"You have been busy, Traverse. What is going on at your establishment these
days?" Mr. Sherwood asked, as Dexie left the room to fetch the chess-board.
"Oh! nothing more than usual. We have a good many orders in, and I have
been away to New York on business for the firm; but I was only away a week.
Your old firm has a new manager. Quite a step up for Rushton, isn't it? I
am pleased at his promotion, for he deserved it."
"Yes; he was not expecting it either. He called to see me, and I was well
pleased to hear he had stepped into my place. Now, Traverse, play your
best, and see if you can beat me to-night," as Dexie laid the board and
chess men in order by her father's side.
Mr. Sherwood soon became so engrossed in his favorite pastime, that he
failed to notice that the poor play of his opponent was due to the fact
that his attention was so taken up with watching Dexie that only a part of
his thoughts were given to the game.
"Traverse, I don't believe you are half playing," said Mr. Sherwood, as he
removed a captured knight from the board.
"Well, you 'most always beat me, you know, Mr. Sherwood, though not often
so badly, I confess," was the smiling reply.
Pages:
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545