The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1890-12-12
The Widows Lodqer.

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mans life. lie no longer roared at peo-
pie like an old lion: he never replaced
the hideous blue s%pectacles in the house,
hut he never went out without a pair;
he gave Mary the key of the piano,-he
had put it in his pocket with a chuckle
when he first took possession of the
rooms,-and he told her now that she
might play occasionally TO please the
baby. Some extraordinary things were
done for baby's sake; and Cinci took
him out one day on mysterious mission.
Mary let him go with no misgiving; the
mulatto was more trustworthy than
nine ordinary nurses out of ten. They
were gone for several hours, and when
they returned parcels began to arrive,
first from Oxford Street and Holborn.
then Regent Street and the Strand, the
Lowther Arcade and st. Paul's Church,
yard. When the parcels were opened
in the drawing-room, it looked like a
wholesale department OF the toy trade.
But" Mary said, at length, chow
ever did you choose such a variety of
thingsTH
II took little master into every shop.
and let him choose what he liked,'' was
the reply.
And you appear to have given him
everything he chose"
"That's what | did-iust," said the
mulatto.
Master Arthur was i'll fair way of
being spoiled, but Mary dared not hint
as much. He did exactly as he pleased.
lie blew a peculiarly piercing trumpet
all over tie house, beat hisdrums-about
a dozen set in a row-and had his train
going in the drawing-room over poor
Mr.. Parker's head. When he ventured
a mild remonstrance, through Mary,
Mr.. Barker went on the landing and
roared at him; asked him to come up
stairs and say what he meant.
do yon think l am going to stop his
innocent play so that you may study in
peace how to poison people, the wrath
full old gentleman growled at him. Let
me hear another word, sir, and my man
shall put you on the roof. and keep you
there. Study. indeed: if you want to be
quiet, there's the coal cellar"
ut is such a blow to the dignity Of
our profession" Mr.. Parker said. plain
lively. to Mary. Not that | mind for
myself, you know" But Mr.. M. p. Par
ker never complained again. When he
had an extra study to get through, he
did it in his bedroom, or tied a towel
over his ears to keep the sound out.
George Hyde heard of the singular pro-
ceedings, and saying little, wondered
much; and when he called, Mary was
in Mr.. Barker's room. The same thing
had happened before, but George did
not go away as usual this time; he
waited, and sent word that he had
something particular TO say.
"Then send him up" said Mr.. Bark
er; "you can introduce him, Mrs. Allen
by. l will not have the boy disturbed
Mr.. Hyde came up. lie took in the
whole scene with an amused smile, and
gave a very penetrating glance at Mr.
Barker.
Come in he said, come in, Mr..
Hyde, yon are nc stranger to me-; | have
seen You often enough from the Win
dow. | am an old friend of Uncle
Michael, and you are an old friend of
Arthur Allenby's-that is introduction
enough, so shake hands and make YOUR
self at home.n
And they shook hands heartily.
" havej just left Mrs. Allenby, Mary
he said, with a smile; "and the poor
lady is in a dreadful state of commo-
ton. Uncle Michael is coming to Eng
land; he may have arrived by this time.'
II think it very likely Mr.. Barker
observed. II heard from him myself;
but what is the reason of this consterna-
tion?'
sit appears that he has been inquir-
ing about Arthur's wife, Mary. They
were not aware that he knew of the
marriage. saw the letter. He wrote
to know who she was? what she was?
how they got along with her? and sew
eral other i~nconvenient questions. You
can imagine the situation
81 should enjoy it, said Mr.. Barker,
grimly, ''and before you go any further,
Dr.. Hyde, let me ask you not to tell
them that I, who lodge here, know any
thing about Uncle Michael. Do you
understand me?"
Scarcely, sir; but it shall be as you
please, nevertheless"
That's a good lad. l have a reason
for it, a sound n You will be quite
satisfied with it when you know. Can
you tell me when he is %expected?n
"At Southampton tomorrow, by the
Boomerang"
"Then l go to meet the Boomerang
and not a word mind, DR.. Hyde, if you
value the friendshipof Uncle Michael's
FRIEND"
Not a word,'' said the doctor. with a
smile, ''for 1 wantto win the friendship
of Uncle Michael's friend. But how
will you travel with your foot i'll that
condition? You may have an attack
on the way"
"Then come with me, said Mr.. Bark
er. "You may be useful. A medical
man is not a bad travelling companion
in case of a railway accident. Come
with me, and l will make it worth your
while"
CHAPTER VII.
IN THE ENEMY's CANT.
Noone was surprised than Mary at
the sudden friendship which hadarisen
between her eccentric lodger and DR..