The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1918-02-21

lney We got TO take in third party to
keep it a close corporation. 1t was
all between old Buck, Buck junior, and
old lady Buck. How can you tell
whether the new member will want
woman on the road, or not?"
A little steely light hardened the
blue of Mrs. McChesney's eyes
We'll leave the firm of T. A Buck
out of this discussion, please.
"Oh, very WE'LL" 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.
It'll mean a sure thing for you-a
share in a 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 l had the chance!"
Emma McChesney sat very still.
Two scarlet spots glowcd in her
| cheeks. mo one appreciates your
gift of oratory more than l do, Mr..
Meyers. Your flow of language,
coupled with your peculiar persuasive
powers, make combination a statue
couldn't resist But | think it would
sort of rest me If Mr. Fromkin were
to say word, seeing that it's really
his funeral"
Abel Fromkin started nervously,
and put his dead cigarette to his
lips. 81 amt much of talker," he
said, almost sheepishly. Meyers,
he's got it down fine | tell you what.
I'll be in New York the 21st. We
can go 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
a actress!"
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
so 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 i;
feeling. And haven't got it."
"Oh, come now, Mrs. McChesney!
objected Ed Meyers.
With a sudden, quick movement
Emma McChesney turned from TIN
window to the little dark man VIII
was watching her so intently. Sh
faced him squarely, as though utterl,
disregarding Ed Meyers fiattery GnC
banter and cajolery. The little mai
before her seemed to recognize thu
earnestness of the moment. He Leaned
forward bit attentively.
'lf what has been said is true" she
began, this ought to be a good thins
for me. If go into it, I'll go in heart
soul, brain, and pocketbook. | dc
know the skirt business from thread
to tape and back again. I've managed
to save few thousand dollars. Only
woman could understand how I've
done it. I've scrimped on little things
I've denied myself necessities I've
worn silk blouses instead of linen ones
to save laundry bills and taken a
street car or bus to save a quarter or
fifty cents. I've always tried to look
well dressed and maculate-"
"You!" exclaimed Ed Meyers,
why, say, you're what l call swell
dresser Nothing flashy, understand.
or loud, but the quiet, good stuff that
| spells ready money"
"M-m-m-yes. But it wasn't always
so ready. Anyway, l always managed
somehow. The boys at college Some
| times | wonder-well, that's another
story. I've saved, and contrived, and
| planned ahead for rainy day. There
have been two or three times when /
thought it had come. Sprinkled pretty
heavily, once or twice. But I've Just
turned up my coatcollar, tucked my
hat under my skirt, and scooted for a
tree. And each time 1t has turned out
to be just summer shower, with the
sun coming out bright and warm"
Her frank, clear, honest, blue eyes
were plumbing the depths OF the black
ones. Those few thousand dollars
that you hold so lightly will mean
everything to me. They've been my
cyclone cellar. If"
Through the writing room sounded a
high-pitched, monotonous voice with
note Of inquiry in it.
Mrs McChesney! Mr.. Fraser! Mr..
Ludwig! Please! Mrs. McChesney!
Mr.. Fraser! Mr.. Lud-"
Here, boy" Mrs. McChesney took
the little yellow envelope from the
salver that the boy held out to her
Her quick glance rested on the written
words. She rose, her face colorless
Not bad news?" The two men
spoke simultaneously.
Il don't know, said Emma McChes'
ney What would you say?"
She handed the slip of paper to Fat
Ed Meyers. He read it In silence
Then once more, aloud.
Take first train back to New York
Spalding will finish your trip "
"Why-say-" began Meyers.
"Well?"
y-say-this-this looks as II
you we're fred"
Does, doesn't it," She smiled.
Then our little agreement goes?''