There you go, Mrs. Griffiths, interjected Gilbert shrewdly and cynically to his mother. A delegation from the Misses Snedekers Select School sneaks off to the movies to brush up on heroes from time to time.
Griffiths senior suddenly observed: I had a curious experience in Chicago this time, something I think the rest of you will be interested in. He was thinking of an accidental encounter two days before in Chicago between himself and the eldest son, as it proved to be, of his younger brother Asa. Also of a conclusion he had come to in regard to him.
Oh, what is it, Daddy? pleaded Bella at once. Do tell me about it.
Spin the big news, Dad, added Gilbert, who, because of the favor of his father, felt very free and close to him always.
Well, while I was in Chicago at the Union League Club, I met a young man who is related to us, a cousin of you three children, by the way, the eldest son of my brother Asa, who is out in Denver now, I understand. I havent seen or heard from him in thirty years. He paused and mused dubiously.
Not the one who is a preacher somewhere, Daddy? inquired Bella, looking up.
Yes, the preacher. At least I understand he was for a while after he left home. But his son tells me he has given that up now. Hes connected with something in Denver a hotel, I think.
But whats his son like? interrogated Bella, who only knew such well groomed and ostensibly conservative youths and men as her present social status and supervision permitted, and in consequence was intensely interested. The son of a western hotel proprietor!
A cousin? How old is he? asked Gilbert instantly, curious as to his character and situation and ability.
Well, hes a very interesting young man, I think, continued Griffiths tentatively and somewhat dubiously, since up to this hour he had not truly made up his mind about Clyde. Hes quite good-looking and well-mannered, too about your own age, I should say, Gil, and looks a lot like you very much so same eyes and mouth and chin. He looked at his son examiningly. Hes a little bit taller, if anything, and looks a little thinner, though I dont believe he really is.
At the thought of a cousin who looked like him possibly as attractive in every way as himself and bearing his own name, Gilbert chilled and bristled slightly. For here in Lycurgus, up to this time, he was well and favourably known as the only son and heir presumptive to the managerial control of his fathers business, and to at least a third of the estate, if not more. And now, if by any chance it should come to light that there was a relative, a cousin of his own years and one who looked and acted like him, even he bridled at the thought. Forthwith (a psychic reaction which he did not understand and could not very well control) he decided that he did not like him could not like him.
Whats he doing now? he asked in a curt and rather sour tone, though he attempted to avoid the latter element in his voice.
Well, he hasnt much of a job, I must say, smiled Samuel Griffiths, meditatively. Hes only a bell-hop in the Union League Club in Chicago, at present, but a very pleasant and gentlemanly sort of a boy, I will say. I was quite taken with him. In fact, because he told me there wasnt much opportunity for advancement where he was, and that he would like to get into something where there was more chance to do something and be somebody, I told him that if he wanted to come on here and try his luck with us, we might do a little something for him give him a chance to show what he could do, at least.
He had not intended to set forth at once the fact that he became interested in his nephew to this extent, but rather to wait and thrash it out at different times with both his wife and son, but the occasion having seemed to offer itself, he had spoken. And now that he had, he felt rather glad of it, for because Clyde so much resembled Gilbert he did want to do a little something for him.
But Gilbert bristled and chilled, the while Bella and Myra, if not Mrs. Griffiths, who favored her only son in everything even to preferring him to be without a blood relation or other rival of any kind, rather warmed to the idea. A cousin who was a Griffiths and good-looking and about Gilberts age and who, as their father reported, was rather pleasant and well-mannered that pleased Bella and Myra while Mrs. Griffiths, noting Gilberts face darken, was not so moved. He would not like him. But out of respect for her husbands authority and general ability in all things, she now remained silent. But not so, Bella.
Oh, youre going to give him a place, are you, Dad? she commented. Thats interesting. I hope hes better-looking than the rest of our cousins.
Bella, chided Mrs. Griffiths, while Myra, recalling a gauche uncle and cousin who had come on from Vermont several years before to visit them a few days, smiled wisely. At the same time Gilbert, deeply irritated, was mentally fighting against the idea. He could not see it at all. Of course were not turning away applicants who want to come in and learn the business right along now, as it is, he said sharply.
Oh, I know, replied his father, but not cousins and nephews exactly. Besides he looks very intelligent and ambitious to me. It wouldnt do any great harm if we let at least one of our relatives come here and show what he can do. I cant see why we shouldnt employ him as well as another.
I dont believe Gil likes the idea of any other fellow in Lycurgus having the same name and looking like him, suggested Bella, slyly, and with a certain touch of malice due to the fact that her brother was always criticizing her.
Oh, what rot! Gilbert snapped irritably. Why dont you make a sensible remark once in a while? What do I care whether he has the same name or not or looks like me, either? His expression at the moment was particularly sour.
Gilbert! pleaded his mother, reprovingly. How can you talk so? And to your sister, too?
Well, I dont want to do anything in connection with this young man if its going to cause any hard feelings here, went on Griffiths senior. All I know is that his father was never very practical and I doubt if Clyde has ever had a real chance. (His son winced at this friendly and familiar use of his cousins first name.) My only idea in bringing him on here was to give him a start. I havent the faintest idea whether he would make good or not. He might and again he might not. If he didnt He threw up one hand as much as to say, If he doesnt, we will have to toss him aside, of course.
Well, I think thats very kind of you, father, observed Mrs. Griffiths, pleasantly and diplomatically. I hope he proves satisfactory.
And theres another thing, added Griffiths wisely and sententiously. I dont expect this young man, so long as he is in my employ and just because hes a nephew of mine, to be treated differently to any other employee in the factory. Hes coming here to work not play. And while he is here, trying, I dont expect any of you to pay him any social attention not the slightest. Hes not the sort of boy anyhow, that would want to put himself on us at least he didnt impress me that way, and he wouldnt be coming down here with any notion that he was to be placed on an equal footing with any of us. That would be silly. Later on, if he proves that he is really worth while, able to take care of himself, knows his place and keeps it, and any of you wanted to show him any little attention, well, then it will be time enough to see, but not before then.