Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1897-05-06
ILL.,.

BERTHE had been a month at White
Rose cottage, and was now hardly re-
cognizable In the young man who sat
by Franks side in a victoria, In az ir-
reproachable fur-lined coat, a fashion
able tan hat. both the men wrapped
about the knces In a handsome plaid.
He now MIXED quite ut his Ease with
Franks other acluaintanceS. carefully
dressed, agreeable and entertaining.
and lisping English with an affected
accent which he thought elegant He
dined with Frank every day at the
club, to which he was introduced; crit
icised gadse and wines with the most
blaSe air in the world. and smoked
Havanas At two shiiliugs apiece az IL
they were straw. Frank had in
his Utmost soul the greatest belief in
him, and watched him with a smile of
secret satisfaction. rs he calmly went
his OWL way, chatting with men Of the
world. without even for a moment feel
ing shy: and Frank thought the come
dy altogether so amusing that be intro
duoed his friend wherever he went.
Winter yielded to q foggy spring; the
London season was upon them, and
Bertie seemed 10 find great pleasure In
assist at noon teas, and evenings at
home; ia itting at a grand dinner be-
tween tw7e pairs OF fine shoulders. and
flirting with Zach in turn, never dax-
zied by the glitter Of jewels nor be-
wfkkred by tie sparkle OF champagne;
in leaning with iaHguid grace in the
stalls or dress-circie. his chiseled feat
ureS full Of distinction and ioriiy re-
pose, a fragrant white flower cleaning
IN his buttOn-hoie, and his opera-giass
dangling between his now white fin
gers. rs though not one OF the ladies'
was worthy Of his inspection. Frank,
for lack OF occupation. as q man who
takes his pleasure where he finds it.
bad pushed BERTHE forward in the
world, not merely to help him. but also
Tor the fCn 0f tia silly amusement.
10 make a fool Of society! Bert;e him
self had many scIupIes. and kept note
IN \ pocket-book of everything Frank
spent upon him-when times were bet
ter ne world repay him aii-and In Il
fortnight it had mounted UP to a total
OF some hundred pounds.
Even at home Frank found him
amusing. Rertie. who had contrived.
by a few kind words. 10 win the good
graces of Annie and her husband.
W~eSshoveis valet and butler, turned all
the furniture about in whimsical dis
order. bought statuettas, palms and
Oriental stuffs, and changed the unso.
ciable aspect of the room into one os
artistic comfort, which invited to indo-
ience: = subdued light. wide diyans.
the atmosphere OF an alcoye redolent
OF Egyptian pastilles and fine cigar
cites. in which thought fioated into
dreams and the ~half-closed eyes rested
on the nude figures OF bronze nymphs.
seen through the greenery Of plants.
Here, In the evening. high festivals
were held: orgies with n few chosen
friends, and select fair ones; two ladies
from q slnting-rink, and a figurante
from q theater, who smoked cigarettes
with their vermillion lips and drank
to Bertle's health. Frank laughed TO
his hearts content TO see Berthe. a con
temner OF the fair sex. quite insensible
to the three charmers; making game
OF them. teasing them. setting them by
the ears till they were almost ready to
claw each other. and. to conclude the
matter pouring floods Of champagne
down their decoiletes threats.
No: Frank had never been 50 well
amused during su his lor.g residence
IN London, where he had settled as an
engineer - srdsr TO gfve-as ~ said
: AM.an1N.I " T7T'