"As a matter of fact, Mr. Rushcroft, I think she is quite right," he
said flatly. "It isn't a bad idea to practice economy."
"My dear sir," said Rushcroft peevishly, "where would I be now in my
profession if I had practiced economy at the expense of progress?"
"I don't know," confessed Barnes, much too promptly.
"I can tell you, sir. I would be nowhere at all. I would not be the
possessor of a name that is known from one end of this land to the
other, a name that guarantees to the public the most elaborate
productions known to--"
"Pardon me," interrupted the other; "it doesn't get you anywhere with
Putnam Jones, and that is the issue at present. The government puts
the portrait of George Washington on one of its greenbacks but his
face and name wouldn't be worth the tenth of a penny if the United
States went bankrupt. As it is, however, if you were to go downstairs
and proffer one of those bills to Putnam Jones he would make his most
elaborate bow and put you into the best room in the house. George
Washington has backing that even Mr. Jones cannot despise. So, you
see, your daughter is right. Your name and face is yet to be stamped
on a government bank note, Mr.
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