For Mr. Longcord and his partner, as representatives of the best type
of business men, the stranger had a great respect. With what
unfortunate results to themselves has been noted. The curious thing
is that the Firm appeared content with the price they had paid for the
stranger's good opinion--had even, it was rumoured, acquired a taste
for honest men's respect--that in the long run was likely to cost them
dear. But we all have our pet extravagance.
The Colonel and Mrs. Devine both suffered a good deal at first from
the necessity imposed upon them of learning, somewhat late in life,
new tricks. In the privacy of their own apartment they condoled with
one another.
"Tomfool nonsense," grumbled the Colonel, "you and I starting billing
and cooing at our age!"
"What I object to," said Mrs. Devine, "is the feeling that somehow I
am being made to do it."
"The idea that a man and his wife cannot have their little joke
together for fear of what some impertinent jackanapes may think of
them! it's damn ridiculous," the Colonel exploded.
"Even when he isn't there," said Mrs. Devine, "I seem to see him
looking at me with those vexing eyes of his. Really the man quite
haunts me."
"I have met him somewhere," mused the Colonel, "I'll swear I've met
him somewhere. I wish to goodness he would go.
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