Philip Curtiss

“ For three generations a word from the Pilgrim Trust to the Bellsmith family had been as a friendly mandate from a friendly bench.
"Besides," added Bellsmith quietly, "you know that I have other property—real estate for example."
"Real estate?" echoed Judge Marker in horror.
Bellsmith nodded. "Any bank in the city would lend me any amount on the various properties."
"Mr. Bellsmith!" pleaded the judge, now shocked to the depths of his being. In Leicester there was something even more sacred about real estate than about any other form of property. ”

“ Do you realize what you are doing?"
"Perfectly," said Bellsmith. "If I wish to invest some money in the theatrical business is there any reason why I should not do so?"
"Yes, I think there is," answered the judge, calmly. "Do you know the first thing about it?"
"As much as I do about any other business," replied Bellsmith. "Harcourt & Gay, as you could easily find out, is a responsible firm, one of the leading theatrical firms in the country. If I should invest this same amount in bonds or real estate would there be any question about it?" ”

“ Israels shrugged. "It's not good business to let money lie idle."
Bellsmith, however, had no intention of changing allegiance. "That check was given in perfect good faith, Judge Marker. Would it not be best if you would draw up the agreement?"
The judge abruptly shoved himself away from his desk, as if that act in itself broke off a circuit and put the whole Pilgrim Trust Co. out of the matter altogether. ”