Part 24 (1/2)
”He seems to be a seclusive chap,” said Welty.
”Yes; and very selfish,” said Monroe, quietly. ”Does he spend any money?”
”Have no way of knowing--except, perhaps, he pays his board and rent.”
”Let us call on him tonight, and initiate him; will you?”
”I should like a little outing in this disagreeable weather, and will be happy to join you,” replied Welty, with his green eyes beaming in antic.i.p.ation of a lark.
”Will you call at my place at nine p. m.?”
”I will--whee-e-e!”
Welty Morne retires. The b.u.t.ton is pressed again. Bate Yenger, a.s.sistant to the head bookkeeper, enters. He sits down, and looks indolent. He is a slim chap, with a fair face and black eyes, which show indications of night-hawking.
”Bate,” said the impressionless Monroe, ”have you met the new secretary after work hours?”
”Have not.”
”Know anything of his habits?”
”Nothing.”
”Do you want to go on a lark tonight?”
”Wouldn't mind it.”
”Then come to my place at nine p. m.”
Bate Yenger disappears. Monroe resumes his work. John returns the balance sheet, and hands it to Monroe. Monroe takes it, and scans it over. He sees some check-marks upon it. He folds it up, and puts it away. John remains a moment, as if he would like to speak to Monroe; but Monroe does not speak. John, then, goes out.
Promptly on the hour of nine p. m., Welty Morne and his boon companion, Bate Yenger, called at the apartments of Mr. Monroe at the St. Charles.
That chunk of stiffness they found was ready, and together the three fared forth for a night of rounding.
They called upon John Winthrope in his dingy quarters--a hideous contrast, they thought, to their own bright and luxurious living places.
John was surprised, of course, to see them. Would he go out with them?
Whither? For sight-seeing.
John looked at his open books and papers on his little table, glanced down at himself, half inclined to accept; but very perplexed about it.
He hesitated, and then asked them into his room. They entered, but did not sit down, as there was only one chair, which later was preempted by Welty.
”Why don't you get decent quarters, Mr. Winthrope?” asked Welty, who was a lively and a very talkative fellow.
”Cannot afford it,” answered John.
”Oh, bos.h.!.+ You receive as much, and more, than many of the other young men in our office, and the way they fly one would think they were millionaires' sons,” replied Welty.
”I have a mother and father to a.s.sist,” said John.