José — page 303: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

296 JOSE. everywhere enjoyed the reputation of being a valu- able business man; Green’s views and experiences, however, formed such a glaring contrast to his own hopes that it almost seemed folly to think of taking advantage of the circumstances appearing aus- _picious at that moment only. “T believe this is the day on which we were to look for the return of Old Bob,” began Baumann, after a walk across the room, as if he were bent on changing the course of the conversation, “and I am really curious to know not only how well he has succeeded in adjusting your affair, but also how farm life agreed with the old boy.” Green looked up, drawing a deep breath. His answer, however, was cut short by the sudden open- ing of the door. “Here isa gentleman who would like to speak with Mr. Baumann,” said the waiter, entering, while close behind him could be seen the figure of an elderly man, cleanly and fashionably dressed. On crossing the threshold his keen eyes changed from one to the other of the two young men, and at last remained fastened on the German’s face. “YT would like to speak to Mr. Baumann,” he said, with an accent betraying the Yankee. “IT am here, sir,” the young man answered, ap- proaching. For the space of a second the visitor seemed de- termined to penetrate him with his looks, then with a shght nod of the head, he said: “My name is Brown, sir, the father of Mrs. Mc- Gregor.” Baumann’s face colored a shade higher, but just as quickly the trace of his sudden agitation dis- appeared. “Very glad, indeed, to know you, Mr. Brown,” he rephed, extending his hand. “To confess, I thought you far away upon the prairies. Have a seat, sir.” Brown had placed the tips of his fingers in the. proffered right hand an instant, and then cast a side olance at Green. “I should like to speak to you about certain affairs,” he began, hesitatingly. (EO) (EONMIELONOO KS