The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-10-30


If was Howard who spoke rising from an
almost UNLISTED breakfast.
Yes; i will get those business letters Of my
mind. And you2"
Must 60 down 10 the Office, but will come
uptown &C ii o'clock BeRstly weather"
A moment later we nodded good morning, he
plunging ont into the stormy street, while
leisnrely strolled toward the elevator.
In another moment ! found myself on the
fourth floor where Immediately around tho
angle Of the long corridor were our rooms
Howards suite 2S6 and @Ss, and mine 80.
Leaving the elevator l walked down the main
corridor and turned into our own. just in time
10 see lady, leading a little child, step out oil
Mr. Towards room, and nOIselessiy closing the
door, walk swiftly in the opposite direction
Tie light was dim, yet / distinctly noted the
slight, graceful black-robed figure and the
yellow curls Of the little one, but saw the
face of neither.
Arriving at the door from which the woman
bad that moment emerged, I was Rstonished to
find il locked. The pair were evidently not
strangers 10 these bachelor apartments. lett
my faee burn.
Hastily entering his rooms with the dupli-
cate key 10 had given me- made minute
inspection. Everything was immaculate from
the hands Of the maid. Nothing disturbed or
unusual Yes. What what was itf Ahf an
Odor-a per!ume-fsint, but sweet and sleken-
ing. Recalling Towards aversion 10 mower
perfumes, ] was yet more puzzled.
NV surprise increased when, guided by the
singular odOr detected the source. Near
the boRd Of 3 low easy-couch stood
curiously-carved little table, picked up most
likely by Howard in his travels. The couch
was his lounging place, and the table generally
held a new magazine or the book he had been
reading This morning an open volume OF
Tenuyson surmounted the other books and
resting upon the page. and whether by accident
or design. marking the death song OF Elaine,
was q single psnsy blossom, dark rich blossom
OF marvellous size and beauty.
Within half an hour the door Of that flower
had sent me into the adjoining room. Nothing
would have induced me 10 remove It. shud-
dered at the thought.
] wrote no letters. The incident bothered
me- ] am neither a suspicious man nor one
given 70 iutermeddling. but it suddenly oc-
CURED to me that / really knew little Of Bruce
Towards life even though his family connec-
ton and income were uneKceptionable.
At the hour fixed for his return j contrived
70 be intently reading In q corner farthest re-
moved from the rank odor Of the Hover. On
the instant he entered, with greeting so I'M
like his manner Of the day before, was struck
with his increased pallOr. The man looked III.
I was wondering how ] could best breach the
matter when, as If by instinct or some previous
directly TO the little carved table and leaned
over the open book.
From Whist followed. there was no mistaking
his surprise and singer. Snstching the blossom
from the book. he crossed over coming close TO
me, his eyes glowing uBplezsRntly.
Who brought this - thing into my room
Where did il come FROM"
Both voice and hand were trembling. As
6uming jocui&F tone, said. "A pensy blossom,
Howard, Is not much Of an event In bachelors
room, il it?"
1t would be IN mine" eurtly.
Some fair lady" said slowly, may have
brought or sent -
Do not trihe. Mr.. Morgan. What do you
know Of thisg ] hate pansies," and he flung
the offending beauty into the glowing crate.
The blossom crisping on the Goals sent out q
deadly sweet perfume.
Go on; am waiting" he added impa-
tientIy.
The flower was undoubtedly left by the
lady and child who visited your rooms this
morning" ] said with indifference, but watch
ing him narrowly.
"A lady who visited my roonsl Impossible
have 10 lady friends who visit me. ] have
no relations in the city. Explain, Mr. Nor
gan" and his rapid walk came 10 dead halt
Badfnsge was out Of place. Still studying
every line Of his face, I explained to him the
incident Of the morning, and how some woman
III NlAAN I@A "a DAG~E HBA q IA4AA ~
white-hsd left his room, having evidently
admitted themselves by pass-key.
Great Heavens You don't mean -
Nothing more than ] say" / replied coldly
yet there was no mistakng the surprise AND
CONSERVATION Of his manner
90 But why did yOB not follow her-questior
the cierk-learn something Of her appearance
and by what excuse she obtained entTancef Sh'
was merely some common thief I'll motif.
the clerk and count up the losses"
The clerk, answering Howard's message, de
elared that no woman and child answering de
EcTiptiOn were guests Of the house or had mad
inquiries for anyone. Neither the house maids
bell-boys nor porter and watchmen below ha'
seen any such pair. The elevators had carries
no such passengers.
Have you missed anythingf" contfAue'
the clerk
Ny examination Of the morning was supple
meHted by Howard. Nothing WAS missing
Jewelry, few old coins, even some bank bill
left caTeIessly among cOliars, ties and othe
Odds-and-eDds Of gentleman attire were found
Certainly nothing Of intrinsic value had bee
taken. The clerk withdrew there was a pecu
liar half-smilc on his face. Howard nOl
walked directly 70 the closet and drew out
small steamer trunk. Unlocking il with key
which be carried with others On a ring, he pre-
ceeded 20 toss out the contents, which cOnsiste
Of old books, pamphlets q few odd-iOOkiu
IL WAS not until be laid lis hand upon sma
sealed packet, examined IL closely, and tosse
81 back with the other articles and TelOcked Oh
trunk. that be seemed 10 be satisfied
"A queer thief, 10 take nothing and leave
bouquet" he said finally. but ] saw by his e,
preston that the idea Of robbery was not
his mind.
We dropped the subject; 10 was not an sgre
able one. After giving him my promise 20 r
port any second glimpse Of the mysterious pal
We turned our conversation at least 10 mo-
agreeable topics-stocks, Nellie, and the futuI
Of the two.
The day, however was q failure. The dim,
party arranged by Howard IN honor Of myse
did not go" We said good night near NOR
Ing without abiding ~ what was uppermO
in the mind Of each.
was distressed at sight Of Bruce Howard
face the next morning.
Well, my boy" said lightly, chow a
you this morningf"
I've mad q horrible night and" with
short laugh, they honored me with anoth
spread"
They-who-Bhat spread? What do "
meant" ] asked, staring al him.
Why, ] found another Of those intern
pansies IN my room, on my pillow; in fact, q
evil odor Of the thing Weakened me- Now
be added grimIy, lyon must either catch III
mysterious RIver Of bouquets, or admit the
are somc visitors who come and 20 WithO
p8ss-keys."
That another blossom Of remarkable beau
aud OFerp0WerinR fragrance had been brOug
% him during the night was a fact and til
tho donor had escaped detection IN the "a,