The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-09-25


Tor sale. The gentleman. a Mr.. Van
Alpine. who made the offer, called on
me IN response to my request. and ex-
planned the circumstances which
forced him to dispose of the furnish
mgs or his apartment, as well as to
ofIer the favorable lease he held. It
was simply that his business COM
nelled MIN. unexpectedly, to reside in
Boston. and he remarked that "a
moving is as bad as a fire." SO he, had
decided to sell
went to his apartment with him
and found that he had in no degree
exaggerated the extent and elegance
OF the furnishings and decorations.
nave seen enough of undoubted ele-
gance at the homes Aunt Sarall,s and
Mrs. Lacquerre's kindness have opened
to me to know that here was a collec-
ton Of great merit and richness. When
we had examined the rooms and their
belongings the gentleman offered me
refreshments. stating that he had dis
missed his servants, being on the very
eve of departure, SO he would have to
serve me after his own fashion. 1t
was pretty fashion, though. for he
soon had table spread with delecta-
bic sandwiches, choice fruit and a bot
tie of vintage champagne; placing
these before me in a manner so deft
and neat that 1t added to my appetite.
when We had partaken of the repast
asked Mr.. Van Alpine at what he
valued the furnishings as they stood
He replied with slightly wry face
that he had no trouble in giving me
exact figures of the cost, as he had but
lately paid the bills. They amounted,
In fact, to little more than $50. 900.
But, Mr.. Larkmead," he added. 81 am
q man who takes his medicine. as the
saving is, and know that a forced
sale makes pretty purchase. Say
$4,000 cash and I'll pocket the loss and
sign the bill over another bottle
was too sharp to bite at this at
tractfye bait, and l shrewdly replied:
Say $4,000 and the check is yours,
He smiled politely as he replied: 'T
am obliged to you for looking over my
belongings. but If that is all YOU will
pay for them the interview need not be
prolonged"
Good day, Mr.. Van Alpine" I said,
rising to depart, but he motioned me to
be seated and remained for some min
utes in deep conjecture. Then he said
1mpulsively Sir, I am no salesman
and cannot boggle for bargain. NY
ness at an end. Therefore, sir. the
goods are yours for the check
l wrote the check with a trembling
hand. fearing a change Of mind on his
part but he accepted it as If glad that
the business were off his mind. We left
the house together, he to close his af-
fairs down town, l to order my trunks
packed, and write you the news of my
good fortune. / will report later on
how 1 enjoy my home.
Later-Alas, Uncle Silasi the
schemes of the wicked are devious and
deep. My pride has received a hurt
which confess with modification. But
confess I must, and. as do all things,
In an orderly manner
Having seen to the packing Of my
belongings at the hotel and taking n
little satchel containing my jewe1ry
and trinkets in my hand, 1 proceeded
to my new apartments. I entered by
the key Mr.. Van Alpine gave me, and
making a more leisurely survey OF the
premises found number of art treas
ures which delighted me by their rich
ness. / found, too, that set of oak
book shelves were wisely stored. and
taking a favorite volume of history I
seated myself to pass the time profita-
bly, pending the, arrival of my trunks.