The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1901-05-24

"Thank you, Stubbs. 1 like to be in
formal myself"
There was u pause Stubbs finally
said:
''Im ready to begin my duties, SIR
IF you will l;iHGly tell me my room, I'll
have my Bo:,cs taken up. And as you
may be e0.n$ out presently, sir, per-
haps you viii be kind enough to show
me where l will find your wardrobe.
Or you may wish me to attire you for
luncheon, sir?'
Gaylord, who had been glanciag over
the paper for the last few seconds,
looked up in something akin to con-
sterIItion.
''Attire me for luncheon! Why, dash
it, man, I've got the only clothes
have ON my back-eXcept that old
diagonal suit for Sundays. Wardrobe:
Merciful powers! Wardrobe. My
wardrobe, Stubbs, is in the closet. 1t
consists Of pyjamas and bathrobe." !"
''May L ask you, sir, under those Cir
cumstances, what my duties are to be,
and-begging your pardon-why you
sent for me, sir?'
Gaylord stared moment at the
valet and then went over to him and
good humoredly pushed him into a
chair.
''See here, Stubbs," said he, I'm 60
ing to be frank with you. I'm a min
er. I've made my pile. I've travelled
100 miles to every one Of yours. I've
o,,I oil,
ing of all sorts. But now that's over.
I've two of the richest silver mines in
the state. I'm at place where 1 can
enjoy life, and I've earned my right to
do it, I've got to stand on my own
merits as u man, but l think I'd look
better to the world in general If 1 had
tailor. Now, l want you to rub me
down, SO to speak, and send me out
well groomed. In short, array me like
Solomon. I'll place bank account at
your disposal, and l want you to do the
right thing. In the meantime ring that
bell, please. When the boy comes, go
with him and pick out room to suit
you. Make yourself comfortable.
You've come half around the world to
oblige me, and l want you to feel at
home. II you serve me we'll, Stubbs,
you will never regret 1t, and here's my
hand on it! And don't mind my Amer
lean ways"
Stubbs regarded him with q pair of
honest bovine eyes for moment.
Then the man in him rose to meet the
man in Gaylord, and they shook hands
vigorously in sign of compact. This
ceremony over Stubs became instant
ly the valet and was never for an in
slant afterward anything else.
A week after this Vernon Harcourt
Reresf0rd gave dinner, and the guest
of honor was Thaddeus Gaylord, who,
in the most conventional attire, told
vociferous stories with a gusto all his
own. There were any number of peo-
pie present, who were glad to make
the acquaintance of good story teller,
because they gave dinners themselves,
and when the evening was over the
new aspirant for social favors found
himself in the possession of number
of pleasing invitations. He went home
eXultant. 1t was now only matter
of a few days before he could meet
Miss Lowman on an equal footing.
Gaylord pushed his business interests
eXcitedly. For the first time his knowl-
edge of his wealth, present and to
come, filled him with joy. He entered
with avidity into his new pleasures.
Stubs had made him the best dressed
man in Denver Beresford not except
ed, and almost before the week was
out Gaylord had won the reputation
of being brilliant, though Mrs. DreXel,
who had a sharp tongue, gave out the
subtle suggestion that he was merely
vociferous.
The first time Gaylord met Miss Low
man was at dancing party given by
Mrs. Thurlow Green. Miss Lowman
wore q severe frock of white, out of
which arose her glrlish neck, delicate
as elabaster Her face still bore look
of innocent hauteur, and her sweet
voice was tuned to O minor key. The
young gentlemen Of Denver had al
ready dubbed her the ice maiden, but
Mr., Thaddeus Gaylord was a Chinook
wind, as he himself might have said
had he undertaken simile, and her
frigidity did not even arrest his atten-
ton. He had danced till morning
many time in the mining camps. and
he knew his steps perfectly well. Miss
Lowman had the feet and the airy mo-
tions of fay, and in the embrace of
the strapping mountaineer, depending
upon his strength and magnificent mo-
mentum, the pair swept all things be-
fore them and had the right of way
wherever they went.
The next day Gaylord called. The
next day after that he sent flowers.
When he met her at dinner at Mrs
DreXers, she was wearing some of
them in her drab hair. After that he
always sent flowers every day. Her
father might well have inquired into
this devotion had it been her fathers
nature to inquire into anything. But
he was q distrait sort of man, who ap-
peared to speculate absentmindedly
and who seemed vaguely and largely
successful. His interests were report
ed to be very great. 1t was commonly
thought his investments in the east fur
nished the base of his income. But he
was uncommunicative and dour and
contided in none. His business apart
ments were furnished in mahogany
and bronZes, and that was rather con.
vincing to Denver, for Denver is still
young and credulous. 1t was said ev,
erywhere in the city that Heth Low
man was an heireSs and the daughter