The Journal man, who was sweet on the "Advice to the Love-Lorn" editress, feverishly wrote the head-line,
ALL FOR LOVE!
"I needn't say to you," went on H. R., with a look that made the reporters respect his reticence, "that if I were an advertising man the publicity methods that I have introduced would have made me richer than I am. What in hell would I do with more money? Answer me that!"
The Tribune man answered by turning pale. The others looked uneasy. When a well-dressed young man asks that question in New York there can be but two answers: Bloomingdale or Standard Oil.
H. R. was going to marry a rich banker's only daughter. He was therefore no lunatic.
H. R. was thenceforth regarded by the newspapers, and therefore by the public, as a fabulously rich man. This made him definitely Front Page. No other man ever became chronically that without committing murder or playing for the labor vote.
XVIII
All the morning papers spread themselves on the story and thereby gained the respect of those present at the meeting whose names were mentioned. Only one of the journals featured Grace Goodchild. Two dwelt strongly on the ten-thousand-dollar coupon and on the fact that the wealth of those present at the Granite Presbyterian Church aggregated $3,251,280,000. One pure-food featurer played up the ideal meal, and two the hope that at last charity would be discriminating.
At 9.14 a.m. messages began to rain down on H. R. They came by livened youth, by telephone, and by secretaries.