The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-01-20

coulter ed there VINO would pay that hom-
age the Hon. John Upper Inman for which
his soul hungered.
"Pm sorry, father, but I'm really too
tired TO 60 I've been on the jump all day
and am utterly worn out"
The man Of mighty mind was dis
appointed, but, with the nonchalance OF a
Wouter Van Twiller, he puffed forth clouds
Of tobacco smoke and calmly submitted TO
the inevitable.
"Why don't you go alone" suggested
Alice at length. Il have new novel here
and intend to go to bed soon."
The truth WAS that Alice longed to be
alone. For some mysterious reason she
had not enjoyed the day as much as usual.
London seemed 10 be losing its charm.
Perhaps the fact that she had seen a
portrait in the morning that greatly re-
sembled q dark-haired, pale-faced youth
who had asked her to be his wife had much
to do with her discomfort.
With the heroic resignation natural to
man Of his calibre, John Upper Inman re-
jected the temptation held out to him.
mo" he remarked emphatically, II
shall spend the evening with you, my
DEAR
At this moment q knock was heard at
the door. Ponderously the ex-diplomat
arose. carefully laid aside his cigar and
cried "come In" The door opened and .
call-boy presented a tray bearing card.
Mr.. Inman flushed and his hand trem-
bled as he stepped forward. At last some
famous Britisher had come TO pay his
respects to the snubbed but deserving
American Alas, alas, the card bore the
name OF
HARLAN Otis.
For q moment the face OF Mr.. Inman
showed look of disgust. This youthful
student was q poor substitute for an En-
glish duke. But great minds work quickly
and q moment later the complicated
machinery of the great Americans cere-
Drum and cerebellum had grasped the
grist OF existing circumstances and had
woven it into most acceptable fabric.
Here, at all events, was q fellow-country-
man who had seen the Inman grandeur on
its native heath. True, the youth belonged
to that detested band Of collegians which
had long sustained the antagonism Of this
self-made man of affairs. But, then, an
American undergraduate might be ac-
ceptable in London, though he had proven
thoroughly obnoxious at home. Besides
all that Mr.. Inman saw that fate had given
him O high-road to the theatre, made
pleasant by quiet conscience. He could
leave Harlan Otis with Alice and go in
peace to see Yankee playwright triumph
on English soil.
"Show the gentleman up" he said to the
call-boy In his most grandiose manner.
The card-bearer hurried away, convinced
that he was commissioned to usher q
v%,;x. - &h.. t,,to thn - n
crowned potentate.
In very different way the Hon. John
Upper Inman handed our heros card to
Alice. With the intuition that pertains to
such omnivorous intellects as his, he felt
that he might have displeased his daughter
In taking the heroic measure outlined
above. Perhaps, he thought, she may not
like this fellow Otis. l remember that he
was very attentive to her at one time and
then suddenly ceased his visits to the
house.
Here is friend of yours, Alice" he re-
marked, weakly.
The girl glanced at the card, lost what
little color her fatigue had vouchsafed her
and gazed at her father inquiringly
i thought" he continued, worried at the
expression on her face, that you would be
glad to hear from-from home. Mr.. Otis
doubtless bears the latest news Then
again. if he keeps you company for an
hour | might be able to see one or two acts
OF Hayseed.' l hope | haven't been inn
petuous, my dear-I thought thought,
you see-I-."
It's all right, dear father" said Alice,
rising and kissing him on one of his florid
cheeks. i" You can go to the theatre now.
am very glad"
At that moment Harlan Otis appeared
at the half-open door. He had caught her
last sentence.