The Argosy, Vol. 83 No. 1 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

HAMPTON OF ing kine again, if you happen to be there, of course.” “T shall hardly dare to leave the place for a moment, now, until you come!”’ Jer- ry declared, with more earnestness than humor. Miss Delroy, who had barely turned eighteen, blushed in spite of herself, and her eyes fell before the eager glance of the man. The problem of a suitable reply was solved, however, by the appearance of her father in the doorway. Milton Delroy, a spruce, dignified man of about fifty, paused on the threshold and regarded the two young people rather coldly. “{ am sorry that I had to keep you waiting so long, Mr. Hampton,” he said formally, “‘but I see that my daughter took it upon herself to assume the responsibility of entertaining you. I have come, Euge- nia, to apologize for my discourtesy and to relieve you. I believe that Mr. Hampton has business with me.” The girl’s natural gaiety disappeared in her father’s presence. She made no at- tempt to treat his reproving tone lightly, but bowed to the visitor soberly and left the room. ‘“T have brought you the rental, as usual, Mr. Delroy,” said Jerry, handing the man two ten-dollar notes, and plainly desirous of getting the business over with as soon as possible. Delroy took the money and slipped it carelessly into his waistcoat pocket. “Sit down, Mr. Hampton,” he said, ‘“‘if you’re not pressed for time, I would like a talk with you.” Jerry obeyed, and looked at the older man searchingly. Milton Delroy had known him now for some years, since he was a mere boy, but his manner toward him had never been cordial. He had al- ways addressed him as “Hampton,” or “Mr. Hampton,” so the present stiffness of manner held no special significance upon the surface. “T like to have the people around me as comfortable and contented as possible at all times,” said Delroy, in a tone that be- THE HEIGHTS. 13 lied the statement, “but circumstances will arise at times to interfere with such a de- sire. I have some news for you, Mr. Hampton, and I can scarcely call it good news.” The young man flushed vividly, unable to conceal his instant alarm. ‘You mean,” he said hoarsely, “‘that—” ‘‘We won’t beat about the bush,” Del- roy broke in curtly. “To make matters quite plain to you, I have received an offer of one hundred dollars a month for the land that you occupy. A thoroughly re- liable man wishes to clear it up and estab- lish an open-air motion-picture theatre, which will take nearly all of the ground. Of course, I appreciate what it may mean to you, and I’m really very sorry to give you trouble.” Jerry Hampton was pale now. It was not in him to plead with the man and beg for mercy on sentimental grounds, but he laid about desperately for some stay upon the impending disaster. “T_T believe those open-air theatres are only open for business about four or five months of the year,” he said. “Wouldn’t that bring the rental down to something less than fifty dollars a month? could hardly afford to pay twelve hundred dollars a year for such a short season, could he?” “He intends to arrange the place so that it may be converted into tennis courts or an ice-skating rink during the colder months,” replied Delroy, a gleam of satis- faction in his eye. “He proposes to take a lease for five years at twelve hundred per year. You can see, Mr. Hampton, that it would be rather poor business for me to reject such an offer.” “TI suppose,” said Jerry dully, “that— the season is so far advanced now—that we couldn’t stay there more than a month longer?” “That is another unpleasant phase of the matter?” answered Delroy. ‘‘The work has to be begun at once, or part of the season will be lost. I.can’t possibly give you more than a week, Mr. Hamp- ton. You'll have to find another place im- COPMICGLOOOKS The man > (C@)