The San Francisco call., 1904-09-18
CHAPTER XIV.
The Poster of AAIc:de."

Nlln MfS. ~ nlle : compliments Anna
thrust hers into her pocket unopened.
and FOR the first time left the house
without a smile upon her face. She
was practically destitute Of jewelry.
The few pence left in her purse would
only uTovide a very scanty lunch. An
other Gay Of non-success would mean
many CisaCreeable things.
And even she was forced 10 admit TO
herself that this last resource of hers
was a slender reed on which TO lean.
She mounted the stairs Of the theatrical
agents Office with very much less than
her usual buOyancy. nor did she find
much announcement in the general ap-
pearance Of the room into which she
was shown There were already a
score or more Of people there. some
standing up and talking together,
others seated in chairs ranged along
the wall. Beyond was another door,
on which was printed in black letters:
Mr.. EARLEs.
STRICTLY PRIVATE
Every one stared at Anna. Anna
stared back at every one with un-
dauuted composure. A Hebraic looking
young man with shiny frock coat and
very high collar advanced toward her
languidiy.
Want to see Mr. Earles?" he in
ouired.
i do" Anna answered. Here is my
card. VIII you take it into him?"
The young man smiled in a superior
manner.
Have 10 take your turn" he re-
marked lacOnically. There's twenty
before you, and Mr.. Earles is going out
at T. sharp-impOrtant engagement
Better come another morning"
Thank you" Anna answered Il will
take my chance"
She removed some posters from a
hu frs nd
young man looked at her.
Not doing anything in stock COM
p2niCs just now" he remarked.
Indeed" Anna answered. Very
sensible Of him, I'm sure"
There was a little litter The young
man turned on his heel
Unless you have an appointment
which you haven't" he said. you'll
only waste your time here"
j can spare it," Anna answered
suavely.
The young man save it UP and en-
tered into a lively little war OF words
with a yel!ow-haired young person
near the door. Anna picked up an
ancient copy Ct the Era, and began to
turn over the pages in leisureiy way.
The conversation which her entrance
had interrupted began to buzz again
all around her. A quarter Of an hour
passed. Then the inner door opened
came out and walked rapidly through
the room. exchanging greetings right
ana left but evidently anxious TO avoid
being detained. Mr.. Earles himself
stood upon the threshold Of his sane
tum, the prototype Of the smart. natty
jew, with black hair. waxed mustache,
and wired flower in his button hole.
a forid-lOoking young woman rose up
and accosted him eagerly.
n next. Mr. Earles" she ex-
claimed Been sitting on the doorstep
almost for two hours"
In minute, in a minute" he an
sNered. his eyes fixed upon Anna
Reuben. come here"
The young man Obeyed the summons.
His employer retreated into the further
apartment leaving the door ajar
Nfats that young lady's name
the giIl in dark brown. stranger here? ?"
Mr.. Earles asked sharply.
The youth produced a crumpled-up
card from his waistcoat pocket. a
sense Of impending disaster was upon
him. Mr. Earles glanced at IL. and
his eyes flashed with anger
You blithering idiot" he exclaimed.
Nj Earles strobe into the waiting
room. His face was wreathed in
smiles. his be-ringed finger hand was
cordially outstretched.
Ny deary Miss Pellissier." he said
AhlieSsifely- lnlS Is an unexpected
pleasure Come in Come in do 7
must apologize for my young puppy of
a clerk. II I had known that you
were here you should not have been
kept waiting for a second"
II took a good deal TO surprise Anna.
but II was all she could do TO follow
Mr.. Earles with composure into the
inner room There was a little mur-
mur OF CONSERVATION from the waiting
crowd, and the fiorid young woman
showed signs Of temper, to which Mr..
Earles was absolutely Indifferent He
installed Anna in a comfortable easy
chair and placed his own between her
and the door.
Come" he said. this is capital
capital. It was only a few months
ago that I told you you must come to
London, and you only laughed at me-
Yet here you are. and at precisely the
right moment. too. By the by" he
added. IN a suddenly altered tone, II
hope, trust-that you have not en-
tered into any arrangements with any
one here?"
Lob, mol" Anna said, a little
fsintly- I have made no arrange
nents as yet-none at all"
Mr.. Earles recovered his spirits.
Excellent" he exclaimed Your
arrival is really most opportune. The
halls are on the lookout for something
new. BY the by, do you recognize
that2"
Anna looked and gasped. An enor-
nous poster almost covered one side
OF the wall-the poster. The figure of
the girl upon IL in plain black dress.
standing with her hands behind her.
was an undeniable and astonishing
likeness Of herself II was her figure
her style OF dress, her manner of ar
ranging the hair. Mr.. Earles regarded
II approvingly.
A wonderful piece Of work. he de-
clareo- A most wonderful likeness.
30. ] hope In a few days. Miss Pei
lissier, that these posters will be liven-
ing up our London hoardings."
Anna leaned back in the chair and
laughed softly. Even this man had
accepted her for "AIcide" without a
moments question. Then all the en-
barrassments Of the matter flashed in
upon her. She was suddenly grave.
! suppose, Mr.. Earles," she said,
ttfhqf n Il tn al -.