Minor had been a young assistant
bookkeeper in those far-off and dismal days when he, Galusha, had
worked--or attempted to work--in that very office. That was--mercy, that
was a great many years ago! Minor had changed very much.
They shook hands and Galusha was invited to come into Mr. Minor's
private office.
"Let me see," said the latter, "you are--you are--What is your business
now? I did hear, but I've forgotten."
Galusha told of his connection with the National Institute.
"I do--ah--archaeological work," he added. "Egyptology is my specialty."
Minor nodded. "Yes, yes," he said, doubtfully. "Just so."
Plainly he regarded it as a weird sort of business.
"And you are still a--ah--banker?" queried Galusha.
"Yes. Very much so. I'm second vice president here now."
"Dear me! dear me! You have been in this place ever since? Well, well!"
A pause, during which each regarded the other, trying not to show the
pity they felt. Then Minor asked if there was anything he could do for
his former associate. Galusha explained that he had come to town to
see his cousin, Mr. Augustus Cabot, on a business matter. Mr. Minor was
surprised, momentarily.
"That's so," he said, "he is a relative of yours, isn't he? I had
forgotten."
"Yes, yes, he is. He--ah--you see, he looks after things for
me--investments and--all that."
"Humph! Well, if you wanted to see him personally, you're out of luck.
Pages:
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255