Omaha daily bee., 1905-09-03

a couple OF brace of cold woodcock, a
pleasant, a pate de fol gras pie, with a
group of ancient and cobwebby bottles.
Having laid out all these luxuries my two
visitors vanished away, like the genii of
the Arabian Nights, with no explanation
save that the things had been paid for
and were ordered to this address,
Just before 8 o'clock Sherlock Holmes
stepped briskly into the room. His fea-
lures were gravely set, but there was a
light in his eye which made me think that
he had not been disappointed in his con-
illusions.
They have laid the supper, them" he
said, rubbing his hands
You seem to expect company. They
have laid for five"
Yes, I fancy we may have some com
pany dropping in." said he 1T am sur
prised that Lord st. Simon has not already
arrived, Ha! 1 fancy that hear his step
now upon the stairs"
II was indeed our visitor OF the morning
who came bustling in, dangling his glasses
more vigorously than ever, and with a very
perturbed expression upon his aristocratic
features.
my messenger reached you. Them asked
Holmes.
Yes, and I confess that the contents
startled me beyond measure. Have you
good authority for what you say?"
1.-THE best possible"
Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and
passed his hand over his forehead.
What will the duke say" he murmured.
when he hears that one OF the family has
been subjected to such humiliation
1T is the purest accident. ! cannot allow
that there is any humiliation"
"Ah, you look on these things from an
other standpoint"
II fail to see that any one is TO blame. I
can hardly see how the woman could have
acted otherwise, though her abrupt method
of doing 1t was undoubtedly to be regretted.
Having no mother. she had no one TO ad-
wise her at such a crisis"
1T was a slight, sir, public slight" said
Lord st. Simon. tapping his fingers upon
the table.
you must make allowance for this poor
girl placed in so Unprecedented a position"
Il will make no allowance. am very
angry, indeed, and have been shamefully
used"
II think that / heard a ring" said
Holmes. Yes. there are steps on the land
ing. II l cannot persuade you to take a
leulenl view OF lue matter 1OTu 81. SlInOtls
have brought an advocate here who may
be more successful" He opened the door
and ushered in a lady and gentleman.
Lord st. Simon" said he, ALLOW me to in
troduce you to Mr.. and Mrs. Francis Hay
Moulton. The lady, / think, you have al
ready met"
At the sight Of these newcomers our
client had sprung from his seat and stood
very erect, with his eyes cast down and his
hand thrust into the breast of his frock
coat, a picture Of offended dignity. The
lady had taken a quick step forward and
had held out her hand to him, but ne still
refused to raise his eyes. 1t was as well
for his resolution, perhaps. for her plead
ing face was one which It was hard TO re-
sist.
You're angry, Robert" said she. Well
guess you have every cause 10 be-"
Pray make no apology TO me-" said Lord
st. Simon, bitterly.
"Oh, yes, / know that have treated you
real bad and that should have spoken 20
you before l went; but was kind OF rat
tied, and from the time when l saw Frank
here again l just didn't know what / was
doing or saying. I only wonder l didn't
fan down and do faint right there before
the altar"
Perhaps, Mrs, Moulton, you would like
my friend and me 20 leave the room while