Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-28

falling without; his employer was a hard
taskmaster.
Yes. sir; I'm afraid I was. sir" an
swered the clerk.
THAT will do. You may 60"
He spoke less brusquely than usual. and
when TIM had departed. fell into reverie
himself The strident tones of a newsboy
without, crying some new iniquty of the
Tweed ring and the immoral, II not immor-
tai, wv Observation-Disclosures it?'
boss, aroused him.
Richard Strong you're wool-gatherinp,"
he said, half aloud and arose.
AT O'Clock he stood resolutely, If not al
together confidently. at the door of the Ros-
sitter mansion. He wondered II Miss Ros-
sitter had gone out: he half wished that she
had; his card would the better pave the
way for the future than
NO, the ladies' were at home said the
waspish-looking maid SALARY in arrears
written on her faceD. Would he wait in
the reception room? The visitor complied
Mechanically he turned over the DAVIS
events In his mind and strove to approa CHI
the business in hand with lucid under
stanolng OF what was required Of him. But
somehow MS usual clearness of perception
Ialled him; he was conscious of waiting and
expecting some one. but not planning what
he should say when he saw her
"A rushing gown; a large. not a slender,
inquire. crossed the threshold, and Mrs Ros-
sitter, with bare arms and bare shoulders
her hair a little higher, her gown a little
lower, approached with outstretched hand
and obvious cordially.
Mr.. Strong how delfehtfuIi hava M.
seen you snce-since we met at Miss Van
Doisens My daughter will be down pres-
ently. we were speaking of you only the
other day"-a conventional fb-"and Mr..
Il asked him for Miss RossIter's hand I"
blurted out Richard Strong,
Mrs Rossiter's face would have made the
fortune OF painter. could he have succeed
or N fJvc
incredulity, JOY, chagrin, struggling for
mastery on her features
Asked for her handr" she repeated. For
Elinor s. she almost gasped.
Il should have waited-I know"
when did you speak to Mr. Rossite or ?"
Mrs Rossiter strove to regain her COM
posture; her swapping eyes BODIED no good
for her better half.
Some time ago."
The lady's lips were firmly compressed.
She endeavored to smile and partly suc-
ceeded. Not entirely a natural smile hut
rather of the frozen variety. as II behind
II lay tragic mask; transformation
waiting for Mr.. Rossiter!
And what-did he say?"
That it was Miss Rossiter's affair,
madam"
His hearers bosom rose and fell violently;
her fan futtered; she dared not trust her
self to speak-Just yet. Mr.. Strong, with
his mtllions-re5ected!-at least coldly re-
cefved!-and the wolf at the door, and the
cIeoitofS, too-nerSelL put TO the utmost
shift-out of pocket, II not out at elbows!
Richard Strong. for whom many a net had
been cast by ambitious matrons yet who
had heretofore escaped through the meshes
between the buoys or beneat- the sinkers,
But finally with an effort Mrs Rossiter
controlled the raging tempest OF her mind;
the heaving ceased. or became more calm
and tranquil.
OF course. Mr.. Strong" she said, mr..
ROssiter was right"
What language could tell how much the
sentence cost heri
I'VE could not think" she went on. "a
young girl should be free to bestow her
hand with her heart. Though. to be sure,
young people are young people and a little
guidance" Her voice faded into vague
ness. "A mothers solicitude Is naturally
very great. Mr.. Strong" she ended help
lessly.
The listener remained silent Mrs. Ros-
sitter gradually recovered her eQuanimity
Won't you be seated. Mr.. Strong?" she
said. solicitously.
THANK you. madam" he answered, and
followed her example.
We are. Mr.. Strong one might say"
Comparative strangers?"
Hardly that; no. would not say that
OF course, one hears all about people and
probably know us. The Rossiters are a
well-known-if you will pardon the express
sion-a well-known family. Gen. Rossiter.
you are undoubtedly aware. was on
Washington's staff. On my side, there is
my MISREPRESENTATION one of the pa
troons who. when he came to New York in
his coach and six and Hverfed servants.
created such a sensation that the people
lined the very walk to see him pass.'
There, madam. you have the advantage
OF me-" said Richard Strong. bluntly. Il
don't know where my ancestors were dur