The San Francisco call., 1904-12-20

N -
rades, conferred together in
low tones. then one ap-
preached the sixth man, say
ing guardedly: Are you one of us?
The man smiled half satirically.
nav; I'm de real ting, see?'
His questioner turned away in dis
gust.
The man laughed softly, the low,
enjoyable laugh of one who appre-
cIates.
A tall young woman, whose attire
evidenced wealth and refinement, en-
tered the hotel vestibule.
One of the five grOaned softly.
who is she, Dyke?" eagerly ques-
tened another.
Miss Kate Waring of Denver.
Worth half a million and eccentric.
Visiting Cousin Dorothy. And me in
this beastly tramp's rig"
He plucked viciously at the ravel-
ings on the cuff of the shabby coat
and gave an irritated kick at the curb
ing with his rundown, unpublished
shoes.
Miss Warnings stately entrance into
the great dinlng-room was arrested
/ by the head waiter.
This way, madam" courteously;
Il will conduct you to the ladies' din
ing-room."
Miss Waring glanced about her.
1t is not necessary calmly, Il will
remain here"
/ Pardon me, madam, but ladies
without escorts are served in the room
at the right. 1 will conduct madam"
Miss Warnings calm glance surveyed
the small, crowded room at the right
and then returned to the great cool
room in which she stood, with palms
and ferns in profusions. She noted
the many vacant tables and the num-
Der of ladies present.
Il do not wish to go in there. 1
prefer to have dinner served here"
making the statement TRANQUILITY with
the air of one accustomed to have def
erence accorded her slightest wish.
The rule is imperative, madam"
with courteous firmness, ladies with
out escort
Reserve that table by the window
with the ferns beside it, the third on
the left" and the graceful figure turn
ed to the outer door.
There was no hesitancy in Miss
Warnings voice or manner as she ad-
dressed the group of shabby men.
will one of you gentlemen do me
favor?" clearly and unsmilingly.
Six shabby head-coverings were off
in an instant, and six more or less
manly forms bent low before her.
nam yOu all SIdNciys Wdul
one of you to act as my escort and
my guest, so that 1 may be accorded
the privilege"-the scarlet lips curled
a trifie-" of having my dinner where
L have chosen to have it. 1 will ask
you, please" turning abruptly to the
one who had designated himself as
de real ting"
"Oh, but began one of the un-
chosen eagerly.
Miss Warnings fape and gesture for
bade further words.
Il thank you all for your courtesy
If this gentleman accepts"
1t is a privilege, madam" bowling
gravely.
De real ting is hep" cried Dyke
hearing. Did you observe his speech
and that bow? He's one of the fell
lows set to watch us!''
Nonsense, Dyke, there isn't a man
in the class as old as he. He's seen
actual tramping, I'll stake a thousand
on it. Why didn't you tell Miss War
ing who you are?"
close our IDENTIFY" demanded Dyke
hotly. Besides, look at mel"
Il ordered a table reserved" said
Miss Waring to de real ting"
Il see it-third on the left"
He led the way with easy grace, a
light Of amusement cleaning in his
dark eyes at the evident CONSERVATION
Of the waiter who hesitated slightly
before seating the serene young lady
and her strange escort.
Miss Waring ordered the dinner with
precision and discrimination.
II hope" she remarked pleasantly,
when the waiter had gone, 'T hope
you approve my order"
There was not the slightest embar-
rassment In her manner or condescen-
sion in her speech-the man was her
guest.
THE order is perfect, madam, and,
permit me to say, admirably given"
Miss Waring smiled.
Are all of Boston's"-she paused
for an instant in search of a word
that might not embarrass her guest
submerged, such Chesterfields as the
six to whom spoke?"
"The others are Harvard students"
Harvard students!" in momentary
bewilderment. "Oh. know; they are
doing penance."
THAT is the meaning, madam,
though not the term they use.''
Are You?" lightly yet with an anx-
ious tone in the low voice.
ct am a genuine hobo"
She passed her card case to him
You should know who is your
hostess" graciously, land I will ask
the name of my guest"
He took out two CARDS, writing on
the back of one and returning It to
her with the case.
She glanced at the writing:
JOHN LESTER, HOBO.