The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-08
THE SvANREITH'S VISITOR.
BY KATE M. CLEARY.

BY KATE M. CLEAHY. Copyright. 1904, by Daily Story Pub. Co) "As she leans-the slow smile half shut
 up in her eyes
 Beams the sleepy. long, silk-soft lashes
 beneath;
 Through her crimson lips, stirred by her
 faint replies,
 Breaks one gleam of her pearl-white
 teeth!"
 Owen Meredith
 Without a wild March storm was rag ing. It went clustering along the city streets. It drove pedestrians to seek shelter It sent its icy downpour driv- aristocratic Linden square. and half blinded man seeking a certain number along that thoroughfare.
 'There-that's the number Frank said!' The cab dismissed, he turned to the house, which was one of d closely built block of residences. each dissim- liar in design, but not sufficiently so to make distinction easy in such a storm. The vestibule door yielded to his grip on the door handle. The insertion of his latch key in the lock of the inner portal admitted him to a wide. imposing hall, where cluster of electrA lights shed subdued effulgence from a sheaf of pop pies upheld on the newel post by a bronze Ceres.
 Hildreth Marlow soundlessly closed the door behind him. and stood motionless a moment, breathing heavily He found the seclusion and warmth of this haven delightful after his battle with the ele- ments.
 By George, but these chaps back in civilization do go in for comfort!' he considered.
 Seems pretty big establishment for only Frank and his wife. Well. I'll make myself at home, as he suggested
 He turned to the left, as he had been instructed, opened a door, and stood in dismayed astonishment stock-still upon the threshold. For the great luxurious apartment was softly. but brilliantly lighted. and-possessed an occupant.
 large Administer rug covered the floor The wide, low chairs were cOv- cred with loose leather. On the dwarf bookcases that ran around the walls were bronzes and photographs. Below the volumes in fine bindings. made a tempt ing sight jolly good fire blazed be- hind low brass fender And full in the nreshine. her gown of dull ruby silk sweeping about her dainty suede slip pers, sat the most charming woman Mar lowe had laid entranced eyes upon in many day.
 She was petite and plump. She had lots of bright brown hair fuffed up in Aureole fashion over her forehead. Her complexion had the well-deflned red and white of a damask rose. But just now there was a decidedly startled look in her wide blue eyes. and she half rose from her seat in evident alarm
 ''I beg your pardon. Mrs. Rogersn Marlowe apologized, contritely. Its dreadful intrusion. I know. hardly know how to explain my walking in like this! But Frank had to stay downtown at political meeting. He said you were away. visiting your mother. He also said the housekeeper was so deaf I'd bes~ ter take his latch-key and let myself in! I'm afraid I gave you ghastly fright"' She smiled reassured-snd reassuringly. When she did so the dimples came and went bewitchingy in the pink velvet of her cheeks.
 'T was frightened-a httle-at first! You are the gentleman MT. Rogers -Frank-has heen expecting from Alas ks, presume?"
 Thanks-I will get out of this wet over coat"
 When he had left hat and coat in the hall he came over to the hearth. and stood holding out a handsome brown hand to the blaze. We've been tngeth- CT all the afternoon. We dined at one of your big hotels But he knew local politics were not in my line after ten years in Alaska, so he got a cab and packed me of. l assure vou had all the sensations of detected househreak- CT when opened the door and discovered -you!'
 She Iaughed-a little rippling musical laugh that sounded like heavenliest mel ody to this man long deharred from as- so"iation with refined women
 I'm afraid you credit our ordinary burglar with modesty he does not pos sessr' she declared. Sit down and tell me about your far-away world of snows and hardships, and deprivatons,"
 He needed no urging Ii was profound ly pleasant to lounge there in the warmth and light. and hear the rain beating about the glass That interested and radiant face confronted him would have inspired a less fascinating reconteur than Hildreth Marlowe to please such a Des- demona. He talked much. But he all so talked well. For. being college bred. and man of keen observation. he had brought hack with him treasures of pic turesaue truth that others had underesti- mated or passed unnoticed.
 She admired his rugged physique his strong. brmzed features. his look of pow er-of thinking for himself. and of acting for himself And he mentally approved the aesthetic beauty of the woman, the luster of her hair. the delicate sweep of