The San Francisco call., 1905-04-02

He nad caught snatcheS of conversa-
ton irdistinctiy as he shook of the
lesden stupor Of the intoxicant- Every
newspaper IN town cIapping its
hands, All London mad over George
Gordon" His mind had coaned the
sentences duly al first. then with a
gasping dart OF meaning. His speech ?
No il could not be that. Moore had
spoken the name Of his book. and he
had knOwn-realized in a fash, while
he lay Qufvering. Then il was that he
had leaped 70 his feet Then he had
voiced that impromptu toast, de-
claimed while he fought hard 10 re-
press his exultation. with every nerve
thrilling q separate, savage triumph OF
He looked down II was as fine a
day as that on which paradise was
made, and the streets were alive Sew
eral pedestrians stopped to stare up at
him curiously. A carriage was passing,
and he saw the gentleman il held
speak TO the lady by his side and
point toward the building Fame. To
clamp shut the mouths of the scoun-
drels who maIigned him and his To
feel the sting OF the past covered with
the soothing pOultice OF real reputa-
ton, To fling back the sneers OF his
enemies into their teeth To be no
longer singular, Isolated. excommuni-
cate-tO have the worlds smiles and
its praise,
Yesterday seemed a dream. It was
fading into an indistinguishable back
ground. with the face Of the bright
eyed youth in the Fleet Prison-and
the dull shame he had felt at dawn.
He turned Pardon me IL l play
the host poorly to-day" he said;
Il am ridiculously, fne-ladically
nervous fear I must have
retired drunk-a good old gentle
manly vice-and am now at the freez-
ing point Of returning soberness."
Sheridan pushed him into his bed
room
.'Make-your toilet. my boy" he told
him geod-naturediy. We viii wait"
and Gordon resigned himself to the
ninistrations OF Fletcher and the COM
fort OF hot water and fine linen.
When he came back TO find his visit
ors smoking. he had thrust all outward
agitation under the surface. He was
dressed in elegance, and carnation
was in the buttonhole OF his white
great-coat- There was less Of melan-
chOly curve 70 the finely wrought lips,
more OF slumbrous fire in the gray
blue eyes.
There's a soberer for you" Moore
indicated the pile OF sealed missIves
and pasteboards. You'll certainly need
q secretary
Gordon's eye caught the Melbourne
crest He picked out the note from
the rest hastily. with a vision fitting
through his mind Of clear-eyed
statuesque girl While he was read
ing there was a double knock at the
door which Fletcher answered
A splendid figure stood on the thres-
hold, arrayed as Solomon was not in
all his glory. and the figure pushed
his way in, with gorgeous disregard Of
the valet.
lis his Iordship in yet?" he simpered.
"Eh2 Slap my yitals. say it's Captain
Brummeil-George Brunnell-and be
quick about IT. All" he continued,
raising his glasses to his eye. as he
distinguished the group. there he is
now, and old Sherry, too. 1 am your
lOrdship's most obedient. I've been
here twice this afternoon. You must
come TO Walters Club with me, sir
Ill be sworn. must be the one 10 in
troduce you, You viii all favor US,
gentlemen. Of course. as my guests.
Ny chariot is at the door"
Il thank you, Captain" Gordon an
swered, as he folded the note Of invita-
ton he had been reading and put IL in
his pocket, but / cannot give myself
the pleasure this afternoon Mr.. Sherf-
dan and Mr.. Moore viii doubtless be
charmed am promised within the
hour 10 dinner-at Lady Melbourne 3. !"