| swered After all, even from your own
point of view, do not think that II is SO
bad. Look closer, and you Will ma that
the hedges are blackened here and there
with smuts. The birds will find a better
dwelling place further away. Shee now
tho smoke from those factory chlmneys
is sending its smuts across these fields.
They are no longer country; they are
better gathered in"
She shivered.
"There is something about life," she
said. sadly. (which terrifies ME. Every
force that counts seems to be destruc-
tive"
Up the steep hill behind them came the
putting and groaning of small motor
car. They both turned their heads TO
watch it come into view. II was an
insignificant affair of an almost extinct
pattern. a single cylinder machine with
round tonneau back. The engine was
knocking badly as the driver brought 1t
to a standstill a few yards away from
them. Involuntarily Tavernake stinened
as he saw the two men who descended
from II, and who were already passing
through the gate close to where they
were One was Mr.. Dowling, the other
the manager of the bank where they kept
their account. Mr.. Dowllng recognized
his manager with surprise but much
cordiality.
"Dear met" he exclaimed. Dear me,
this is most fortunatel You know Mr..
Tavernake, of course, Bolton? My man
ager, Mr. Tavernake-Mr. Bolton, of the
London and Westminster Bank. I have
brought Mr.. Bolton up here, Tavernake'
TO have a look round, so that he may
know what we mean 10 do with all the
money we shall have to come and bor-
row, eh?''
The bank manager smiled.
"It is a very fine situation" he re-
The eyes of the two men fell upon
Beatrice, who had drawn little to one
side.
"May we have the pleasure. Taver-
maker" Mr.. Dowling said, graciously.
you are not married. believer"
mo, this is my sister," Tavernake an
swered. slowly-'Mr. Bolton and Mr..
Dowling."
The two men Acknowledged the salute
with some slight surprise. Beatrice. al
though her clothes were simple. had all
ways the air OF belonging to different
world.
Your brother. my dear Miss Taver-
nake." Mr.. Dowlng declared, sis perfect
genius at discovering these desirable sites.
This one I honestly consider TO be the
hnd OF our lifetime. We have now" he
proceeded, turning to Mr.. Bolton. certain
information that the cars viii run to
whatever point we desire In this vicinity,
and the Metropolitan Railway has also
arranged for an extension OF its sys-
tenn. Tomorrow I PROPOSE" Mr.. Dowl-
ing continued. holding the sides OF his
coat and assuming a somewhat pompous
manner. Ito make an offer for the whole
| OF this site. II will involve a very large
sum OF money indeed but I am convinced
that II viii be a remuneratiye specula-
ton"
Tavernaks remained grimly silent. This
was scarcely the time or the place which
he would have selected for an explanation
with his employer. There were signs.
however, that the thing was TO be forced
upon him.
II am very pleased indeed to meet you
here. Tavernake." Mr. Dowling went on,
pleased both for personal reasons ana
because Il shows, II / may be allowed 70
say 30. the interest which you take IN
the hrn's business. that you should de-
vote your holiday 70 coming and-er-suT-
Veying the scene OF our exploits. so to
speak. Perhaps now that you are here
you would be able to explain to Mr..
Belton better than I Should just what
i Is that We propose"
Tavernake healtated for : moment.
Finally however. be proceeded 70 make
clear > very elaborate and carefully
thought ct building seAame. 70 which
haIa men Hstened With mneh attention
zEhen hs - 1ll1hza. hoVcFer. h1 nrasd