Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-08-03
CHAPTER "
a Red Tam-o'shanter.

CHAPTER
A Red Tam-o' Shanser.
looked out on the bright October
morning with a renewed sense Of fsola-
ton. Trees crowded about nv win
dows. many OF them still wearing their
festal colors. scarlet and brown and
gold. with the bright green OF some
stubborn companion standing out here
and there with startling vividness.
put on an old corduroy outing suit and
heavy shoes. ready for a tramp abroad
and went below.
The great library seemed larger than
ever when Z beheld & in the morning
light. I opened one OF the French
windows and stepped out on a stone
terrace, where I gained a fair view Of
the exterior Of the house. which proved
20 be a modified Tudor. with battle
ments and two towers. One OF the lat
Ger was only half-6nished. aud 20 II
and 70 other parts OF the house the
workmen's scaffolding still chung
Heaps OF stone and piles OF lumber
were scattered about IN great disorder.
The house extended partly along the
edge OF ravine. through which a
slender creek ran toward the lake.
The terrace became a broad balcony
Immediately outside the library. and
beneath Il the water dubbed pleasant
" around heavy stone pillars Two
pretty rustic bridges spanned the
ravine. one near the front entrance.
the other at the rear My grandfather
had projected his house on a generous
plan, but buried as IL was among the
trees. IL suffered the lack OF perspcc-
tive. However. on one side toward the
lake was fair meadow. broken by a
water-tower. and just beyond the west
dividing wall saw a little chapel: and
still farther In the same direction. the
outlines OF the buildings OF St.
Agatha's were vaguely perceptible in
another strip of woodland.
The thought OF gentle nuns and
! schoolgirls as neighbors amused me.
All asked was that they should keep
| 20 their own side of the wall.
heard behind me the careful step
OF Bates
Good morning. Mr.. Glenarm. trust
you rested quite well. sir"
HIS figure was as austere his tone
as respectful and colorless as by night.
/ The morning light gave him a panid
cast. He suffered my examination
coolly enough; his eyes were, indeed.
the best thing about him.
You may breakfast when you like.
sir, and thus admonished I went into
the refectory.
A newspaper lay at my plate; Il was
the mornings issue OF a Chicago daily.
1 / fhnn
world, ] reflected, scanning the head
| lines.
Bates had placed me so that 1 faced
the windows. an attention &c my com
fort and safety that appreciated. The
broken pane told the tale OF the shot
that had so narrowly missed me the
night before.
III repair that to-day, sir" Bates
remarked. seeing my eyes upon the
window.
| You know that I'm TO spend a year
on this place; I assume that you are
acquainted with the circumstances" I
said, feeling It wise that we should
understand each other.
Quite so, Mr.. Glenarm."
I'm a student. you know, and all I
want is 10 be let alone"
This / threw in to reassure myself
rather than for his Information. II
was just as well, reflected, to assert
a little authority. even though the fell
low undoubtedly represented Picker
ing and received orders from him.
In a day or two, or as soon as I
have got used to the place. shall set
tie down to work in the library. You
may give me breakfast at seven-thirty:
luncheon at one-thirty and dinner at
seven"
Those were my late masters hours.
sir"
Very well. And I'll eat ANYTHING
you please. except mutton broth, meat
pie and canned Strawberries. Straw
berries in tins. Bates. are not well cal.
culated to lift the spirit of man."
Il quite agree with you, sir, II You
will pardon my opinion"
And the bills"
They are provided for by Mr.. Pick
ering. He sends me an allowance for
the household expenses"
so you are TO report to him. are
you. as heretofore?"
/ blew out match with which had
lighted a cigar and watched the smok-
ing end intently.
Il believe that's the idea, SIR"
II Is not pleasant 10 be under com
pulsion,-to feel your freedom cur
tailed. TO be conscious OF espionage.
arose without word and went into
the hall.
You may like to have the keys"
said Bates. following me. There's two
for the gates In the outer wall and one
] for the St Agatha's gate; they're