The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-04-21

"My dearest Blanche. you look lovely in
either"
No, but reallyP"
land trulyW
You're too ridiculous, PHIL cried Mrs.
Mortimer, laughing. "As lady's maid you
are not success-go and smoke your cigar
eue on the balcony, and I'll be ready in a
second"
Mr.. Lorlmer obeyed with the submission
and alacrity OF newly made SPOUSE, and,
moreover. waited with patience and resig-
nation only to be found In a man whose
married life can still be counted by weeks.
Il haven't been long, have ?" asked his
wife, with delightful conviction, when she
returned after en- interval; land, oil, Phil,
don't you think this is the most perfectly
lovely place on the face of the earth ?''
Mr.. LOTimers answer was somewhat
wide of the marx, and by no means worthy
of record, but certainly Eden-on-Sea was a
delightful spot.
It's delicious" repeated Mrs. LOrimer,
-ecstatcally; "but come. Phil, I'm quite
ready for my drivel Oh. there, MY shoe is
undOne; do tie it up for me-"
Philip was kneeling at her feet, and she
was laughingly instructinE him in the art
Of tying shoe lace, when, TO the unutter-
dDiG CONFUSION pl DOllt lH6 iOOul UUOI
opened and a stranger stood in the door
way.
Excuse me. lam afraid 1 have made a
mistake"
Mr.. Lorimer jumped up, glazing at the In
truder savagely.
"a thought this was room "a"
This is PA" growled LorImer. Your
room is next on the left"
Thank you; a thousand pardonsi !" and
with a courteous bow the stranger with
drew.
"Idotw began Phil, but Mrs. LOrimer in
teTTuDted hin.
"Oh, did you ever see such a hand
some man? He had a face like an arch
angelW
'Archangel be-pulverlzed! I think
people might take the trouble to see that
they don't bluuder into other peoples
rooms. Come along. Blanche, the carriage
is waiting"
The evening passed pleasantly enough,
and when toward Its close Mi. and Mrs.
LoTimer lOunged upon their balcony in the
moonlight, il seemed as if there could be
nothing to mar the delights of this best Of
all possible worlds Suddenly a terribly
dscOrdant note was struck.
"Lislenw whispered Blanche.
''Eh, what?" said Phil. whose whole at
tenllGn had been engrOssed by his CON-
paniUn. and who. unlike her, had not the
feminine knack of doing two things at the
same time.
Don't you hear some one talking in the
next roOm?" whispered Banche?'
"WeH?"
g"Eut they're quarreling; lIstenw
Not ]! Why shouldn't they quarrel II
they like? Let's go imp
But at that moment, a woman's voice, low
and Diteous; reached their ears.
"Oh, Frank have you no Dity?"
There, didn't you hear% whispered
Blanche, IN awestruck tones.
Yes; and don't mean to hear any more.
Come in, Blanche"
How stupid you are, Phil! They are in
the next room, tell you'll" she reiterated
impatienuy.
what OF it?"
Mrs. Lorimer gave a little petulant stamp.
There was no one with that gentleman
who came in here this afternoon, and he was
alone a. table Photel Now, do you under
sland?"
Phil gave a low whistle, but before he
could make any remark the wailing voice
reached them again.
Frank, don't force mel cannotl i will
not! II is TOO awfGlP'
Pail drew his wife quickly into the room
and closed the window nOisily.
But, PM. aren't you going to do any
thing? Suppose"
stuff ana nOnsensev' interrupted Phil.
CItfiY; tits no business Of oursl But Your
arcHangel does not seem to be a very amia-
bic persOnP
But don't yon think"
81 think it's time to turn in % replied her
husband, decisively; for Philip was a true
BrtisGer, with noted objection to putin g
his fingers into other peoples pies. Every
man for himself and Scotland Yard for us
ali. was his motto.
Blanche, On the other hand, was a true
daughter oil Eve, and she determined TO dis
cover If possible whose voice it was that
she had heard aud what was the meaning
OF its pIteOus appeal. If possible-but no W
was IL 10 be done?
Chance gave her an opening, which she
WAS quick TO seize. Having gone I'D TO her
room after breakfast next morning she
found the chamberm aid still busy with her
busting
"OL! you can 60 on" she said, smiling,
rs she seated herself by the window. The
maid was clearly the very person TO en-
tighten her. But how to come to the point ?
Il am afraid | am dreadfully untidy,"
Blanche began after moment, with a
cOnciliating little smile.
Not at all. madam" replied the girl
demnrely.
Have you many rooms to do2" con-
tinued Mrs. Lorimer with kindly interest.
The whole of this floor. madam"
Dots the lady in the next room give
much trouble?'
There is no lady in No. "a, madam, only
gentleman who arrived yesterday. Any
thing can get for you, MADAME"
mo. thank you"
Here was mysteryl No lady in No. "a,
voice lastuightl fl was most extraordina ry
and Blanche communicated the result OF her
investigation with Intense trepidatlon. Phil,
however, declined TO be interested in the
affair or to discuss ii in any way, so his wife
was forced TO keep her cOnjectures to her
sell, and they were of nature anything but
natterlng to the male occupant of No. "a.
as the Gay wore on the keenless OF her
interest IN the handsome stranger and his
mysterious companion waned somewhat be-
lore the more enthralling problems con-
nected with her own costume for the dance
which was 10 be given that evening PM
had an anxious time pending the settlement
OF thesei questions, but in due course Ali nf
them were disposed OF in the most suceess-
iul manner, as was sufficiently proved by
the crowd of partners who focked round
Mrs. Lorimer al soon as she made her an
pearance In the ballroom. Blanche mad
indeed, quite forgotten the mystery of No
"a In the excitement of the ball. when il was
recalled to her by the sight of her neghbor
standing in the doorway. Her heart beat
fast as she noted-What woman ever fails IA
do it?-that his eye followed her round the
room with glance OF interest and admira.
ton.
Now" she thought to herself, she will
ask me 20 dance, aud shall be able to put
some searching questions to him"
The hope, however, was doomed to dis
appointment. The stranger cOntented him.
self with admiring Mrs. Lorimer from
distance. and for once at least that little
lady retired to her room not altogether
satisfied with herself.
1t was again brilliant, moonlit summers
night and Blanche threw herself into q
capacipus chair by the window, prior tC
diIrObing. She was commencing a some.
what petulant complaint upon the short
esM.ngs Of the evenings entertain ment,