“‘Look here, Sam,’ I says. ‘You tell Lizzie that I want to have a talk with her at four o’clock in this office. If she really wants to buy this man, I’ll see what can be done about it.’
“‘All right, you talk with her,’ says he, an’ went out.
“In a few minutes Dan showed up.
“‘Have you seen Lizzie?’ says I.
“‘Not to speak to her,’ says Dan. ‘Looks fine, doesn’t she?’
“‘Beautiful,’ I says. ‘How is Marie Benson?’
“‘Oh, the second time I went to see her she was trying to keep up with Lizzie,’ says he. She’s changed her gait. Was going to New York after a lot o’ new frills. I suppose she thought that I wanted a grand lady. That’s the trouble with all the girls here. A man might as well marry the real thing as an imitation. I wish Lizzie would get down off her high horse.’
“‘She’s goin’ to swap him for one with still longer legs,’ I says. ‘Lizzie is engaged to a gentleman o’ fortune in the old country.’
“Dan’s face began to stretch out long as if it was made of injy-rubber.
“‘It’s too bad,’ says he. ‘Lizzie is a good-hearted girl, if she is spoilt.’