The master of half a dozen railroad systems made a low bow to his employee. With mock courtesy he said:
"You're right! You're quite right! I have been entirely too familiar and I beg your pardon. From now on I shall be most careful to address you always as—Mr. Gillie."
Jimmie looked considerably crestfallen.
"You needn't rub it in," he said, shifting uneasily on his feet.
"No idea of such a thing," went on the millionaire in the same tone. "Just one gentleman to another—'Mr. Stafford' and 'Mr. Gillie.' That's perfectly fair." Turning towards his wife, who had apparently paid no attention to the discussion, he said: "Don't you think so, Virginia?"
"Yes," she answered shortly, without looking around.
Leaving the others, Stafford walked unsteadily over to where his wife was sitting. Bending over her, he exclaimed admiringly:
"My! You do look sweet to-night." Appealing to his clerk, he said: "Doesn't she? Doesn't she, Jimmie—James—I mean Mr. Gillie?"
"I think we had better say good-night," said the young man coldly.
"Yes, indeed," chimed in Fanny, rising and making preparations to retire for the night.