“Mere love of a man will never sway Betty.” “She has great aspirations--she loves luxuries, and the one who can supply them will be the one she will take.” “You do her an injustice. She never impressed me as having such exalted desires.” “But I know her so well. Yet with it all my one prayer is to be able to give her what she desires.” Mrs. Gary quickly dropped her work in her lap. “Then you mean you love her, Walter?” “Yes, I love her, her face is always before me--a vision that refuses to vanish!” “I shall try to become better acquainted with her, dear, I had no idea she played such an important part in your life.” “She is a hard little trick to know.” “And feeling as you do, you say you have not spoken to her of your venture.” “No, because if I win I shall ask her to marry me. If I lose she shall never know that I love her.” Walter stooped, kissed his mother and walked slowly from the room, closing the door gently behind him. * * * * * “What has become of you anyway!” asked Jack Evans as he appeared in Walter’s office at lunch time. His entrance had not the slightest effect, however, upon the attention his friend and the stenographer were giving to a cable which apparently had just arrived. They did not raise their eyes from the sheet or give any sign of recognition until the last word had been read; then Walter waved the paper and said, “Three cheers!” “What the dickens is the matter with you?” “Read it,” returned Walter, thrusting the paper into Jack’s hand for him to read. “‘Last of shipment disposed of. Good price. Order on hand for five hundred thousand feet.’ It’s the deal I was telling you of yesterday.” “Good work! have you another consignment going out soon?” “Yes, and every dollar I own and a lot besides is tied up in a yard full of lumber waiting to be shipped.” “Lucky dog.” “I thought I was anything but lucky yesterday, after I had waited a week without a word from Proctor. Heavens, I thought I would go crazy. Last night I felt like swimming to England. I cabled him three times before he answered.” “Maybe you will play some golf with a fellow now.” “I am ready for anything. Want to play this afternoon?” “Sure, at four. Meet me at the club. Oh, say, Betty was asking about you yesterday; she says she hasn’t seen you for more than a week.” “What did she say and how did she look when she said it?” laughingly inquired Walter as they left the office. “I told you what she said, you chump, and she looked as though she meant it. Why don’t you quit working on that Bolshevism rot and join us occasionally at the club.” “I’ve been anxious about my business and besides Betty seems to be having a pretty good time without me.” “Nonsense, why don’t you assert yourself? Women like to be bossed, you know.” This was said in the tone of a person confident of his own powers along this line. “Is that the way you manage Sarah? You surely have no kick coming where she is concerned.”