Hulbert Footner

“ Fay made a gesture of dissent.
“When the news comes out you will be showered with all sorts of useless things. I should like to give you something that you want. What shall it be?”
“Oh, I'd much rather leave it to you, dear.”
“Well, now, I must think of something original.” She feigned to be considering deeply. “I have it!” she said. “I will give you a beautifully mounted gun with your name chased on the handle. Every woman ought to have a gun.”
“Oh, thank you!” said Fay. “But I have one! Darius says too, that every woman ought to have a gun. ”

“ This was not true. “How about to-morrow night after the show?” she went on. “I must have a chance to give you a little party before you step off into the gulf. Come here. My flat is too far up-town.”
Fay looked dubious. “I should love it,” she said, “but Darius, you know. He hates parties.”
The expression in my mistress's eyes said: “Damn Darius!” But she laughed good-humoredly. “Oh, I don't mean a party, my dear. Just you and Darius and Mrs. Brunton, Bella and I.”
“I should love it,” said Fay. “If Darius doesn't mind.”
“Why should Darius mind?” demanded my mistress. “Doesn't he like me?” ”

“ If it's closed, you'll have to look up the address of one of the partners in the telephone book, and go to his house. Apologize for disturbing him and say that your employer—who wishes to remain unknown for the moment—has just learned that the Whittall property in Riverdale has come into the market. ”