Besides , there 's a girl who 'll be there . I 've met her once . I want to meet her again . She 's a beauty and no mistake . Toplofty as they make 'em , though . However , I think I 've made an impression on her . It was at the Harvey 's dance last week . She was the handsomest woman there , and she never took her eyes off me . I 've given Mrs. Kennedy a pretty broad hint that I want to take her in to dinner . If I do n't go I 'll miss all round . '' `` Well , what is there to prevent you from going ? '' I asked , squiffily . I never could endure the way Clark talked about girls and hinted at his conquests . `` Just this . Herbert Bronson came to town this afternoon and is leaving on the 10.30 train to-night . He 's sent me word to meet him at his hotel this evening and talk over a mining deal I 've been trying to pull off . I simply must go . It 's my one chance to corral Bronson . If I lose him it 'll be all up , and I 'll be thousands out of pocket . '' `` Well , you are in rather a predicament , '' I agreed , with the philosophical acceptance of the situation that marks the outsider .
I was n't hampered by the multiplicity XXXXX my business and social engagements that evening , so I could afford to pity Clark .
Besides as at in of off on that to with