Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1891-07-09
Mr.. Van TVilerS Strange Aibi.

Eeauy an hppIecihUlc uumDct Ot hhheo
were collecting on the cape Of Miss Dor
otby Dempsey's storm coat as she turned
into Fifty-iourth street ut swinging
pace. Her cheeks were brilliant from
the cutting wind and her eyes shone
with exhilaration as she battled against
the storm
To Insignificant Rertie Carey, advanc-
ing from the opposite direction, she APP
peared like a delightful vision; a de-
light considerably influenced, of course,
by the fact that she belonged to the
right ''set" of visions, or BERTHE, being SO
little man, would not have looked a
second time. Indeed. it Is doubtful
whether anything short Of Miss Dor
othy's genealogy on the maternal side
would have induced him TO give up his
daily game of dominoes at the club, and
wheel about TO join her promenade with
such urbane Oblivion TO the GOODNESS of
his reception.
And is not likely that at any other
time Miss Dempsey would have re-
sented his intrusion quite so hotly. but,
unfortunately for him. her memory still
retained with vigor graphic descrip-
ton detailed TO her only the previous
evening by her cousin Jack. during
which, excited to unusual emphasis by
Carey's last .fdur pas, he had gone so far
as to declare him "a consummate ass,
not fit for decent society,"" Dorothy,
having agreed with him in spirit. If not
tn the letter, felt that she was justified
In taking strong measures on this oc-
casion.
To walk down the Avenue in his com
pany, at the hour when all her dear four
hundred friends would be abroad and
glancing curiously from their brougham
windows or over their shoulders. was q
reflection upon her taste and discrim;na-
tion which she was not ready TO endure.
Accordingly, before the preliminary
greetings were fairly over she was rack
ing her brain for some way of d;smissing
him. In vain she mcditated a dozen
clever maneuvres that under any other
circumstances Or utfy 0vher f0vussey
would have been practical. 1t was Carey
iumserr VINO finally provided her with
the means of escape.
lawfully jolly, this unexpected pleas
ure Of a stroll with you," he murmured,
ignoring the gait that was rapidly re-
ducing him to breathlessncss.
eyes, indeed" returned Dorothy with
false sincerity, "only it can't be very
long one, as | intend making call on
this block" This with unblushng
effrontery, although we'll aware that she
could walk on to the North River with
out finding a pane on her list
IA mutual friend?' inquired Carey.
81 think not"
GsThic x,,,ef 1o tho hn,,eo than es0o -
is the last one"
Miss Dempsey gave hasty, surrep-
titious glance at the window curtains,
and evidently found some reinsurance in
their design.
Thanks, yes. suppose you will be
at the Greys'. Good afternoon"
'Oh, the Greysr' cried Carey, fired TO
fresh recollections. Haven't you heard !
Then, if l may, will wait and see if
your friend is in; If not, we can continue
our chat"
Now Miss Dorothy, being an inde-
pendent and somewhat peremptory
young lady. and having gone to al the
trouble and risk of this subterfuge, was
anything but pleased at turn which
left her unwittingly outwitted. But
having gone so far, it was necessary to
play the farce out, and, ascending the
steps with good deal of suppressed in
dignation, she pressed the bell. The
door was promptly opened by neat
capped maid.
as DR.. Robinson inln she inquired
glibly, imp-ovising the first name that
came to her.
..-..I- believe so. ma'am; will you walk
For an instant Dorothy wavered in total
| dismay. This was contingency for
which she found herself completely un-
prepared. Then as her glance roved
from the waiting Carey below to the
girl who had stepped Hospitality back,
her resolution was taken; to 60 in and
explain on meeting the doctor that he
was the wrong man seemed the simplest
and most natural way out Of the diff
Guilty. and it would rid her of Carey.
which was the main thing.
| The room into which she was ushered
gave her as first impression sensation
OF cheer and comfort and good taste. II
was fitted up as half office. half library,
and fire on the hearth she'd its unstable
light on two large chairs drawn up in a
suggestively confidential manner within
the seductive radiance. Dorothy had
made mental comment OF all this be-
fore becoming aware that one of these
inviting chairs had an occupant, who
had slowly risen and was now facing her
with an open curiosity which he did not
take the trouble to conceal. He was a
tall, broad shouldercd, athletic young
man, with fine blonde head, and did
not in the least resemble the family ply
stefan of Dorothy's iufantile ailments.
II have been expecting you" he re-
marked calmly. Wont you be seated r.
"But called to sec DIR. Robinson. t"
explained Dorothy, fully expecting him
to claim the distinction.
81 am very sorry" replied the young
man imperturbably. Il am DIR. Robin
sons nephew, Neil Sawtelle: he was very
uncertain about your keeping this APP
pointmcnt. In fact, he went out hoping
to meet you elsewhere, but left me TO re-
ceive you if you came, and gave me the
authority to act IL his stead"
In the course OF her life 1t is probable
that Miss Dorothy had never experienced
such a variety Of emotions. That it was
case OF mistaken identity appeared
plain. but how 10 account for her pres
ence here without betraying her name
and her reason for ringing the bell ap-
peared problem difficult Of solution.
81 am sure there is some mistake, 4" she
stammered at length. 81 am not the
person DIR. Robinson expects. simply
wanted to consult him about a slight
cold, and will call again"
"As my uncle is no longer practicinQ
physician, am sure that cannot have
been your object" He drew himself ar