The Indianapolis journal., 1903-07-26

IIuCtudAy dl o-oo M. r<AAAAt0 -N-ssA -~----
yer entered the breakfast room OF the Cos
mopolitan Hotel and. nervously adjusting
his pince-nez, took tinid survey OF the
apartment. He was youngish. middle
aged man. dark and slight, with prema-
turely bald place at the back of his head
aud very nearsighted. This little defect.
5oired TO a naturally hesitating manner,
gave Mr.. Miniver the appearance OK not
knowing his own mind. He hesitated wnen
the waiter drew hack chair for him De-
cause he noticed that place was laid oppo-
site, and he would have much preferred to
have a table by himself. But his hesitation
was not strong enough TO induce him to
make any objection. and the wooden-faced
waiter though he saw and understood the
pause and the dissatisfied look, calmly ig-
nered them.
Five minutes later the swish of lady's
silk-lined skirt was heard behind Mr.. Mini
ver's chair. and he looked up in alarm. The
next moment he had fallen back in amaze
ment a look Of CONSERVATION in his eyes.
The lady smiled as she held out shapely
white hand and said, In rich, Southern
voice: Good morning. Mr.. Miniver; 1 did
not expect to meet you here. How is your
uncle this morning?"
Mr.. Miniver could not choose but take the
hand. He bowed and murmured something
inaudfble, and then. as the lady took ner
seat. he caught up q newspaper which
former guest had left behind. and. propping
IL against the hot-water jug. began study
ing IL with great attention.
The lady bent an amused, contemptuous
glance upon him. and quietly went on with
her breakfast, perfectly conscious OF the
fact that the eyes Of half the men In the
room were turned every now and then In
her direction. The Signora Trebelli was. In
truth, singularly beautiful woman. Her
charms were in the very zenith of their
bloom. She had a magnificent figure, a
lovely complexion. and pair Of large, dark
eyes that would OF themselves have re-
deemed the plainest face from obscurity.
But Mr. Miniver was blind to these things.
His eyes were glued to the paper He
scarcely dared to turn aside his head to eat
or drink lest the woman opposite should
address him. He had cause to remember
her. Had she not all but succeeded in mar
rying his uncle. Silas Miniver. the million
aire. and robbing him Of his>future inheri-
tance? Had she not stood her ground In
spite OF all the relatives. and large sec
tion OF the English society of Naples. so
that the old gentleman had escaped but by
the skin OF his teeth? Was she not. in
word, the cleverest, the most dangerous.
the most INSCRIPTIONS Of adventuresses?
Mr.. Miniver thought he did well to keep
his eyes fixed on the newspaper, save for a
hasty glance now and then at plate or
coffee cup.
How is your uncle to-day, Mr.. Alfred?".
said the lady, with quite unwarranted
familiarity.
"Er-my uncle. that is, Mr.. Silas Mjniver.
isis very well at present, believe-that
Is, for a man of his years."
She laughed. "Oh, indeed? For q man Of
his years? I must remember to tell him
that"
So she knew! She knew that Mr.. Mini
yer, senior, was at that moment lying up
stairs somewhere. feeble and querulous. as
rich, lonely old men are used to be. Perhaps
she had heard OF his enfeebled state, and
had come to England with no other inten-
ton than 20 regain her old influence over
him. Perhaps he had summoned her to his
bedside. Possibly he had intended, even at
that eleventh hour. to make a codicil in her
favor. She might even contrive to make
him marry herl
At the thought Mr.. Miniver's brow be-
came moist and he wiped 1t furtively with
his pocket handkerchief. Starting up he
bowed hastily to the lady, and turning
sharply round was in time to see pro-
nounced grin on the face of the waiter be-
fore 1t relapsed into its wonted expression
OF wooden negation.
minute later he knocked at his uncle's
door. A nurse admitted him, and as he
approached the bed the sick man put forth
q skinny. clawlike hand to welcome him.
I'm no better. Alfred" he said. in thin,
wavering tone. II thought If / came up TO
town the change might do me good, but it
hasn't. And the doctors don't do me any
good either The London doctors are just
big fools as the country ones. Send that
woman out Of the room.' he added, In a
lower tone. II have something to say to
you.''
Alfred Miniver asked the nurse to retire,
which she did, he thought, unwillingly, and
returned to the bedside.
'.I want you TO get me some medicine,
Alfred, from place In the city where
know it Is to be had. 1t is rather an out
of-the-way drug, but it is the only thing
that gives me any relief. Here Is the pre-
scription." He pulled a scrap Of paper
from under his pillow and handed 1t to his
nephew.
''Of course / shall be happy to 60, my
dear uncle" zaid Mr.. Alfred Miniver. Sc
cretly delighted at this mark of favor.
81 viii go at once" And so he did.
he thought the chemist gave him an odd
look when. having read the prescription. he
asked him to sign his name in a big book
Then 1t seemed as If the prescription took
long time TO prepare. But the medicine
was handed over at last, and Mr.. Miniver
left the shop. Just as his hanson started he
bent forward suddenly and gazed intently
at lady who was looking in at shoI
window. She reminded him OF the signora
But her back was now turned to him and
before ne could get out his glasses had beer
carried out of range.
THANK you. my boy" said the old man
when Alfred gave him the medicine. Nov
measure me out twenty drops-no. thirty
And NIL up the glass with water-No. yor
keep it, he added. as his nephew was
about to lay the tiny phial down among
the other bottles. You keep il, and give
me a dose now and then when need IT,
don't want il TO fall into that woman:
hands"
So confused was Alfred by these unwont