“Such a thing never could happen, Addie.”
“It did happen to Ruth’s little brother. The jewels were his mother’s wedding sapphires.”
“O Addie! Addie!”
“Answer me truly, father.”
“No, dear child, I never could.”
“Ruth can’t either. She has more reason than you could have. She’s like poor Mary, the gardener’s wife. Her husband and parents know it wouldn’t be safe for her to come if there’s going to be guns or things of that sort. She wants to come so much that Ralph was going to speak to you and see if they couldn’t be left out; but I told him I was the one to speak, because the Library was going to be named for me.”
“Well, there is something in that, Adelaide, most assuredly there is; but it’s rather short notice. The military company were coming on the morning train.”
“Telegraph. You’d do it if stocks were in jeopardy—you know you would—you are such a hustler.”
“Of course, of course! Here it goes then. I can’t ruin my reputation as a hustler,” said Schwarmer, stepping to the ’phone and calling up the regiment. “Don’t come to the dedication of The Adelaide Library.”
“Now, there’s one hustle for you, what next?” laughed Schwarmer. Adelaide laughed too and clapped her hands.