The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-03-16
THE RICH JOHN SMITH


1t was "a typical autumn London
night the streets flowing with greasy
mud, the air yellow with smoky fog
and cold, sleety drizZle falling as
Hilda Smith arrived at Paddington
station.
1t was her first experience OF the
great metropolis, but she had received
her instructions. and, selecting her
portmanteau, she had It removed to
cab and, jumping in, ordered the man
to drive to the Balarat mansions In
Victoria street, Westminster.
Hllda was not little anxious, be-
cause she had arrived In town day
ahead of her invitation, and she was
not certain whether her bachelor BROTH
er, with whom she was going to stay
for a month or six weeks, would be
ready to receive her.
The door was opened by hard faced
looking woman of the charwoman type.
who stood gazing at her without NOV
ing away from the entrance.
"Is this Mr. Smith'sT asked Hilda.
"Yes, MISS" replied the woman,
without Offering to let her in, how
ever.
as he at home?"
"No, he amt, and don't know when
he will be-"
But did he not expect me? He is
my brother, and have come to stay
with him"
"Oh, indeed, miss. Well. he didn't
say nothing TO me about It," answered
the woman. But suppose you'd better
have the spare room" And she stepped
aside with II grndging mir as she al
lowed the fair girl to Ater
Turning on the electric light, she
showed Hllda into handsomely fur
nlshed bedroom whose white and gold
paint and blue satin furniture caused
her to open her eyes in wonder. for her
brother was not supposed at home to
he In luxurious circumstances The
housekeeper brought her cup OF tea
and some bread and butter, after
which she retired TO rest and did not
wake until late the following morning.
"Mr. Smith came home late last
, night, miss" said the housekeeper
when she aroused her with the hot
water, 'and told me to say that he
would join you ut breakfast"
The breakfast table was picture TO
the eyes of the frugally brought up
country girl for 1t was covered with
every delicacy In or out of season. and
IIllda was admlrlng the priceless china
when she heard footsteps approaching
and turned around to welcome her
brother.
"Oh. Jack" she exclaimed, dancing
toward the door, with her arms out
stretched. I'm so glad
Then she stopped suddenly, as though
she had been shot. for tall, dark,
handsome man, quite the opposite of
her brother In appearance, entered the
room.
IL am afraid that somebody has
made mistake he said In soft,
] kind. reassurlng voice. "But ! cannot
be sufficiently gra,cfl to whoever Il to
blame for sending me such charming
guest TO breakfast"
81 expected TO meet my brother-Alr.
Smith," observed IIilda. nearly chok-
Ing with confusion, "Mr. John Smith,"
"My name is John Smith," said the
stranger, with an amused smile.
"Of 8 Ballarat mansions" continued
HIlda.
"Ah, now see how the mistake oc-
cured" exclaimed Mr.. Smith. This Is
No, @. but there is another John Smith
at No. 8, and our letters frequently get
mixed up. ] can only say that | am
sorry II Is the other John Smith who IS
the lucky man on this occasion. And
now, my dear young lady. let us go to
breakfast"
/ At first Hllda could neither eat mol
speak, but her host In short time had
succeeded in putting her SO much al
her ease that she was chattering away
to him about her family, her home and
all her little domestic affairs.
That breakfast must have lasted al
unconsciously long period, but Mr.
Smith did not appear to be desirous ol
hurrying II. and everything was so de
lightfully strange and novel to Hildf
that she did not notice the lapse Of
time until her companion suggested
! that II they went around now they