"Just the man I wanted to see," repeated Orde, as the two
approached.
Clara Taylor stopped short and considered him for a moment.
"Let us away," she said seriously to Carroll. "My prophetic soul
tells me they are going to talk business, and if any more business
is talked in my presence, I shall EXPIRE!"
Both men laughed, but Orde explained apologetically:
"Well, you know, Mrs. Taylor, these are my especially busy days for
the firm, and I have to work my private affairs in when I can."
"I thought Frank was very solicitous about my getting out in the
air," cried Clara. "Come, Carroll, let's wander down the street and
see Mina Heinzman."
The two interlocked arms and sauntered along the walk. Both men lit
cigars and sat on the top step of the porch.
"Look here, Taylor," broke in Orde abruptly, "you told me the other
day you had fifteen or twenty thousand you wanted to place
somewhere."
"Yes," replied Taylor.
"Well, I believe I have just the proposition."
"What is it?"
"California pine," replied Orde.
"California pine?" repeated Taylor, after a slight pause. "Why
California? That's a long way off. And there's no market, is
there? Why way out there?"
"It's cheap," replied Orde succinctly.
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