The herald., 1898-10-29

the palntln. Ihlo important feature OF
the affair could not be settled last night.
torney, j. L. Murphey, that she must not
discuss the case, and when the attorney was
asked about the presents he said he knew
nothing about them; Mrs. Banning had told
him nothing on that point.
The gem Of the answer 10 the last portion,
wherein Mr.. Porter shows himself to be
almost as chivalrous as Sancho Panza. This
is the matter of his munifcence in enter
tanning the plaintiff and members of her
family and giving them handsome presents.
Porter did not play the role of Prince Bouu-
tiful until after he had left the Banning
residence and retired to private club life
from his former star part Of "honored
guest i is said BY enc close TO Porte5,- e.
Banning, her daughter and son-in-law were
repeatedly entertained by Porter at his
residence in St. james park. They came
often and stayed late. The ponds in the
rear of Mr.. Porter's place were stocked
with lamprsy cells, and it was next to i'm
possible for q stranger to tread his way
through the labyrinth of geese which were
tening Of their livers. Once, though, the
japanese was nearly driven to commit hari-
kiri through an unfortunate mistake he
made Part of his duties was to chase the
geese and feed them One day he mixed q
quantity Of liver pills with the food, and
Mr.. Porter apd his guests had to do with
out ''pate de fol sras." for two months. Mr..
Porter was also profuse in his theater par
ties to the plaintiff and her friends, SO he
claims.
What the presents were is a matter OF mys-
tery. 1t was in vain that Porter was urged
to name but one of the gifts, but he stead
lastly refused. This matter is an open ques-
tion and as uncertain and peculiar as where
Walter Parker gets his pull in politics.
sort of Examiner puzzle picture, where any
thing goes.
Mr.. Porter was waited upon at the Cali
fornia club last evening and asked regard
ing the filing of his answer. MIR. Porter is
a tall gentleman, with a quiet manner and
a general air OF attenuation, which pervades
his frame. Indeed, were Mr.. Porter seeking
an office, one would instinctively look for
the political lightning to strike him at any
looking. He entered the reception room,
humming, Il want dem presents back, but
forsook that ocupation for the less ardu-
ous one of occupying an easychair. A duck
never took to the muddiest pond of water
half as naturally as did Mr.. Porter to that
soft and comfortable chair. The mission of
the newsman was explained to the club
man.
$50 the answer has been filed, has it ?"
Queried Mr.. Porter. Il had not seen Mr..
Flint today and did not know that it had
been DONE"
He was then handed copy of the docu-
ment to read. AS he perused it Mr.. Porter
smiled three times, once for each of the pages
which it occupied. The first smile was
probably occasioned by the reference in the
complaint to defendants ignorance of the
Banning residence being either an inn or
boarding house. He made no comment
though, but perused on. Laugh No. 2 was no
doubt provoked by the urgent request he
had received from the plaintiff and the
housekeeper to remain and guard the prem
ises and female help. Still he read on. The
final smile was probably not caused by the
reference to those present, but by the final
clause wherein it is asked that the plain
tiff take nothing by said action and the
defendant be granted the costs of suit.
"How about those presents, Mr.. Porter"
inquired the reporter.
"Well, 1 would rather not discuss that"
replied the donor OF expensive gifts, and
here he modestiy cast his eyes down.
"Well, you entertained the plaintiff, 50
you claim in your answer; how about
that?"
sWell, will have to refuse to say any
thing, as my lawyers can do what talking
is necessary"
The buck has now been passed to Mrs.
Banning and it is her turn to play. Her at
torney will probably file the bill of details
prayed for by the defendant and then the
case will be set for trial The skirmish line
has been drawn in and the columns are now
massed, waiting for the great social battle
of Fort Hill