The age-herald., 1898-12-18

e
 Charles Rudlxin was q curious character whose acquaintance made while crossing the ocean a few years ago. So friendly did wc become that on reaching London we took rooms in the same house-one of those grand old mansions on Portman Place, which only a few years ago had been de- serted by the aristocracy, and had been con verted into furnished lodgings. We had set tied here a short time before Christmas. Rudkin had recently come into a fortune and was starting out to see the world. Being a stranger in London, he became de- spondent one night upon my informing him that I had been invited by cousin to spend Christmas out of town. There is no loneliness like that which is experienced by the friendliness in large city, and this is especially true of London I could readily understand how the prospect of spending the merry season of the year by ones self in big town would produce the feeling of melancholy in my new friend. Where his pleasure was concerned, .he expense was of small consideration to Rudkin; yet here seemed an instance where money was of no avail. He was exceedingly blue regarding the outlook when I left him for the night.
 1T wish," he moaned "that I could sleep for the next thirty-six hours"
 My surprise may be imagined when on seeing him the next morning he was ac- tually jubilant.
 "Rcad that. he energetically commanded and I at once read the following printed advertisement:
 .sGuests to Hire"
 "A society promoter of excellent repu-
 tation Is prepared to furnish guests for
 balls, dinners, receptions and all kinds
 of entertainments at short notice. In-
 troductions to the best people easily ar
 ranged Our list of clients includes
 members of nobility, people of the smart
 set of all gentle walks of life. Refer
 enees exchanged. Address
 "HOOLEY, Piccadiy."
 'I have written in answer to the adver- tisement," said Rudkin. "'The house will be almost desorted on Christmas day" he said enthusiastically. Mrs. Crawford, the amiable landlady places 1t at my disposal and intend to give large party and shall hire my guests. Won't that be unique? Be- fore you leave town, you must aid me in the selection of my borrowed friends. The com mercial instinct of these Londoners is won derful. Money talks everywhere, ara as have the needful don't see why I won't have a jolly time Christmas-thanks to this advertisement. for I seldom read advertise ments. As I shall have the guests but a short time, can easily feel that they be- long to me, and it will not require much Imagination to regard my party as family affair.""
 Are they all to hail from the nobility?" I asked.
 "I do not care particularly for the nobil- fty, he answered. q might have a duke and duchess but Twill look over his list and then l can tell better what 1 want
 The next day, Rudl<in having received an swer to his note, was invited to call upon the society promoter. His references had been passed upon and had evidently proved satisfactory. We were questioned by a dapper young man in an outer apartment before being shown into a nicely furnished parlor, where we were greeted by gem tlemanly, but at the same time business like person. He proceeded in exactly the manner of man who going to sell us stocks or bonds and apparently did not regard his calling in any way an unusual one.
 Rudlzin, with great candor, explained his situation and told him what he wanted
 Christmas parties are most difficult to arrange" said the society promoter My patrons do not care to engage themselves professionally on that day, but this objec- tion may be overcome, as I am arranging for country house party for Christmas It IS for man who has just made large fortune in South Africa. He has taken an immense country place and he and his wife are depending entirely upon me to supply the people. He is particular that they shall be of the best sort'
 Looking at Rudkin ref1ectively for few moments, this enterprising gentleman then said:
 Yes, am sure can manage your affair Tor l expect a greater number of anplj cants tamong whom will be many titled) Inan Will be needed for the gentleman from south Africa. Just give me an idea what Kind Of people you want"
 Well, l do not know exactly what T want l should like a lot of Dickens, char acters, but 1 suppose they are all extinct and would like a few quaint bodies I sun pose l ought to have two or three wits at Enr lxrs-- Nsn women There should be an American giri as well, that we may see how we com pare with our English cousins,
 on account of my country house en- gagement, said the promoter, q shall not pc aole to be present myself. but I have A charmlng woman, who has two attractive daughters. She can chaperone tba ofsa;r ana In measure take my place {" be TO- marked. When have completed my list | snail know what the cost will be Mv own m Tee Tor consultation to begin with is go, ana, Of course, shall arrange for the olnsr ae,aiis, so that you will not be trou- Died. Simply be on hand to receive vour guests. l shall take charge of the arranpe- ments of your house. You need not pive yourself the least concern as to success Your outlay will be in accordance with the character and attractiveness of yo,r visit- ofs. snail not give the price of any par tcular one, because that would not be fair In some cases, wish to saw there will be no compensation. Many of my people do not charge anything for their services and I hope that you will try to imagine that none of them do. Everything will be in strict confidence. It is also rule that inc host never asks for the address or contins uance of an acquaintance, but should any desire further intercourse there will be no objection
 Rudkin gave the required promise. and next day he received a list There were to be twenty-five present, the young people being in the majority.
 Two days before the time I took mv, de- parture. and did not return until shortly after Christmas. My thoughts had dweit ofen on Rudkin's party and whether or not it was a success.
 met him upon my return, and before he