The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-02


OF the young ladies'; but she was confined
70 her room by a cold.
The servants were So surprised at see
Ing me that they hurried and bustleo alb
surdly, and Vnade all sorts OF annoying
mistakes. Even the butler, who was old
enough TO have known better. brought me
a bottle OF port that was chilled. The
reports OF Mr. Farlies health were Just
as usual. and when l sent up message
10 announce my arrival, ] was told :hat
he would be delighted 10 see me the neat
morning. but that the sudden news OF
my appearance had prostrated him with
peipitations for the rest OF the evening.
The wind howled dismally all night and
strange cracking and groaning noises
sounded here. there and everywhere in
the empty house. / slept as wretchedly
as posslble and got up. I'm mighty bad
humor, 10 breakfast by myself the next
morning.
At ten o'clock was conducted to Mr..
Fairiie's apartments. He was In his
usual room his usual chair and his usual
aSgrayating state OF mind and body.
When went in. his valet was standing
before him. holding up for inspection
heavy volume of etchings, as long and
as broad as my ONCE writing desk. The
miserable foreigner grinned In the most
sbject manner. and looked ready to drop
with fatigue, while his master composed
ly turned over the etchngs, and brought
their hidden beauties TO light with the
help OF a mngnifying glass.
''You very best OF good old friends
said Mr.. FaIrlie, leaning back lazily be-
fore he could look at me, ARE you quite
well? How nice Of you TO come here and
see me I'm my solitude. Dear Gilmore"
had expected that the valet would
be dismissed when ] appeared; but moth
ing OF the sort happened. There ne stood,
in front OF his masters chair, trembling
under the weight ~ tho etchings; qnd
there Mr. Fairlle sat serenely twirling
the magnifying glass between his white
fingers and thumbs.
''I have come 20 speak TO you on
very important matter" I said; "and you
will therefore excuse me. Y | suggest
that We had better be alone"
The unfortunate valet looked at mo
gratefully Mr. Farlie family repeated !
my last three words, better be alone" I
with every appearance Of the utmost |
possible astonishment.
! was in no humor for triling; and
resolved 10 make him understand what ]
meant.
"Oblge me by giving that man per-
mission to withdraw" I said, pointing TO
the valet.
Mr.. Fslrlie arched his eyebrows. and |
pursed up his lips In sarcastic surprise. /
MAN." he repeated. You provoking I
DID Gilmore. what can you possibly mean
by calling him man? He might have
been n man half an hour ago. before
wanted my etchings and he may be
man half an hour hence, when don't
want them any longer. AT present he
IS simply portfolio stand. why OBJ
ect. Gilmore. 10 a portfolio stand?''
II do object. For the third time. Mr..
Fairlie, beg that we may be alone"
My tone and manner left him no alter
native but 10 comply with my request.
he looked at the servant. and pointed
,oevishly 10 a chair at his side.
Put down the etchings and go away"
he said. Don't upset me by losing my
place. Have you, or have you not, lost
And have you put my hand bell quite
within my reach7 Yes? Then, why the
ievil don't you go?"
The valet went out. Mr.. FAirlie twisted
himself round in his chair, polished the
ma enifying glass with his delicate cam
,ric handkerchief, and indulged himself
With slde-long inspection OF the open
,olume OF etchings. II was not easy TO
Keep my temper under these circum-
stances. but l did keep II.
IL have come here at great personal
erests OF your niece and your family:
ma 7 think have established some slight
'laira to be favored with your attention
n return"
Don't bully me!' exclaimed Mr.. Fair
ie. falling back helplessly in the chair,
Ind closing his eyes. Please don't bully
ne. I'm not strong enough
I was determined not TO let him pro-
'oke me. for Laura Fairlie's sake.
My object" l went on. lis 10 entreat
ou to reconsider your letter, and not to
orce me TO abandon the just rights of
our niece and OF all who belong TO her.
4et me state the case to you once more,
nd for the last time"
Mr.. Fairle shook his head and sighed
teously.
cry heartless." he said Never mind;
% on"
(To Re Continued)