The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-07-05
EWSll5HONISEIAL MOL YNIARRYp
refusing to give a DEFINITE answer
! BY .zoEssEcKLEY.

refusing to give a definite answer
to proposal from
BEN WHEELER, manufacturer.
MOLLY WAYNE accepts work in
his factory. Wheeler surprises
her working over blueprints
with
BILLY MASON, architect and adj
mirer of Molly. Wheeler has
saved Molly from a hasty elope--
ment with
DONALD MANNING, actor.
Theenext morning Ben Wheeler
sent for Molly. a glowering look
was on his face. Billy's plans
were spread on the table and Billy
himself sat sttffly beside them. his
jaw set rigidly, pencil in nervous
fingers Molly greeted him warm
ly but with alook of anxiety.
81 don't see anything in these
blueprints,' said Ben Wheeler,
glancing sharply at Molly.
This waiting-room with the
paneling-and this here rail, !
can't see why
He went on monotonous1y with
his destructive criticism of the
details Billy and Molly had plan
ned so ioyously the evening be
fore.
1T was the point of view OF the
man who cuts away every touch OF
grace in behalf of rigid economy
and utility, shearing the cost, but
making the whole a stark product.
Dashed and astonished, Molly
finally in pause, ventured small
remark.
..But it will all be 500 bare.
That paneling-
This is business office" in
terrupted Ben, mot a beauty par
lor''
A stiff. self-conscious silence
fell: Molly knew Ben was to some
degree voicing his own taste. but
largely a disparagement of Bartos,
feeling in him new, if vague,
rivalry. Enthusiastically Ben
brought things to head.
"And let me tip you off, Barton.
You've submitted plans for the
Chamber of Commerce building in
the competition, haven't you?"
II have. yes. But how do you
know it? Plans were submitted
anonymously"
because I am chairman of the
awards committee. Old Simmons
resigned and I'm in his place.
You've got the same fiossy style in
your plans there, too. l noticed
it right away.
A tense silence followed. Billy
and Molly knew Ben was serving
notice of his antagonism to Billyts
Chamber OF Commerce plans. 1t
T. ~ l., rc.%
them-and Billy had staked
everything on their acceptance.
Well" said Billy crisply, ris-
ing, heres hoping the others of
the commissions them
aren't as hard to please as you,
Wheeler.
afraid they are, Bill. At least
I'm doing what I can to convert
them to a plain, serviceable build
ing with no gingerbread about it.
Nothing personal you understand
But believe in keeping business
and friendShip-unmiX y
Barton flushed. Molly thought
she sensed what was passing
through his mind.
ri wonder" he said with a trace
of bitterness. glancing at Ben.
"We1l, you needn't Ben's
voice was icy, but the fighting
blaze was in his eyes.
In fact, old friend as you are.
Bill;I'ye just decided to cancel my
agreement to have you do the
plans for my works
Molly caught her breath. But
with a sort of fierce eXultation she
had not thought was in him, Billy
took a step toward Ben:
Good" he cried. THAT makes
it all open and above board. 1
don't want your damned work.
But I'm going to haul you into
court for breach of contract just
for the satisfaction of the scrap"
"Then I'll drag You into the
open on that c. Of c. competition
and we'll make it a jolly bitter