The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-11-16

jectly. "You see, ma'am-But I beg par don." he went on stammeringly, and with a very awkward bow-"I beg pardon but I am addressing-ah-t -the-ah-the-"
 You are addressing the new landlady," she interpolated, pleasantly Mrs. Mil Ter is my name. think we should be friends, MT. Mckinney, since I hear that you are one of the oldest patrons of the house."
 Thank you-thank youl' said John, completely embarrassed. "Yes, indeed!- ha, ha- Oh, yes-yes-really, we must be quite old friends, I assure you, Mrs Mrs."
 Mrs. Miller" smilingly prompted the little woman.
 ''Yes, ah, yes-Mrs. Miller. Lovely morning Mrs. Mi1ler,' said John, edg- ing past her and backing toward his room.
 But as Mrs. Miller was laughing out right for some mysterious reason, and gave no affirmation in response to his proposition as to the quality of the weather, John. utterly abashed and non plussed darted into his room and closed the door. "Deucedly extraordinary wo- manl'' he thought; wonder whats her idear'
 He remained locked in his room till the dinner hour; and, when he promptly emerged for that occasion there was a very noticeable improvement in his per- sonal appearance in point of dress at least, though there still fingered about his smooth-shaven features certain haggard, care-worn, anxious look that would not out.
 Next his own place at the table he found a chair tilted forward as though in reservation for some honored guest. What did 1t mean? Oh, he remembered
 k@ 4A11 1.1r Att taaTa he would have a friend to dine with him. Bertrand, blast the fellow! he was, doubtless, dining then with a far prefer able companion-his wife-in a palace car on the P, c. & St L., a hundred miles away. The thought was maddening. Of course, now the landlady would have ma terial for a new assault. And how could he avert it? A despairing film blurred his sight for the moment-then the eyes flashed daringly. q will meet 1t like manr' he said mentally-"yea, like a States -Attorney-I will invite it! Let her do her worstr'
 He called servant, directing some mes sage in an undertone.
 ''Yes, sir" said the agreeable servant, 'Tll go right away sir," and left the room.
 Five minutes elapsed and then a voice at his shoulder startled him:
 "Did you send for me, Mir. McKinney2 What is it I can do?"
 "You are very kind, Mrs Mrs"
 Mrs Miller,' said the lady with smile that he remembered.
 Now, please spare me even the mild est of rebukes. I deserve your censure, but I can't stand it-I can't positively!' and there was a pleading look in Johns lifted eyes that changed the little wo- mans smile to an expression of real solicitude. "I have sent for you,' con- tinued John, ito ask of you three great favors. Please be seated while I enumer- ate them. First-I want you to forgive and forget that ill-natured, uncalled-for grumbling of mine this morning when you awakened me"
 ''Why, certainly" said the landlady, again smiling though quite seriously.
 ''I thank you" said John. with dignity. And, second," he continued-'I want your assurance that my extreme con- fusion and awkwardness on the occasion of our meeting later were rightly inter preted."
 Certainly-certainly," said the landlady with the kindliest sympathy.
 'I am grateful-utterly," said John, with newer dignity. And then" he went on-"after informing you that 1t is im- possible for the best friend have in the world to be with me at this hour as intended, I want you to do me the very great honor of dining with me. Will your?
 why certainly" said the charming lit- tie landlady-'and a thousand thanks be- sidel But tell me something of your friend" she continued as they were being served. What is he like-and what Is his name-and where is hep
 well" said John. warily-"he's like all young fellows of his age. He's quite young, you know-not over thirty, I should say--a mere boy, in fact but clever -talented-versatile.'
 '-Unmarried, of course,'' said the chatty little woman.
 "Oh, yesi' said John in matter-of- course tore-but he caught himself abruptly-then stared intently at his nap kin-glanced evasively at the side-face of his questioner, and said--"Oh yes!