Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-10-16
A Dinner on Murray Hill.

When Baron Vonderkampf set foot
on the soil OF freedom be found no
difficulty in making good his footing
on Murray Hill. A handsome, sol
dierly looking young man, with an air
Of distinction and abundant funds,
with what the girls called love OF a
mustache," a decoration attesting his
bravery on the field, and with an eI-
haustless fund of entertaining small
talk born Of innumerable flirtations
and similar experiences in Berlin and
Paris, he was soon in demand as
very desirable adjunct to the social
functions" of very lively season.
AT most Of the clubs he became ia
miliar figure. He found his invitation
list extending agreeably, and felt that
American society was hOnoring him.
He had dined all over uptown, and
still there were invitations ahead,
from each Of which he anticipated a
pleasant experience.
Next on his list was the dinner at
Mrs. Benson Browns, a quiet, infor-
NAL affair, as the note intimated. He
was looking it over when his valet
handed him the card of his friend
Major Brice, who had called to see
him at his hotel A moment later the
Major entered the room.
Opera this evening, Baron?" asked
the Major
Il am to dine here replied Wonder
kampf, handing him note.
"Ah, uni the Benson-Browns. Say,
Baron, that's a temperance house,
you know. Old Benson-Brown is a
regular crank, and won't allow wine
on his table"
'Ah! He drinks beer?"
They drink nothing. You'll have
to stand that dinner on iced water.
Mark my words"
Il must go, said poor Vonderkampf
regretfully. He is man OF conse-
quence. 1t would hurt his feelings il
/ did not 60"
go, by all Means laughed his
friend. "Only let me advise you to
take a cocktail at our club before you
start. You'll need it, | can pick you
up later for the last act of 'Sonnam-
bula, you know"
SO it was settled. That evening the
Baron, fortified with brace OF cock
tails, was dropped by his driver at the
door of the Benson Brown mansion.
A liveried footman took possession of
him in the hall. He noticed that the
servants and all the appointments
were in the most elaborate English
style, and that the reception room into
which he was ushered was upholstered
precisely like some Of those he had
seen in the British capital. There was
painfully London air about the es-
tablishment. Presently tlorid, rud-
dy-faced, pompous, elderly gentleman
came in and greeted him effusively.
"Ah, Baron, delighted, I'm sure.
Mrs Brown and the girls will be hon
orpd. Thisis my son Reginald-Baron
Vonderkampf Our little dinner is to
be quite informal-a family affair, |
assure you"
Dinner was served in handsome
room and upon an elegantly appoint
ed table. Mrs. Benson Brown and her
daughters, Laura and Mollie, were
cordiality itself Even Reginald,
rather foppish young fellow, exerted
himself for the sake Of their distin-
guished guest.
HOW MIR. BENSON-BRowN DID 1T.
"Ah, er-Baron, observed Mr. Ben
SON Brown, ''as he unfolded his nap
kin and laid it carefully across his
knee, "in your country it is, know,
the custom to drink wine with meals,
and indeed many families do it here,
too. But l ought to mention, since
you are our guest, that we have rule
in our household which makes it i'm
possible for US to follow this custom,
although - With a deferential wave OF
the hand, Il have personally the
greatest respect for those who do fol-
low it, of course. | trust you will
overlook our little popularity, Baron,
in this respect"
with pleasure, " said Vonderkampf'
remembering the warning OF his friend
Brice, and feeling a cold chill run
down his back as the somber-faced
waiter filled his goblet with ice water.
Il care not to drink wine with friends,
only occasionally. Not now" and to
show his sincerity he raised the ice
water and took a sip that sent trem-
or to his toes.
The dinner was wretched affair to
Vonderkampf. Hewas thankful when
coffee was served and a degree OF ami
nation was impaired to the converse
ton. which had been more or less
frigid in spite OF the desperate efforts
OF Mrs. Benson Brown and her hand
some daughters. Music was suggest
ed, aud the host, seizing the IN oment-
ary opportunity, whispered to Won
kampf:
Baror-er-are you interested in
art? Yes? Glad to hear it. l have
some beautiful views up in my room,
which | would take pleasure in show
ing you if you care to come up with
me while the girls are getting out
their music"
Certainly" said his guest, glad of
a new diversion.
AS they were mounting the stairs
the merchant turned back and whis-