Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-09-17

| The clerk watched him WIN an
amazement too acute for words. He
produced the register and Philip signed
his name. He was given receipt for
the payment on account, and then
asked to be shown to his rooms.
A boy smaller, but not younger. than
himself-a smart page. who listened to
the foregoing with deep interest
asked timidly whether the guest would
go by the stairs or use the elevator.
Il will walk" said Philip, who liked
to ascertain his bearings.
The palatial nature Of the apart
ments took him by surprise when he
reached them. Although far from be-
ing the most expensive suit in the
hotel, the surroundings were Of ma
ture vastly removed from anything
hitherto known to him.
Even the charming house he inhabit-
ed as q child in Dieppe contained no
such luxury. His portmanteau fol-
lowed quickly, and valet entered.
Philips quick ears caught the accent
Of a Frenchman, and the boy spoke to
the man In the language Of his coun-
try, pure and undefled by the barbar-
isms Of John Bull.
They were chatting about the wealth
er, which, by the way, ever since the
18th of March had been extraordi-
narily fine, when there was knock at
the door, and the manager entered.
The clerk found the situation too
much for him. He had appealed to
higher authority.
Even the suave and diplomatic NJ.
Foret could not conceal the astonish-
ment that leaped to his eyes when he
saw the occupant Of suit F.
81 think you will find these rooms
very comfortable" he said for lack Of
aught better. A commissionnaire was
already on his way to the bank to ask
II the check was all right.
"Are you the manager?" asked Phil
ip, who was washing his hands.
"Yes."
81 am glad you called. One Of your
clerks seemed to be taken aback be-
cause youngster like me engaged an
expensive suit. suppose the proceed
Ing Is unusual, but there Is no reason
why 1t should create excitement. 1t
need not be commented on, for in
stance"
"No, no; Of course not"
"Thank you very much. l have a
special reason for wishing to live at
this hotel. Indeed, have given this
address for certain important docu-
ments. Will you kindly arrange that
l may be treated like any ordinary
person."
81 hope the clerk was not rude to
you?"
"Not in the least. 1 am only anx-
ious to prevent special notice being
taken of me. You see, If others get to
know I am living here alone, will be
pointed out as curiosity, and that
will not be pleasant"
The request was eminently reason
able. The manager assured him that
strict orders would be given on the
point instantly, though he was quite
certain IN his own mind that inquiry
would soon be made for this remark
Rble youth. perhaps by the police.
"You can leave u.s." said Philip to
the valet In French.
Now the chance use Of that Ian
guage, no less than his perfect accent,
went long way toward removing the
managers suspicious. \ boy who was
so well educated must be quite out Of
the common. Perhaps some eccentric
parent or guardian encouraged him to
act independently thus early in life.
He might be the son Of a rich man
coming to London for special course
of study. The name, Anson, was al
arstocratic one. But his clothes-they
were odd. Good enough, but not the
eight thing.
Will you oblige me my recommend
Ing good tailOr" said Philip. -
need complete outfit Of wearing ap-
parel, and it will save me lot OF
trouble if somebody will tell me exact
ly what to buy and where to buy II"
His uncanny trick Of thought reading
Disconnected the manager greatly. I'm
doubtedly the boy was puzzle. New
er had this experienced man Of the
world met any one more self pos
sessed, more direct and yet, with 1t all,
exceedingly polite.
81 take 1t that you want the best"
he inquired pleasantly.
"YeS."
"Are you lunching in the hotel?"
81 would like something sent here, II
you please, and there again your ad-
vice will be most gratefully accepted"
The manager felt that n generation
was growing up Of which he knew
nothing, but he simply answered:
"I will see to 1t. Do you-er-take
wine?"
Philip laughed, that pleasant whole
souled laugh of his which instantly Sc
cured him friends.
"Not yet, monsieur
"Foret is my name"
"Well, NJ. Foret, am far too young
as yet for either wine or tobacco. |
promised my mother I would touch
neither until I am twenty-one, and
will keep my word. l think I would
like some cafe au lait."
81 understand Your dejeuner will
be sent up In ten minutes. BY the
time you have finished will have
people here from two or three estab'
lishments who will meet all your re-
Quirements in the shape Of clothes and
the rest"
An hours talk and the payment OF
checks on account worked wonders.
Before many days had passed Philip
was amply provided with raiment. His
presence In the hotel, too, attracted
no comment whatever. People who
saw him coming or going instantly as
sumed that he was staying with his
people. while the manager took care
that gossip among the employees was
promptly stopped.
As for the ragged youth with the
diamonds, he was forgotten apparent
ly. The newspapers dropped him, be-
lieying, indeed, that Isaacsteln had
worked some ingenious advertising
dodge on his own account. and Messrs
Sharpe & Smith never dreamed OF
looking for the lost Philip Anson, the
derelict from Johns0n's News. In the
Pail Mall hotel, the most luxurious ano
expensive establishment In London.
That afternoon Philip visited the
Safe Deposit company. He had little
difficulty, of course, in securing