The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-04-04

ABSORBED In SuIlen tnOugnC.s
Twenty six years would cover
his age. Clothes hand-tailored in
the height of extreme fashion
Hair parted in the middle and
plastered slick and fiat. His chin
receded just a trifie. His mouth
was sullen and selfish: yes in
clined to shift nervously.
An elderly butler entered the
room silently.
Pembroke Blair turned to him
and demanded: How is the old
man this mornings"
The butler answered impassive-
| ": "Your uncle woke up early
Mr.. Pembroke. / judge he did not
] sleep we'll. He made an allnsion
to the hour that you got in last
night"
He's worse than an old grand
| mother" s~
The butler made no reply.
Pembroke Blair inhaled. blew
smoke through his tlostrils, and
asked with a frown: us he tait-
ing to scorch the fleece off the
lamb, and all that"
II really cannot say, Mr.. Penn
will not stand any other state, you
know"
Pembroke Blair did not bother
to reply. He stood moment
frowning and then left the room
his sallow face set in purpose. A
second tioor bedroom was his
goal, and at his knock a voice an
swered quietly: come in"
oh hn
door behind him, spoke solicitously
to the figure propped up in a big
four poster bed. Good morning
Uncle Henry. How are you feel
ing?"
Henry Chandler was the rem
nant of a once big man. His frame
was wasted, his kindly face marked
with lines of suffering and forth
tude. His voice, when he spoke, re-
manned quiet.
"GOOD MORNING, PEN
BROKE. 1 AM BETTER"
Good morning, Pembroke.
am well, considering everything. !
could use a little more sleep, how
ever. 1 was awake after you slipped
in this morning"
II was trying not to arouse you,
Pembroke said, flushing.
"Of course. l understand per-
fectly,"
An awkward silence fell. Penn.
broke Blair swallowed, frowned
slightly, and nervously bit his lip
What is on your mind this
morning, Pembroke? Do you need
more money!"
How did you guess it?"
Henry Chandler smiled slightly.
ut wasn't hard. You rarely show
such solicitude for my welfare I'M
less you are pressed for money
How much is it this timer"
1.-TWO thousand"
Henry Chandler frowned a little
'"That sounds like you have been
gamblin gagain. You know L told
you / would cut your allowance
off entirely If you did it,
II know, Uncle Henry. I've
stopped. This is something else,
Last night girl gave me her bag
to carry, and-and I lost it. She
had her rings in it and some cash
about two thousand altogether.
l promised to make it good. 1t was
O. devilish awkward position for
me-"
Henry Chandler nodded. of
course" he agreed, and eyed his
nephew, thoughtfully
Pembroke Blair looked about
his gold-tipped cigarette, and then
met the glance of his uncle again.
That's the way it is" he said
with d faint trace Of irritation in
his voice.
This is, the third time lately
you have come to me for large
sums of money, Pembroke. Do you
think 1t can keep up indefinitely 2
"Of course not" Pembroke Blair
said, a shade. of sullenness appear
ing on his sallow face. But you
see how 1t is. What can ,do?."
You might try going to work. y
We've been over all that before
Uncle Henry. You know l haven't
the right temperament for bust
ness. AS soon as I get through my
art courses II begin to make
money"
II know. my boy. But one
doesn't, If you will pardon me
paint pictures with gin TASKS, OIL
acquire technique by, all, winning
and dining and petting young Ia
dies"
Pembroke Blair kept anger down
with difficulty, and said jerkily
"You speak about two thousand
dollars as If it's all the money In
the world"
did you ever try to earn two
thousand dollars?"
That's neither here nor there
Uncle Henry. You know it. Here
am the only living relative you
have. Your dead sisters son. And