Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-16
SEVENTH NSTALLMENT.

there: And introduce Mr. Philbrick to the
IS"
with this he was off at run. The doc
tor, chatting at the event, followed more
slowly with Mr.. Philbrick, who said, in a
shamefaced manner: ~
"A fellow can't resist such splendid hospi-
tality, but on my word 1t seems rather
ridiculous to meet ladies in this condition. -
and he laughed again at the thought of it
Il m afraid you've given one Of the young
iao1es. at least, severe Shock" growled
the doctor. ungracously.
On! hope not! But If that Is even DOS
s1ble 1t is all the more reason why l should
sacrifice any reluctance to meeting them
In order to show that the escapade has no
serious consequence"
DIR. Williams doubted the reluctance but
he made no retort. Louise and Amelia
came down the steps to meet them, the
former with the key to the basement door
... lf you will come this way" she said,
you Will get to fire the quicker"
Her voice shook with the fright the &C
cldent had given her, but Amelia showed
no sign of being moved by it unless the
small red spot on either cheek and the un-
usually bright CLEAN in her eyes could be
so accounted for.
You are more kind than I deserve,
ladies'" said Mr.. Philbrick. II assure you
l am suffering nothing but the slight an
noyance of wet clothes. whose unpresent-
able appearance troubles me more than
their wetness. In my own opinion l could
go to the hotel with perfect safety as
hiis put bT w iIldIflS SO eNpnaClCalfy urged
that there was danger in such a course
that l could not venture to disregard mis-
advice"
He glanced mischievously out of the cor
ners of his eyes at the doctor, who scowled
and inwardly raved at the mans impert-
inence. They were entering the basement.
And Prof Drummond was so insstenty
hospitable," added Mr.. Philbrick. "Ah!
this is good and no mistake" and with a
SILVER he went close to the fire.
Miss Drummond," said DIR. Williams
conscious that his face was scarlet, this
is Mr.. Philbrick. Miss Willis, Mr.. Phil
brick
81 am sincerely delighted to meet you,
ladies'" said Mr. Philbrick, bowling with ex-
travagant Formally. although 1 could
wish that the circumstances were more
favorable to me-"
'"Thcn I won't say that I am glad to
know you" returned Louise, whose agta-
ton had been quickly dispelled by the
strangers lightness Of manner and his evil
IDENTIFY sound condition. but 1 will give
you hearty welcome, just the same"
She held out her hand.
wait a minute" exclaimed Mr.. Phil
brick. and he held both hands over the hot
kitchen range and rubbed them together
Until they were dry.
Now. if YOU please" and he held his
right hand high in hooking Imitation of the
style of handshake that prevails in fashion
able circles, look out for me garments"
Louise took his hand in the same man
ner, laughing hard and well she might, for
in mis- dripping, bedraggled clothes Mr..
PhilbrIck. with his lofty manners, present
ed a ludcrous spectacle.
'Now, Miss Willis, may II" he said turn
ing to amelia with the same gesture
Il am honestly glad to know you," re-
sponded Amelia, with grave smile, as she
extended her hand in the ordinary way.
Mr.. Philbrick promptly descended from
his comicality and shook hands naturally.
DR.. Williams had watched the little scene
without smile. He could see no fun in it;