Daily camera. [volume] (Boulder, Colo.) 1891-1928, 1899-10-02
J.SM1TH, MILLIONAIRE

1t was typical autumn London
night. the streets flowing with greasy
mud, the air yellow with smoky fog,
and cold, sleety drizzle falling. as
Hilda Smith arrived at Paddington sta-
ton
1t was her first experience Of the
great metropolis. but she had received
her instructions and selecting her port
manteau she had it removed to a cab,
and, jumping in, ordered the man to
drive, to the Ballarat mansions in Vic
toria street, Westminster.
Hilda was not little anxious be-
cause she had arrived in town a day
ahead OF her invitation, and she was
not certain whether her bachelor
brother, with whom she was going to
stay for a month or six weeks, would
be ready to receive her.
The door was opened by a hardfaced
looking woman of the charwoman type,
who stood gazing at her without NOV
Ing away from the entrance.
is this Mr.. Smith's?" asked Hilda.
Yes. miss" replied the woman, with
out offering to let her in, however.
rs he at homer"
mo. he amt, and l don't know when
he will be-"
But did he not expect me? He is
my brother, and ! have come to stay
with him.
"Oh, indeed, miss. Well, he didn't
say nothing to me about it." answered
the woman. But / suppose you'd bet
ter have the spare room and she step
ped aside with a grudging air as she al
lowed the fair girl to enter
Turning on the electric light she
showed Hilda into a handsomely fur
nished bedroom, whose white and gold
paint and blue satin furniture caused
her to open her eyes in wonder. for her
brother was not supposed at home to
be in luxurious circumstances, and by
the time she had washed her face and
hands the housekeeper brought her a
cup of tea and some bread and butter,
after which she retired to rest, and did
not wake until late the following morn
ing.
Mr.. Smith came home late last
iAsH1' HlSs, eaiu Liz uousSheePci,
when she aroused her with the hot
water. and told me to say that he
would Join you at breakfast"
The breakfast table was picture to
the eyes of the frugaily brought up
country girl. for it was covered with
every delicacy in or out of season. and
Hilda was admiring the priceless china
when she heard footsteps approaching.
md turned around to welcome her
rnther.
oh, Jack" she exclaimed, dancing
Oward the door with her arms out
stretched. I'm so glad"
Then she stopped suddenly as though
she had been shot, for tall, dark.
A1ndsome man, quite the opposite OF
1cr brother in appearance. entered the
com.
Il am afraid that somebody has made
| / mistake" he said, in a soft. kind. re-
sur.ng voice. But l can not be suf-
Gently grateful to whoever is to
-me for sending me such charming
~ st to breakfast"
i expected to meet my brother-Mr
NTH" observed Hilda, nearly chok-
z with confusion. John Smith"
My name is John Smith," said the
sanger. with an amused smile
'Cf No. Ballarat mansions" con-
ryed Hllda.
"Ahl Now | see how the mistake oc-
:grcd." exclaimed Mr.. Smith. This
No, G, but there is another John
NTH at No. s. and our letters fire.
-tEGy get mixed up. l can only say
at | am sorry it is the other John
c'it IN who is the lucky man on this
FscGs!on. And now, my dear young
-Gy. let us so to breakfast"
It first Hilda could neither eat nor