The Elbert County tribune., 1906-12-20
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path wound among live oaks and cy-
press trees, and on the other side |
could hear the bubble of fountains.
Near the house the path was offset by
a small park. shaded with orange and
magnolia trees, and festooned with
beautiful flowers and rare foliage. In
the center os this miniature park a
marble fountain. around which how
cred groups of naiads and cupids, sent
forth spray of limpid water, which
shone like shower of pearls in the
moonlight as it fell softly among the
flowers.
The air was heavy with perfume:
the scene was beautiful; | paused to
admire it.
In the rear of the house I heard the
bay of great dog. A parrot screamed
above me in the magnolias, and a
mocking-bird sent forth a rapturous
melody from nearby tree
turned again toward the old house,
light burned low and softly filtered
through the high transom and thick
curtains. l stepped upon the veranda,
which extended the full length of the
house, and stood in front of a lofty
L
violin coming family from some
room above. | paused a moment to
listen, then seized the bronze knocker.
A bell pealed forth from some distant
hall. heard steps softly descending
the stair. then the massive door
opened, revealing an old man, straight
and tall. His hair was white, his i'm
perial and moustache white, his eyes
were keen and searching. | caught
glimpse of the scene around me
heavy carpets of velvet, rich paintings
and rare bric-a-brac. A broad stair
way broke the monotony of the long
hall, which extended far back and di-
vided the building in twain. The door
easements were carved with fantastic
figures, whose grinning faces had
looked for hundred years upon many
varied scenes in that long hall.
You are welcome, Mr. Rodin," said
the old man, as he motioned me to
enter
Then he made the sign of "The In
visible Hand" which | returned
A servant as black as ebony, in
white linen front and full dress. was
summoned. We entered a large room
with polished floors covered with soft
rugs. Wine was brought-some old
vintage that made me think of ancient
cellars and cobwebs. Then the serv-
ant left us, closing the door after him
The walls were hidden by shelves
of books; the chairs and divans were
of leather, and luxuriously comforta-
BILE. A great rosewood table stood in
hC -
the old gentleman had now seated
himself.
You are our new member from
Australian" he said pleasantly.
From England | replied.
Then | placed a letter in his hand,
which he carefully perused.
"Ah, yes, | remember. you have
been sojourning in the island"
said as much on the subject as
thought the occasion demanded, and
which | fancied he knew, but he lis
tened with the most apparent interest.
Il suppose | am speaking to Mr.. De
Tavenier," | said, suddenly recalling
the fact that l had only taken him for
granted.
He bowed: "Yes. am Mr. Tavenier,
sir he said, land l have been advised
of your coming. and shall try to make
Is as pleasant for you as circumstances
will permit"
| thanked him, and as he again
filled my glass and raised his own in
toast to our mutual friendship, the bell
in the hall changed forth with a sud
denness that caused him to lower his
wine untasted. He stood for a mo-
ment, his fine face showing a certain
perplexity, then, excusing himself, he
left the room, attending the bell him
self. | wondered that he did not call
the servant
heard his muffled steps on the soft
carpet and the opening of the door.
Then there came excited voices from
the hall-some one had entered and
was following the old man to the rear
of the building.
| waited for his return. but after an
hour | became impatient. The negro
entered noiselessly, and conveying the
excuses and regrets of his master for
the night placed himself at my serv-
ice.
was conducted to one of the front
cnahpers ABOVE, large, airy ana sweet
scented. A fine old bed, canopied and
curtained, stood in one corner, its
great posts almost touching the lofty
ceiling: the carpets soft, like those be-
low; the chairs large and luxurious,
and tasteful pictures on the wall. The
curtained windows were hung with
lace, held above by heavy cornices of
brass, and the reddish light filtered
through the rose-colered shades of the
lamp, diffusing its soft rays and dimly
revealing the old world furniture.
stately and somber.
The servant had bowed himself out,
ard | still stood near the center of the
lofty old chan,har iruuracoad lo,e.,,1