Page:Stanwood Pier--The ancient grudge.djvu/187

176 "I guess you'll hurry it up," said Floyd.

"Oh, I don't know about that," Stewart answered modestly. "But there are a few schemes that have occurred to me already. One is, for building decent-looking, as well as comfortable houses for the working-people. It can be done—and there's no reason for having all these miserably ugly tenements; I'd like nothing better than a chance to get at some workmen's houses."

"Maybe that's where I can help you," said Floyd. "We may be putting up some more before long—and anyway, before I left on my vacation one of our men was telling me he wants to build a house of his own. At one time my grandfather did n't encourage that, but he's grown more liberal. This workman's quite well to do and is after something pretty good. I'll send him to you—his name's Farrell."

"All right; it may be a chance," said Stewart. "And if you people here would only institute some adequate sort of park system—why, you have no idea how beautiful a city you might have—with one street running along the crest of the city, overlooking the Yolin River; that could be the most splendid residence street in the country! I suppose it's having been abroad so long that makes me grieve over these wasted possibilities. But here—I'm so full of my own ideas I have n't asked you a word about yourself; let's hear."

"There's not a great deal to tell," said Floyd. "I'm just busy making beams and things—for you to turn into—what is it?—frozen music—or office buildings." "And you're not engaged yet or anything?"

Floyd shook his head. "Ho!" laughed Stewart. "Why, I don't think you've been getting busy at all. Better think about it; married life is the only kind. I tell you, Lydia's the best thing that ever happened to me. She'll be mighty glad to see you again; she ought to be here now any minute. She