The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-29
CHAPTER XVII.
A MYSTERIOUS ERRAND.

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-~HEY both started, for the last person
either wished or expected to see Linda the
weak-minded, the unsophsticated the
first to recover herself, and the flush
her cheek died away she whispered with
almost sensation Of triumph:
= L have explained everything to your mother 1T Will
trouble
He was unable to make any reply. He drew back
to let her his heavy eyeids dropping over his
boodshot She walked by him rapidly, but not so
his mouth, the trembling hands, the disordered hair
Linda was quite of the type of the young person.,
and not to know the signs of the nordnae
Of intoxcants all that she perfectly well
aware that Mr. Hargrave Denton was drunk
AS turned descend the staircase she caught
chance view of him. He leaning against the wall
staring stupidity at her. She wanted to no more,
and ran down the stairs.
was out Of rang Of vision e
effort recover his GOODNESS. He had been
preparing himself the ordeal of interview with
his mother and when he thought he at the exact
pitch with neither too much champagne In him nor
disagreeable Grand
Since he had come to understanding with Linda he
had had this inevitable interview with his mother in his
mind but could not bring his to a sticking
succeeded started with air of bravado which
he hoped would him thru the dreaded task with
credit
unexpected sight Of Linda had sent his pluck
flying down to his boots
"Hang it," he muttered. II wonder what kind Of
story she's plummed the old with? Of course,
she's made her tale good. What an idiot was not
the girl And yet what have got to be afraid Of? I'm
fool to funk the mater she's made over the money
me-signed, sealed and delivered"
He silly, drunken laugh as he thought Of this
stumbling into the stood with his
hand back Of chair to steady himself.
His mother slowly and surveyed him Never
had the gold rims Of her pincenez enclosed glance OF
.sHargraye!'
right, mother. Lindas been here, see
5what-what has she been telling you? sly mink to
come behind back and make her story good before
had chance Toto He finished the sentence with
sort of hystercal laugh
.Hargrave I am ashamed am shocked. If anybody
had told me son Of mine could 50 degrade himself
Infamous calunnny.''
Infamous calo-calumny's good So 1t would BE-
I tell you I'm all right"
With great effort Hargrave swung himself round.
with the aid of that power which is said to watch
and babies brought himself safely to
anchor in the chair to which he had been clngng
Now then, mother what-got to say? Let's have it
out needn't make fuss about nothing"
Il am not going to speak to you while you are in
that state When you're quite sober shall hear
opinion Meanwhile you'd better ring for Barwell"
And the lady stalked from the room
.Ring for Barwel, by Jove!-good idea That beg
caution bringing fellow round after too much
fzz It seems to me 8 needn't worry Whatever the
girls broken the ice, and that's all about
The mothers opinion will keep. He-he,"
peared led his master to his
letter was lying on table, the writing of the
superscripton ugly, clumsy. Hargrave stared
blanky at writing and he looked his drunken fit
slowly to disappear. He tore the envelope
trnpatiently, disauaetude observation-disclosures fear
I'D made up to see Eleanor Trsmaine to
no. dare not refuse this fellow. Barwel give me a
little brandy
It was terror unmisakable terror, that blanched his
cheeks, brandy temporarily strengthened his
nerves clear it had not given him courage.
aBarwell,' said he three hours later IF mother
asks for me tell her I've gone to bed ILL.,"
Then he went softly down the staircase and when
In the street hailed the first hanson he and
rapidly eastwards.
December fog enveloped the river and shrouded the
narrow streets Of Roherhithe in mist saturated
that it penetrated ones clothing like rain
hanson cab crawled down Tooley street and on to
Dockhead, where, n trap,
the cabman pulled his horse.
"I'll get out here said voice from the inside
"All right, SIR
The care" pulling his ulster tightly round him.
Observation-Disclosures by the
.Thank you good night" Of the cabmanand strobe
along the riverside Of the street. Every now and then
glanced at the houses of them shops, others
factories with curious old world aspect about
opposite with
tarred weather boards built q brick foundation.