The Coming of Bill

Excerpt: CHAPTER V WHEREIN OPPOSITES AGREE maid who opened the door showed a reluctance to A let Bailey in. She said that Mrs. Porter was busy with her writing and had given orders that she was not to be disturbed. Nothing could have infuriated Bailey more. He, Bailey Bannister, was to be refused admittance because this preposterous woman wished to write. It was the duty of all decent citizens to stop her writing. If it had not been for her and her absurd books Ruth would never have made it necessary for him to pay this visit at all. "Kindly take my card to Mrs. Porter and tell her that I must see her at once on a matter of the utmost urgency," he directed. The domestic workers of America had not been trained to stand up against Bailey's grand manner. The maid vanished meekly with the card, and presently returned and requested him to step in. Bailey found himself in a comfortable room, more like a man's study than a woman's boudoir. Books lined the walls. The furniture was strong and plain. At the window, on a swivel-chair before a roll-top desk, Mrs. Porter sat writing, her back to the door. "The gentleman, ma'am," announced the maid. "Sit down," said his aunt, without looking round or ceasing to write. The maid went out. Bailey sat down. The gentle squeak of the quill pen continued. Bailey coughed. "I have called this morning -- " The left hand of the writer rose and waggled itself irritably above her left shoulder. "Aunt Lora," spoke Bailey sternly. "Shish!" said the authoress. Only that ...