J. J. Bell, Old Wadd's Love Affair (1904)
“ But the attraction was too strong, and, again and again, he went down-stairs, trying to appear on business bent, as Paul Vannan came up, and, after waiting in the entry for a minute, ascended to his chambers in a stealthy fashion as if he feared detection. The old man had fallen in love with the young. There is no other way of expressing it. Not for forty years had his heart warmed to a fellow-being as it warmed to the unconscious artist. ”
J. J. Bell, Old Wadd's Love Affair (1904)
“ Wadd fell into the habit of listening for the whistler coming up the stair. “Like a bird, like a bird!” he would murmur to himself, and, when the studio door slammed, he would smile and return to his work. One May morning, they met on the stair a second time and exchanged greetings, and a few mornings later Mr. Wadd left his office when he heard the whistling, and descended to the street merely to gain a sight of the young man. He was so ashamed of himself that for some days he tried not to hear the whistling. ”
J. J. Bell, Old Wadd's Love Affair (1904)
“ Wadd, and such an arrival was an event in his existence. Exchanging his slippers for his boots, his mittens for gloves, and donning a furry silk hat he would leave his office, not forgetting to affix to the door a card bearing the legend, “Back presently,” and would hobble to the address of the firm, whose money he carried with exaggerated care in a special pocket inside his waistcoat. Inquiring for the head of the firm, who was usually willing to “humor old Wadd,” he would be shown into the great man's private room. ”
