The Argosy, December 1905 — page 90: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

72 “Two years; but say, Mr. Meyer, aren’t you getting deucedly personal? ” “ You mustn’t look at it that way, my dear friend. [am merely trying to find out just how good a risk you are. Busi- ness is business, you know, even between friends like us. How long do you intend to stay in your present position?” “| have no intention of changing at present.” “And you are going to get married. Who is the young lady, may I ask?” “Confound you!” cried Arthur, jumping to his feet. “This is going a little too far. What business is it of yours 2 “Not so fast, my dear young sir. There is really no necessity to get angry. You buy this ring for the young lady, of course. It is customary in the jewelry in- stalment business for us to find out where the articles purchased go. We’ve got to be very careful, you see. Of course it’s all strictly in confidence.” “You won't make any inquiries of the lady or her family, or let her know in any way that I buy the ring on easy terms?” said. Arthur, looking at the jeweler searchingly. “Not a syllable. It is simply for my private information. If you intend to give the ring to a reliable party I think I will take a chance on you and let you have it at fifty dollars down and your note for the balance in weekly payments of ten dollars. I like your looks, my friend. Now, who is the young lady?” Adrian, the silk Arthur sullenly. “You don’t tell me! Young man, you are in luck. Allow me to congratu- late you. I have heard of Mr. Adrian. He’s a wealthy man.’ “Mind you, he mustn’t hear about this,” said Arthur, beginning to feel sorry already that he had taken this jeweler so far into his confidence. “ Not a word, my dear sir. Haven’t I told you that ‘all’ business transacted here is on a confidential basis? By the way, you want to see the ring, of course.” He went to the large safe against the wall, opened it, and took therefrom an envelope, carefully locking the safe merchant,” replied THE ARGOSY. again before he brought the ring over to where Arthur sat. “Here it is. Isn’t it a beauty? He handed the ring to Arthur, who examined it eagerly. It certainly was a magnificent piece of jewelry. The three large diamonds glittered dazzlingly. They were beau- tiful white stones. It looked the exact counterpart of the ring Rosa had ad- mired in the store window. Arthur handled it lovingly. “Very well,” he exclaimed quickly. “ll take this ring, Mr. Meyer. Here’s the fifty dollars down.” He handed the jeweler the bills and rose to depart, placing the ring in his leather wallet. “Not so fast, my friend,” said the jeweler sharply. “ You cannot take the ring with you now.” He had one finger on a little ivory button as he spoke, as though he feared Arthur intended to carry off the ring by force. “Can’t take it now? asked Arthur in dismay. “Because I have to make inquiries. My! my! what a very unbusiness-like young man you are. How do I know that the story you tell is all right? I must: investigate your references. You will please fill out this application form, answering all the questions. It is all strictly confidential, you know. “You can have the ring to-morrow if all is satisfactory. Here is your fifty dollars back until then.” “But I promised the lady to bring the ring to-night,” said Arthur moodily. “You just tell her it had to be altered so as to fit her finger. Tell her it will be finished to-morrow. It will be all right, my dear friend.” “Very well. Ill be here to-morrow afternoon. -You’ll find my references all right. And you give me your word that not a soul shall know of this trans- action ¢ os “T give you my solemn one a n- swered the jeweler. “That is to say,” he added to him- self, with a sly smile after Arthur had left the office, “nobody shall know of this transaction while you continue to Why not?” make your payments promptly, Mr. - COMMICLOOkKS (C@