The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-07-01

- xpuwn yUk.hn b,en 10 Nal
bourne. ffe had an income OF his own, scrib-
bled q little for the papers, was to he seen at
every house Of any pretensions to fashion IN
Melbourne, and was always bright, happy
and full OF news Whenever any scandal oc-
Cured Felix Roleston was sure 10 know II
first, and could tell moro about 1t than any
one else. He knew everything that was
going on, both at home and abroad. His
knowledge, il not very accurate, wa at least
extensive, and his conversation was piquant
and witty As Cation, one Of the leading
LAWYERS OF the city, said, "Rolleston put him
in mind Of what Beaconfield said O.. one OF
his characters in 'Lothair,' He wa IN in
tellectual Croesus, but his pockets were
always full Of sixpences.'" There was good
deal Of truth in Cations remark, and Felix
ALWAYS distributed his si,pences freely. The
conversation had been dull for the asst few
minutes at the Frettlby diuuer table, conse-
ouentlv when Felix arrived everybody
Frightened up, as they felt certain now that
the conversation would be amusing.
$50 awfully sorry, don't you know said
Felix. as he slipped into seat by Madge
"but a fellow like me has got to he careful Of
his time-so many calls on ii.
$50 many calls in it, you mean retorted
Madce with disbeleving smile. Confess,
now. you have been paying "A round Of
visits"
"Well yes.n assented Mr.. Rolleston
chats the disadvantage OF having large
circle o: acquaintance. They give you
weak tea and thin bread and butter,
whereas'--
"You would rather have b. and 5. and
some dcviled kidneys" finished Brian
There was a laugh at this but Mr.. ROLES
ton disdained to notice the interruption.
1.-THE only advantage of 5 O'Clock tea, -
he went on, sis that it brings people
together, and one hears what's going on"
"Ah, yes Rolleston,' said Mr., Frettlby.
who was looking at him with an amused
smile. What news have you@
GOOD news. bad news, and such news as
YOU have never heard Of" quoted Rolleston
gravely Eyes, | have bit of news
Haven't you heard itr'
As no one knew what the news was they
could net very well say that they had, So
lolleston was happy, having found out that
he could make a sensation.
"Wel, do you know" he said, gravey
fixing in his eyeglass, they fourd out the
name Of the fellow that wat murdered in the
hanson cabF
"Neverln cried every one eagerly.
Yes went on Roleston, "and what's
more. you all know him"
ITS never Whytef said Brian, III a horri-
fled tone.
Hang it, how did you known said Rol-
lesion, rather annoyed at being forestallcd.
"Why, just heard it at the St kilda
station"
ION. easily enough" said Brian, rather
confused. II used To see Whyte constantly,
and as had not set eyes on him for the last
two weeks, thought it might b. him
How did they lind out who 1t was! asked
Mr.. Frettlby, idly toying with his wine
glass.
"Oh, one Of those detective fellows, you
know" answered Felix They know every
thing"
~ am sorry TO hear it, said Frettlby, re
forring TO the fact that Whyte was murdered
ale had letter of introduction g. me, aud
seemed a clever, pushing young fellow"
"A COMPOUNDED cad" mutteied Felix,
ander his breath; and Brian, who overheard
him, seemed inclined to assent.
For the rest Of the neal nothing "as talked
about but the murder and the mystery IN
which it was shrouded When the ladies
retired they chatted about it in the drawing
room, but finally dropped it for more agree
able subjects The gentlemen, however,
when the cloth had been removed, filled their
glasses, and continued their discussion with
undated yigor Brian alone did not take
part in the conversation. He sat moodily
staring at his untasted wine, and wrapped IN
brown study.