The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1907-08-01
CHAPTER VI.
"WiII You Walk Into My ParIor7"

49, $3.50 ~
Mr.. Eustace Charliewood's chambers
were in Jermyn street. Eat few of his
many friends had ever seen the in
terror Of them. Such entertaining as
the man-about-town did-and he was
always one of those who we're enter.
tanned, rather than one of those who
offer hospitality-was done at his
club.
The man who looked after the place
and valeted his master was. therefore,
the more surprised when Charliewood
had called him up one morning after
breakfast.
Look here William" Charliewood
had said, I've got a gentleman com
ing to dinner. We've some business to
talk over, so I sha'n't dine him al the
club. | suppose you can manage a lit.
tie dinner here?"
Certainly, sir, IL necessary" the
man answered. "Of course, you're not
in the habit of diring at home. and
you've not got your W things. That's
If you mean a proper little dinner,
sir"
81 do, I do, William" his master
agreed, hurriedly.
But, there, that needn't natter
the man went on; I'VE can have every
thing in, If you like sir"
That will be best" Charliewood an.
swered. Il leave everything to you
William. Except" he added, as an AT.
terthought, the menu. | want a small
dinner, William. but quite good. Shall
we say a little bisque for the soup?
Then, perhaps, a small Normandy sole.
Afterward a chicken cooked en- casser.
ole. As an entree, some white truf-
fles stewed in sillery-you can get
them in glass Jars from Fortnum &
Mason's-and then a morsel of Brie
and some coffee. That will do, |
think.
"And about the wine, SIR" said
William, astonished at these unaccus-
toned preparations, and inwardly re-
solving that Mr.. Eustace Charliewood
had discovered a very gaudy-plumaged
pigeon to pluck.
"Oh, about the wine! Well, I think
I'll see to that myself. I'll have it sent
up from the club. You've an ice pail
for the champagne, haven't you, Will
iam?"
Yes, sir, we certainly have that
Very good. Well say at eight,
then.
William bowed and withdrew.
All that day the various members of
this or that fast and exclusive club
round about st. James street noticed
that Eustace Charliewood was tout of
form" His conversation and his
greetings were not so imperturbably
cheerful and uav as usual. He took
no interest in the absorbing question
as to whether young Harry Rayke-
the earl Of Spayde's son-would after
all propose to Lithia varallette, he
we'll known musical comedy girl. The
head waiter of the Baobab club noticed
Mre Charliewood was 'toff his feed"
and everybody with whom the man.
aboat-town came in contact said that
Richard was by no means himself"
As the evening drew on, a dark.
foggy evening. which promised as
night came, TO be darker and foggier
still, Charliewood's agitation in.
creased; though just now there was
no one to see 1t.
He walked down st. James street,
past Marlborough house. and briskly
promenaded the wide and splendid av.
enue which now exists In front of
Buckingham Palace. The fog made
him cough, the raw air was most un-
pleasant, and it was no hour for ex-
ercise. But, despite the cold and mis-.
cry Of 1t all, C~harliewood continued
his tramp backward and forward.
When he returned to his chambers
in Jermyn street, about z o'clock, he
found that his clothes were wet with
persp.ration, and only a hot bath be-
fore dressing for dinner. and a couple
Of bromide tabloids in a wineglassful
OF milk. suftced to Lring him back to
his ordinary condition.
When, however. he went into his lit
tie dining room. to all outward appear.
ances he WIS tie usual Eustace Char
liewood of the pavements and club
rooms Of the West end.
The room was comfortable. A
bright fire glowed upon the hearth.
shining upon the high-class sporting
prints, the subdued wall paper. the
comfortable padded chairs. and the
shelves loaded with bachelor knick.
knacks and sporting trophies OF his
youth.
IN one corner vas q little round
table set for two. cleaning with glass
and silver. and lit by electric lights