Part 7 (1/2)
”And you have made up your mind that you must have a career?”
”Absolutely.”
Clayton half laughed at her earnestness.
”Have you any money?” he asked suddenly.
”No,” admitted Martha, reluctantly. ”That is, not much.”
”Then how will you begin?”
”I don't know.”
”You will find money very necessary.”
”I'll manage somehow,” declared Martha, with conviction.
Clayton gazed at her curiously for a few moments. Something about the girl must have struck him as being distinctly out of the ordinary. Twice he started to speak, but each time hesitated as though uncertain what to say. ”I've got an idea,” he blurted out finally.
Martha turned toward him inquiringly, but did not speak.
”I'll a.s.sist you,” explained Clayton. ”Suppose I lend you the necessary capital for you to go to New York and live until you meet with this success you are determined shall come to you?”
”Oh, but I couldn't let you do that,” protested Martha. ”People might talk, and anyhow, I am determined to succeed on my merits, if at all.”
”Wait,” interrupted Clayton. ”This is a cold-blooded business proposition. If a man opens a store, he must have capital to start with.
If a miner goes prospecting, he must have some one 'grub-stake' him to start--that is, give him food and money to last until he strikes pay dirt. In any venture it is the same; capital is necessary--why not let me capitalize yours? After you succeed, you can pay back the original investment, with regular business interest.”
”But if I fail--you have no security.”
”That's my risk. Besides, I've another reason. I have spent enough on the different fads I've had to send a dozen girls through college. I've wasted thousands of dollars collecting useless things like old postage stamps and antiques, but never once has it occurred to me to collect samples of character.”
”I don't quite understand.” Martha's eyes were wide open in amazement.
”Your att.i.tude toward success interests me.”
”I'm sure it is justified,” insisted Martha.
”That remains to be seen. It is understood that I will start you on this career purely as a business proposition. But if I am to furnish the money, I must have the controlling interest in the partners.h.i.+p. You are to be absolutely guided by what I say, to be responsible to me, and to follow my advice in all things.”
”Won't I even have a minority vote?” pouted Martha.
”Yes, but the presiding officer can overrule you any time he wishes. In other words, I shall be practically your--your--”
”What?”
”Your guardian. But remember--if I start you on this life where you will be plunged at once into the vortex of all that is fascinating and attractive, you will perhaps find many admirers. No dragging Love along with Success if we should meet him on the way.”
Martha clapped her hands gleefully.
”I shall be too busy cultivating Success to even recognize Love if I should meet him,” she cried gaily.