The Giant Again

           AtaxicabdrewupbeforeanoldfashionedresidenceupontheoutskirtsofBaltimore.

           Amanofaboutforty,wellbuiltandwithstrong,regularfeatures,steppedout,andpayingthechauffeurdismissedhim.

           Amomentlaterthepassengerwasenteringthelibraryoftheoldhome.

           "Ah,Mr.Canler!"exclaimedanoldman,risingtogreethim.

           "Goodevening,mydearProfessor,"criedtheman,extendingacordialhand.

           "Whoadmittedyou?"askedtheprofessor.

           "Esmeralda."

           "ThenshewillacquaintJanewiththefactthatyouarehere,"saidtheoldman.

           "No,Professor,"repliedCanler,"forIcameprimarilytoseeyou."

           "Ah,Iamhonored,"saidProfessorPorter.

           "Professor,"continuedRobertCanler,withgreatdeliberation,asthoughcarefullyweighinghiswords,"IhavecomethiseveningtospeakwithyouaboutJane.

           "Youknowmyaspirations,andyouhavebeengenerousenoughtoapprovemysuit."

           ProfessorArchimedesQ.Porterfidgetedinhisarmchair.Thesubjectalwaysmadehimuncomfortable.Hecouldnotunderstandwhy.Canlerwasasplendidmatch.

           "ButJane,"continuedCanler,"Icannotunderstandher.Sheputsmeofffirstononegroundandthenanother.IhavealwaysthefeelingthatshebreathesasighofreliefeverytimeIbidhergood-by.