Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-22

Rouss knew the exact moment when
Elizabeth Farnum entered her Office.
But he did not go in at once He rather
relished the brief interlude-put it off for
the sheer pleasure of maintaining the ex-
pectation. He put it off so long, indeed,
that his bell buzzed-which rather hurt
his feelings. But he assuaged this hurt
by telling himself that he would soon be
on the other end of the buzzer.
well, MIR. Rouss, what news?n asked
Elizabeth Farnum.
Rouss smiled graphically.
"The news is, Miss Farnum, that / have
this business absolutely in hand | am
prepared to break the back of this strike
nonsense-like hat-when the time
comes"
SHE didn't mean to give her inside in
formation away so soon. She had meant
to see how far Rouss would go in the
policy of deception she felt sure he was
following. But his suave, self-assured
manner filed her with Indignation, and
she let the words come:
"Ah, then, probably Mr.. CASTOR gave
you some excellent advce?"
The spot on Rousss head that had
formerly borne a crop of hair suddenly
went crimson. At the name CASTOR he
WINGED and his eyes opened. But his
poise did not leave him, and he returned,
conjuring up natural manner:
"Ah, then you know? Yes, had
long, confidential talk with Mr.. CASTOR.
That's the first thing wanted to see you
about. Miss Farnum, you know have
been always loyal to your fathers inter-
ests-which are yours. You realize how
long | have been here, and that the best
of my energy has been spent here. When
| first heard that you had received a
handsome offer for your interests from the
Universal people, it hit me hard. | saw
myself thrown out, just as | had lifted
myself to good position-and | admit |
that | was terrified at the idea that you
might sell. | was selfish-yes, selfish. |
was thinking only of myself. But all that
is changed. I've been permitted to see
you here, day after day. Little by little
your wonderful personality has absorbed |
that selishness of mine. And now | am
ready for anything am ready to sacri- |
flee anything for your sake.
al see now that you should dispose of |
your lnteTeStS-Ior your own ROOu. Inc |
time will never be ripper. The labor world |
is growing more and more disturbed;
manufacturing costs are favoring the in
tegration of industries; and if you sell |
now you get out at the top. Believe me-
want nothing but your success-your
happiness. So did go to CASTOR. ! took |
the liberty-without committing you in
any way-of showing him how much he
needed this business. You should have
heard me boost Escutcheon, Miss Far
mum! He SHE'D little at our labor
disturbance. | explained to him how
trivial it is. The upshot of it is, they are
ready to pay that price. 1t is fancy
figure. And ask you not to consider me
for moment. 1t is the way of the world
l shall have to take care of myself. If
can impress the Universal people with my
ability, perhaps | shall do well yet. If
not, that is not your fault
She heard him through, irritated, sus-
picious, uncertain as to his motives. Then
she said shortly:
al shall not sell. You may have meant
well, MIR. Rouss, but you wasted your
time. I shall not SELL.
Rouss bowed his head in agreement. If
he had been unprepared for this down.
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