The Washington times., 1937-01-22

at a long range. He had seen him,
a time or two, on the platform at
large civic assemblies; had heard
him read formal prayer at a
commenl~n-o.lt, had indifferently
assumed HIM to be the typical
Stage-jeered clergyman, medieval,
other-Worldly, unctuouS, and sweet
ly suave. Doubtless he would he
so tlattered by an unsolicited call
from a university professor, bear,
ing a letter from a prominent bank
president. that his surprised de
light would make him annoyingly
agreeable. Norwood knew now that
he had been mistaken, and felt
himself at an absurd disadvantage
in the presence of this man who
had the eyes of a Horoscope.
1T is quite true, sir" he con-
feSsed stiffly, that I might not
have asked for this conference but
for the suggestion of Mr.. Sinclair. -
Robert Sinclair" remarked the
dean casually, lis a trustee of
Trinity Cathedral and a personal
friend of mine. May inquire how
he is related to you?"
He did not tell you?"
'No."
Norwood stroked his strong jaw
moodily, and considered an ex-
PLANTATION.
Il had hoped you might not ask
me that" he said, at length, with
a trace Of asperity. Il had occa.
sion yesterday to negotiate a
modest loan. AS small depositor
with no collateral, I was referred
to Mr.. Sinclair. In the course of
our conversation, which involved
an intimate account of my per
sonal affairs from the cradle to
the grave, he advised me to talk
to YOU"
And granted you the loan on
that condition."
Well" admitted wood,
flushing slightly, "he did not de-
mand it, in so many words; but he
made it quite clear that he ex-
pected me to comply"
Dean Harcourt adjusted his
glasses and dipped a pen.
Now that you have discharged
this part of your obligation to Mr..
Sinclair" he said dryly, Il shall
sign my name to his letter and re-
store it to you so that you may be
able to prove"
"Oh, I say, SIR" growled Nor
wood, hitching his chair little
closer to the big mahogany desk,
Il haven't meant to be so teSty
and impolite. 1 have been in
trouble. But it isn't the sort of
thing l want to confide. If l did,
I wouldn't go. on my own hook, to
a member of your profession.
Whatever feeling 1 have toward
| the church is antagoniStic. My
presence here is impertinence.
And, anyway, I dislike to air my
private perplexities."
II can understand that atti-
tude." The dean leaned back at
ease in his tall chair. as if the
business of their conference had
been concluded. Your disinclina-
ton to talk about your troubles
puts me on your side, I think.
You are fortunate in that you do
not want to be pitied."
Norwood pulled crooked smile
which said that he was not going
to be taken into camp easily.
"So-we don't nave to discuss
your affairs" continued Dean Har-
court. Il observe that you are a
professor of modern history. Per-
haps you would prefer to talk
about that"
"YeS-I am a professor of his
tory" snapped Norwood, suddenly
aflame. Il came to the university
as an associate professor in 1923.
Two years later I was given full
profeSSorShip. 1t was no secret
in the faculty that when Professor
Denton reached retirement age,
l was slated to succeed him as
head of the department. 1t was
his wish. AS you are undoubtedly
aware, DR.. Denton, after many
months of illness-during which
time I assumed his duties-died
in September. Our new president,
DR.. Markham, has just announced
that he is bringing on Ware, of
oxford, to take the position.
This has been serious diSap-
pointment to me, sir. For one
thing, I have need of the increased
salary; had already liberalized my
budget in anticipation of it. But
far more importantly-this has
been blow to my career"
He paused, and for the first time
looked Dean Harcourt Squarely
in the eyes with a man-to-man
query for sympathetic understand
ing, meeting encouragement in
the deep-lined face.
ITO Be Continued
| (Copyri Rht 1887 by Lloyd e Douglas.
Distributed ny King Features.
syndicate, IBe.)