The Argosy, Vol. 82, No. 3 — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

528 THE butler, with beaming face, informed him that there was a visitor inside. “Don’t stand there like a chump,” Gray- son bellowed. “Is it a man or woman?” Hadley’s countenance instantly assumed a serious expression. “A man, sir. Mr. Burton just came.”’ And Mr. Burton just then walked from the doorway of the cottage, saluting Gray- son with a cheery smile. “T thought I heard the old buzz-wagon,” he said. “Do get out and stay a while.” “Tommy, you come like an angel from Heaven,” Grayson laughed as he wrung his friend’s hand. ‘It’s so lonely here that I am half sorry I took the cottage.” “Why half?” Grayson looked around. Hadley ap- peared to be deeply interested in the mechanism of the automobile. His master grabbed Burton’s arm. “Come inside. [ll explain.” Grayson’s mysterious manner began to excite Burton’s curiosity. “Fire away,” he said as soon as they were indoors. “The fact is,’ began Grayson, “I’m in love.” Burton sat upright in his chair, a startled look on-his face. Then his head went back and he roared. Suddenly his gaiety sub- sided. “Ts that why you came up here, Bob, to er—get away from unpleasant memories?” “The memories, Tom, have just begun. I have seen her three times. Don’t know who she is and can’t figure out how I am going to meet her. But Ill give you the story from the start.” Thereupon Grayson related his meetings with the unknown girl while Burton listened attentively. When whistled. “TI know something of the young lady. She is Marion Mawbrey. MHer father is Silas Mawbrey, a man of wealth but rather eccentric ideas. His wife died several years ago. The daughter has recently graduated from a private school. Along with her diploma she acquired a craze to become a moving picture actress, but the old man, I understand, put his foot down on it hard.” “How do you know this?” Burton smiled. “You remember the Harrison girls who live in Philadelphia. They went to the Grayson finished the other ARGOSY. same school with Marion Mawbrey. You know Alice Harrison and I are quite chum- my and the last time I saw Alice in Philly I remember she spoke of this Marion Maw- brey.”’ “But are you sure, Tom, it’s the same girl?” “Positive. I recall the name of the town Alice said the Mawbreys lived in and also the description of the house. I am certain I am not mistaken. If you like I could get Alice to write a letter to—” Grayson interrupted him. “Tt would not do, Tom. It would look as though I were seeking an introduction in a—well, you know a round-about fash- ion.” ‘““That’s so, but then what’s to be done? The father has cooped her up, she’s never been out, she has still the agony of a debut ahead of her, and—”’ Burton stopped abruptly, banging a fist on the arm of his chair. “By George, I have it, we’ll become movie men for a day!” ‘Movie men for a day?” gasped Gray- son. ‘Look here, Tom Burton, I’m serious. Why josh?” Burton did not heed the remark. With his eyes looking over Grayson’s head, he sat with an air of concentration that caused the other to turn. “And we can use Hadley,” exclaimed Burton. ‘Oh, Bob, this will be rich.” Burton jumped up, thrust his hands into his pockets and pivoted on his heels. Gray- son looked at him as though he had gone mad. ‘‘And you will be the lover,” continued the enthusiastic conceiver of ideas, “I the director and Hadley the crank turner.” This was too much for Grayson. “Will you kindly explain what you are | talking about?” he demanded. Hadley at this point entered the room carrying a tray containing bottles and glasses. As soon as he had set it down Burton grabbed the butler by the arm. “Hadley, have you ever turned a crank, something that goes around.” Burton illustrated with his hand, passing it in a circle while the butler watched him with an amazed expression. ‘Did you ever grind coffee?” Burton went on. “Yes, sir; no, sir. That is, I have turned a crank, as you say. Sometimes on Mr. Grayson’s automobile, sir.” (€(0) N”OOLKS (©)