Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1903-04-08

press surprise.
eJovel Have you met the Marquis?"
Wen. have had that pleasure"
complacently.
Then some day when the oppor-
tunity arises make me acquainted with
this remarkable Spanish American ma
bob. this modern Croesus: whose
touch is gold. like that of mythical
Midas"
Willingly. You like to study man,
and in him you Fill find puzzle
worthy Of your mdtal."
We'll, ind a chance to bring me
into touch with tias American nabob.
l never saw an nerlcan-yes, there
was one, but he ardly counts-with
whom I was not asle to get upon fa-
miliar and intimate terms on short
notice. Somehow they seem to like
me. j notice you have marine glass
on the wall among those yacht prizes
and burgess. Would you mind hand
ing it over? ! would like to have a
closer survey Of this man. Why, bless
my soul, the windows are empty, nor
can see any sign of him in the apart
ment. Your marquis has made a
move at last, Langford."
When the marquis left the hotel he
was gradually pushing along, when
among the slow moving vehicles he
noticed a hanson containing two
ladies', one Of them young. the other
middle-aged.
The marquis stood there, unmindful
of the good-natured shoves Of the
crowd, seeing nothing but the charm
ing countenance Of the younger lady.
"At lastl" were the only words that
came from between his white teeth, as
the vehicle passed on.
Then, with a cynical smile upon his
face he once more Joined the onward
surge of the crowd
Half an hour later he shook himself
free from the rolling pillows and en-
tered narrow court, by means of
which he was enabled to reach street
leading to the poorer regions.
Suddenly he paused before house,
shabby looking affair, where dirty
little paper in the windows announced
that apartments were to be let.
Some Quixotie notion seemed to
possess him. To- gave RTquich look
up and down M street, laughed a
little harshly as though in Judgment
upon his contemplated action. and
then boldly sounded his knuckles upon
the door.
| A frowsy woman opened It.
You have rooms for hire, madam"
asked the marquis, in the best OF Eng
fish.
She was rather appalled, at the ap-
pearance OF such bowling swell" as
she was inclined to consider fashion
ably dressed gentleman, and very
humbly answered that 1t was true,
though surely none to suit his lord
ship.
Il am not SO certain OF that" he
replied quickly for l am looking to
find sky parior for friend of mine,
a painter. who will furnish 1t at his
convenience"
The woman's face grew brighter.
II it was an attic the gentleman
was looking for, she did have one va
cant; 1t had even been occupied for q
season by an artist, who was pleased
to say the light was exceptionally
good.
She led the way to the attic and the
marquis followed
From object to object he glanced,
and upon the yawnIng aperture,
yclept fireplace, his gaze seemed to
linger longest.
With calm voice he inquired the
price Of the attic, and upon being told
Immediately paid three months' rent
in advance
Then he seemed DESTROYS Of being
rid of her presence, ana expressed a
desire to be left alone for half an
hour.
So the woman went below to relate
fairy stories OF the Prince Bountiful
whom she had unwittlngly entertained,
and boast Of the new artist lodger
who was to occupy one Of the attic
rooms.
4 And the stranger In London stood
there in that upper chamber, notion
less, evidently overcome by memories
that crowded upon his mind.
AS he stood, musing on the strange
and remarkable yiclssitudes of for
tune, he heard footstep dragging
YEARLY up the stairs, and thinking II
was the landlady, he did not move
Then door was closed. and he heard
4 key turn IN the lock
Some person had entered the adloin.
ing room, probably counterpart OF
the one he occupied. Yes. there could
be no doubt about i since he now
caught voices.
unconsciously the MARQUIS listened
Evidently somsthlng had given him 8
s,ron4 ahoctt AR hia nkHtuda hefravad