“Well,” he said, contemplatively, and in all seriousness, “I would think twice before declining a favor of that kind from Mrs. Bradley. She’s a remarkably attractive woman.”
The president did not dwell further on the subject. It may have been because of its incongruity; it may have been because of some undefined feeling of foreboding that crossed his mind at that moment.
“You may ask Page,” he said, “to draw her a check for two hundred and fifty dollars. Tell him to run it through the expense account, and to put in the voucher a statement that it is received by Mrs. Bradley as a gratuity from this company.”
“Yes, sir.”
Barry rose with unusual alacrity, but before he reached the door his father called to him:
“A—Barry! Suppose you tell Page to make that four hundred instead of two fifty. There have been special hardships in this case, and the woman is undoubtedly capable of using the money judiciously.”
“Yes, father. I, myself, was just about to recommend four hundred dollars. I think she can put the money to good use.”
A little later Barry returned to the president’s room with Page, the treasurer, who brought with him a check and a voucher, both of which he handed to Mr. Malleson. The president examined the voucher carefully, signed the check, and handed the papers back to Page.
“Shall I send a special messenger up with them?” asked the treasurer.