KATE KEEPS HER PROMISE
she would have been a good borrower. Bankers are born, not made, anyway," complacently, " and Vernon isn't one of them." "It seems to me his judgment in this instance is excellent," Mrs. Pantin contradicted tartly. "It's quite evident the business men of Prouty agree with him, since none of them will trust her." "That doesn't alter my opinion." Mr. Pantin's reply was calm. "It's the person behind a loan that counts, anyway—not the security. If I had been in Wentz's place when she said she could handle those sheep and meet the obligation when due, I should have believed her." Again Mr. Pantin waved the chop for emphasis as he added with something very like enthusiasm: "She has honesty, strength of character, intelligence, personal magnetism—" "It appears to me that you made rather a dose study, considering your limited opportunity," Mrs. Pantin interrupted acidly. "She interested me." "Evidently. But why this sudden change of opinion? I've heard you say a hundred times that all women are pinheads in business." "Because she's no ordinary woman," Mr. Pantin defended. "The girl hasn't struck her gait yet; her mind is immature, her character undeveloped; but if she doesn't make good—" he paused while he fumbled for a convincing figure— "I'II eat my panama!"
Mrs. Pantin stared, both at the intemperate language and the rare display of animation. From a state of indifference, she felt distinct hostility toward Mormon Joe's Kate stirring in her bosom. Mr. Pantin should have
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