The Press., 1918-08-29

neither awe nor any particular adm1ra- tiAn for her. except. of course, as some thing pleasant to look at.
 "NIr Nrain has gone to Philadelphia to attend an important conferences he explained. 'and won't he home till Monday"
 'Then why didn't someone telephone me-" she demanded. ,z%
 'Im sure I don't know" he said drEIy.
 'He promised to take me to lunch 8On and t0 give me his whole after D0on." she said, diSappOintpdly. "and BOW everythng'S spoiled"
 Bell grinned. It wasn't polite of him, but he couldn't help it. Some peoples troubles were so trivial!
 Just for that" she said prImly, "FH have to request yOu to escort me to the Delange for luncheon. I've come all the way into town to he lunched with by a man. and as long as father is gone. you'll do as well as the next ONe. suppose"
 Collin Bell was rather taken back by this unique request, but he had his Weeks salary in his pocket and trust ed that would see him through.
 'Very we'll" he said. If you In. sist''
 And q few moments later they were seated at q COZy table for two in 6 rather crowded dining room. inspect ing each other curiOusly They both seemed surprised to be getting on so well together. and before she knew 1t, MeZ Nrain was chattering to Collin Bell as if he were favored friend of her own social world.
 But suddenly Bells face underwent change. Coming toward them. preced- ed by the head waiter, was the "O!d Man" followed by friend. The "O'd Man." noticed Bell, and started to bow genally. when he caught the curve of Bis daughters cheek and instead of passing on. he stopped.
 Hello, Bell" he said cordially ex- tending his hand. and successfully c0f- eltng his surprise.
 "Why. dad" said Inez. "Mr.~ Bell said you had gone to Philadelphia to attend conference" .-.-
 Bell drew down the lid of his left eye, and the "Old Man" just caught himself in time.
 "To he sure," he said easily, but a wire came at the last minute and post pOned It."
 And as he moved away he said in an Off-hand manner "Wish you'd drop Into my office the first thing Monday mOrning. Bell. I want to go into that Philadelphia matter"
 And Collin Bell was not sure. but he thought the ''Old Man" winked at him.
 On Monday morning the "Old Man" leaned back in his chair and grinned at Collin Bell.
 "YOu've been here five or six years Bell, and I never noticed you particu- larly before. But you've got tact, do you know that? Of course, I'd forgot ten lneZ entirely Saturday and your | qmckness with that Philadelphia story saved me bad half hour with cer- tain young woman who has a temper and clever tongue" ;; The "Old Man" drew his private check book toward him and passed | over a check to Bell for $500.
 "This is coming to you on last years 1 he said. "FrOm today you are to be my personal representative at five thousand a year"
 Bell took the check with thanks-he l was never effusive-and went out of | the office. He went straight to the bank and deposited the "Old Mans" , cheek and then drew one of his own back to the "Old Man" for the twelve hundred and eighty odd dollars of his shortage. This he inclOsed with an itemfzed statement. short explana- tiOn and his signature, and sent up to the office by messenger Then, with Il little sigh he started slowly uptown, with careless feeling of free d9n that he had not known for a