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244 make the mistake of his life, if he doesn't sell out," he returned. "For, if my father can't get hold of the stock, he intends to drop the whole thing; and then the company will be bankrupt inside of three months, and the stock won't be worth the paper it's printed on. If you are wise, you'll get him to sell out, and without delay."

"I shan't bother him now."

"But I've just said it won't bother him," persisted the young man from Richmond.

"I am the best judge of that, Mr. Polk," returned the lady, coldly.

"You had better call next week," put in Jennie. And she added in a whisper to her mother, "Papa may hear him talking, and that will make trouble."

"Yes, Mr. Polk, you can call next week," went on Mrs. Bartlett. "Then, if my husband improves, perhaps you can see him."

"You seem to be in an awful hurry to get rid of me," grumbled the visitor.

"We do not wish you to disturb a very sick man."

"I am not disturbing anybody."

"He may hear you, and any loud talking excites him. I wish you would go away now."