Simultaneous advantage had accrued to the typist, also, in a
practical way. Though the total of her bills was modest, it constituted
an important extra; and Miss Westlake no longer sought to find solace
for her woes through the prescription of the ambulant school of
philosophic thought, and to solve her dental difficulties by walking the
floor of nights. Philosophy never yet cured a toothache. Happily the
sufferer was now able to pay a dentist. Hence Banneker could work,
untroubled of her painful footsteps in the adjoining room, and
considered the outcome cheap at the price. He deemed himself an exponent
of enlightened selfishness. Perhaps he was. But the dim and worn
spinster would have given half a dozen of her best and painless teeth to
be of service to him. Now she came to his defense with a pretty dignity:
"I am sure that Mr. Banneker would not be out of place in any company."
"Maybe not," answered the cynical Lambert. "But where does he get it? I
ask you!"
"Wherever he gets it, no gentleman could be more forehanded in his
obligations," declared Mrs. Brashear.
"But what's he want to blow it for in a shirty place like Sherry's?"
marveled young Wickert.
"Wyncha ask him?" brutally demanded Hainer.
Wickert examined his mind hastily, and was fain to admit inwardly that
he had wanted to ask him, but somehow felt "skittish" about it.
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