Omaha daily bee., 1896-12-20
Copyright, 1896, by Robert Barr.

CHABIER lN,--CONIINUED,
would you tell Mr.. Hope that wish tc
speak with him for a momcnt?"
Barney approached the newcomer with
smiling face and extended hie hand.
"Oh, how-de-do how-de-do? am so glat
you found time to come to my little affair
You are just in time--just in time, dom
you know"
Barney's artistic eye rapidly took in the
appearance of his guest and all at once he
realized that his clothes had not quite the
air OF Bond street about them, in spite OF
the fact that they were hagrantly the best
suit his visitor had The smile faded from
the artists face
ooh, pardon met" he added. IL thought |
recognized you, but don't think have tn,
pleasure of"
mo, we are not acquainted Mr.. Hope.
am one OF the workmen in your fathers fac.
tory"
Really. You have some message for me
perhaps?"
II came Of my own motion wish very
particularly to speak to you on business"
"Oh, but really, my good fellow, don't you
know. This is my AT Home day. | never
talk business on these days, never. IL you
want to buy any of my pictures, or any.
thing don't you know, you must come an
other day"
something vastly different and more serious"
My good felow--you'll excuse my inter
rupting you. won't you? There is no serious
business except art, and today don't even
talk art"
Human lives" said Marsten. hotly, ARE
more serious than art"
please don't raise your voice. You are
certainly wrong about things but haven't
time to correct you today don't you know.
All one needs TO say about your last remark
Is that human lives pDlpmprnl while n ri
Is everlasting. Therefore, is art the more
important of the two. But we'll let that
pass. Can't you come and talk another day?
I'm sure shall be delighted to see you at
any time"
Couldn't you give me five minutes out
on the landing?"
at is impossible l cannot leave my
guests. You see. we have the dancing earl
on in few moments. His grace is just
now arranging his skirts. really must go,
don't you know"
Then | will stay until the earl has done
his dancing II that is what he is here for"
"Do. my dear fellow, do A most excellent
idea. | am sure you will like it, for though
/ have not seen the dance myself, | under
stand 1t is quite unique. Have cup of
tea. would have sent you a card II l had
thought that any OF my fathers workmen
were interested in the latest movements or
art, but never mind the lack of invitation
II you care to stay without it. shall be de-
lighted 1t is really very good of you to
drop in In this unexpected way. 1t is the
kind of thing | like so Bohemian. don't you
know You'll excuse me now, I'm sure"
and Barney tripped away to see that all ar
rangements for the appearance of the earl
were complete.
The model stand had been pushed to one
end OF the room fronting the audience; heavy
curtains had been drawn across the big north
window, leaving the place in semi-darkness
there was the Kissing and sputtering of a
lime light in the gallery, causing inqusitive
people to turn their heads to see what it
was.
Marsten stood against the wall beside an
other man, who said to him In weary tone.
who is this man, Barnard Hope?"
"He is an artist" answered Marsten. as
tonished that one guest should question a
stranger regarding their mutual host.
Evidently" replied the other. but who
are his people. or has he any?'
His father is one OF the richest manufac
turers In London"
"Egad. l was sure OF It. I knew there
was a shop somewhere In the background,
the fellow Is so beastly civil.'
Conversation was here interrupted by a
figure leaping on the model stand, while at
the same instant binding white light was
thrown from the gallery upon It, There was
ripple OF applause, and the earl a beard
less youth OF perhaps 20, bowed. He looked
like girl In his clingng futed skirts. He
was scion OF an ancient noble family
founded by an afectionate dancer OF the op-
posite sex in the reign of the second Charles
and II was quite In the regular order OF
things that there should be a recrudescence
OF terpsichorean ability in the latest mem
ber OF the house.
The white light changed to red and the
skirt dance began. As 1t went on 1t was
received with tumultuous applause, for Lon
don audience is always easy to please. espe-
cially when there is no charge for admission
at the doors. Still, 1t must be admitted that