erence. His abstention from bowling (to the
playing of which Brassfield had been devoted), and his absolute failure
at billiards, were discussed in sporting circles, and accounted for on
the theory that he had "gone stale" since this love-affair had become
the absorbing business of his life. No one understood, however, his
sudden interest in photography, and his marvelous skill in it. He
seemed to be altogether a transformed man.

"I am beginning to see through this," said Amidon, referring to the
business.

"Yes," said the judge, "this side of the affair is assuming a pretty
satisfactory aspect. But your reputation is suffering by the sort of
constraint you've been under. These things are important. A man's
behavior is worth money to him. Many a man gets credit at the bank on
the strength of the safe and conservative vices he practises. Business
requires you to act more like Brassfield. A man who uses a good deal
of money must be like other people who use a good deal of money. He
mustn't have isms, and he mustn't be for any reforms except impractical
ones, and he mustn't have the reputation of being 'queer.' Isn't that
so, Professor?"

"Kvite uncontrofertible," said the professor. "You must minkle up vit
more beople."

"And in other matters besides business," said the judge; "boxes of
flowers every few minutes are all right, but some things require
personal attention."

Amidon blushed.

"You see," said he, "if every one were not so strange; if part of the
people were as familiar to me as I am to them, it wouldn't be so
trying. I suppose these receptions, and other functions to follow, I
must attend alone. But you two are going to that banquet with me?"

"Oh, certainly," said the judge. "I want to see just what sort of a
gang you've been forgathering with here. The folks at Hazelhurst----"

"Must never know, Judge! And you, Professor?"

"I shall be more tan bleaced. Supliminally gonsidered, I rekard it as
te shance of a lifetime."

"Well," said Amidon, "you are very good, and I am glad that's settled.
Now I want you to grant me another favor--or Clara, rather. I should
be more than glad if she would ask Brassfield about some things that
there's no need for you people to hear. It's nothing about the
business. Won't you see if she will give me a--a--demonstration?"

The judge and the professor disappeared, and soon word came that Madame
le Claire would give him audience. Amidon's heart