The Delta independent., 1917-04-27
CUPID ON THE PHONE
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

The president of the Midway and
Northern and Mr.. Dill. his private sec.
retary, were seated beside the great
center table in John B. Stoughton's of.
hce. Mr.. Stoughton himself, seated Cd
posite, was trying his best to look as
IL railroad presidents and their satel-
utes were customary visitors. He
smoked one of his own 5O-cent cigars.
dozen of which he had kept in the
safe for months for Just such a longed-
for emergency.
On the table was a map of a certain
section of certain state with dotted
lines running over it like a dress
makers guide, and here and there
great splotches of black ink that evil
Gently had something to do with the
Present conference, for every now and
then the president or Mr.. Dill would
lean forward and trace around these
places with well-manicured forefingers.
Mr. Stoughton was playing the part of
listener.
You see" explained the president,
1T wouldn't do for the people in
nese sections to discover that we are
running these branch lines into their
country"
The telephone rang just then. Mr..
Stoughton looked annoyed. There was
no Office girl to answer 1t, for so far
he had not needed the services of one.
Legal papers, all that he had, could be
copied by the public stenographer
across the hall.
The president settled back in his
chair as the phone with automatic reg
ularity sounded its staccato notes
There was no use in trying TO compete
with 1t for the young lawyers atten-
ton. Mr.. Stoughton went over to his
desk and took down the receiver.
"Hellor
rs that you, Jack?'
"Yes."
what are you doingI"
BUSY"
"Oh. pshawi You're always busy"
I'm call you later" answered Jack.
The president picked up his words
precisely where he had left off. He was
not accustomed to repeating.
on account of the coal deposits.
So far they are not even aware that it
is there. But we have had experts
throughout the three counties for a
year and find that the whole district is
rich. The thing is that II we buy up
thnt property, even on an option. In
our own name"
The telephone rang again. Mr..
Stoughton's hands closed tight as II
he would like to choke its metallic
throat. The president again sat back
In his chair and the secretary
drummed impatientiy on the table.
"Hello!" called Jack, answering Its
insistent ring for the second time.
Jackie. dear, Tn so sorry I was
cross" came MarJorie's voice. land 1
know you didn't mean to be rude. I've
been thinking about you all day, and
how lovely IL will be when we're mar
ried and have our little bungalow up
on the hill. It's just like fairy tale,
isn't 1t. Jackie?'
Yes" responded Jack. in as bust
nessllke tone as he could command.
Perhaps I'd better call you later-rm
very busy Just now"
"Oh-nll right" coldly.
And again he returned to the table.
there's going to be hold-up when
we try to get our right OF way the
president continued. $50 our company
has decided to engage the services Of
an attorney to handle the situation.
get all options in his own name and to
handle the situation generally. Cur
own lawyer would not DO for the rea-
son / mentioned. Now as to COM
mission-of course, II would mean"
The telephone rang again. The sec
retary jumped up and walked the floor
and the president this time looked very
much annoyed.
"Hello" he called for the third time
Jack, don't be cross. please. but
I've been crying, crying: think of It.
You've acted so queerly today Tn
so miserable because know you don't
love me any more"
"why. do. dear!"
"Then you'll have to sny II. the
whole thing. T-love-you--Marj rjorie.'
Just like. before I'll believe you"
He obeyed. 81 love you. Marjorie"
What else was there for i'll
The railroad president pushed back
his chair and got up, and when Jack
left the phone his visitors had their
maps folded and their hats. coats and
sticks ready to depart.
ave had better take up the matter
at some future time when you're not
so busy. Mr.. Stoughton."
"Some other time. perhaps" was the
answer as he bowed them out. But
Jack knew that he had lost thousands
of dollars forever.
"Dearie." said Jack that evening
when they were out in the garden, n
paradise OF sweet spring fragrance