Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-08-06
TRAGEDY OF A WEEK
ny E. Phillips Oppenheim.
Chanter ".

two men passed was only dimly light
ed, and Lord Marlborough, though he
looked about him curiously, was not
able to see anything of his surround
ings They passed along it without a
pause, and Mr.. Massinger led the way
up two flights of stairs and along a
passage to what seemed to be the
rear of the building A swing door
opened before them, and Lord HarbOr-
ough, taken altogether by surprise, ut
tered little exclamation of wonder
without any preparation from gloomy
and depressing darkness into a warm
ind brilliantly lighted chamber OF
most singular appearance. For the
first time since entering the place he
spoke, turning toward his guide in a
beWilderment which he did not attempt
to conceal
Where on earth are WEI" he ex-
claimed. Is this a private house, or a
club, or What?"
Mr. Massinger laughed softly.
1t is a chapter from the Arabian
Nights of modern London" he an
swered. "Dynock," he added, looking
down the room, our friend here
wants to know whether this is a club
What do you say"
A tall, slim man rose from an arm
chair at the other end Of the room and
turned to greet them. Lord Harbor-
ough recognized him with surprise
Something of the sort, | suppose, ="
he answered nOnchalantIy How
dye, do, Marlborough. Tolerably we'll
housed, aren't we, for such gloomy pes
simists as we profess to be?"
Lord Marlborough took advantage of
the remark to glance around him. The
appointments of the chamber were at
once odd and magnificent; they were al
together and inevitably depressing
The walls were wainscoted with either
genuine or clever imitation of black
oak, leaving only a narrow band of
deep sage green between the top of the
Walnscot and the ceiling. Every piece
of furniture in the room. handsome
enough in it's way, was of the same
color, jet black. The carpet was of
thick black felt, and at the upper end
OF the apartment was d dining table
covered with a prOfusiOn of taStefulIy
arranged glass and silver upon a black
table cloth. There were about half
dozen men in the room, all wearing
black ties with their evening clothes,
and mostly lOunging in easy chairs, up
holstered in black leather
Lord Marlborough glanced from one
to the other of them with ever-increas-
ing surprise. There was not one whose
face was not perfectly familiar to him.
A distinguished barrister was drink
ing black coffee and reading the Times
in the chair directly opposite to him.
A man of letters, whose fame as an es-
sayist and novelist was almost unsur-
passed, was writing at a small table
in a recess. The man called Dynock
was connection of his own and peer
OF the realm. He had been deep in
conversation with a cabinet minister.
Yes you are comfortably housed
enough" LORD Marlborough said after
brief pause, but you wUl excuse me
if l don't altogether admire your style
Of decoration"
1t Is little trying until you're used
to it." Lord Dynock admitted. Il never
found stranger admire it yet. Have
a glass of wine and a cigar"
He poured out a glass of champagne
from a bottle which stood by his side.
A waiter in immaculate black livery
glided from the lower end of the room
and noiselessly proffered box of
cigars. Lord Marlborough accepted
both, emptying the glass before he put
ii down.
If your cooking is as good as your
wine he remarked to Massihger, who
was standing by his side, this is the
best club in London. May | ask what
you call yourselves"
Mr.. Messenger and Lord Dynock eX-
changed swift glances.
He has passed his word" the
former said.
In that case we will tell you-pres-
emily" Lord Dynock said. First hear
our motto. 1t is 'Mors cum dignitate p"
Death with dignity" Lord Har5or-
ough repeated. Il do not understand"
Naturally you do not" Dynock an
swered. The question is are you suf-
ficiently interested to desire an explain
atom Massinger-"
Il brought Lord Marlborough here not
as a casual visitor but in answer to
challenge of his own" Mr.. Massinger
interrupted. L wish him to know
everything"
Anu | also desire to knOw-every-
thing" Lord Marlborough added, firmly
Dynock raped on the table by his
side with a silver pencil and looked
around the room.
Gentlemen he said, quietly, I'VE
have a stranger here properly intro
duced and for whose honor l myself can
answer. He desires to know some
thing of us. viii any of you enlighten
him.
There was no immediate response.
The barrister laid down his paper and
yawned.
Go ahead yourself, Dynock," he said.
Look sharp, and We'll have a rubber
Of whist afterward.
Lord Dynock shrugged his shoulders
and pushed an easy chair toward their
visitor.
i sha'n't keep YOU a minute" he
said, leaning against one of the marble
pillars which supported the mantel,
and stroking his long mustache You
want to know what we call ourselves
and who we are. Well, I'll tell you
that to commence with You are with