Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-01-12

Waters" said De Bracy, "how much wages do
The young fellow flushed and looked at his mas
ter Yith crooked smile of embarrassment There's
no hurry, Mr.. De Bracy, sir" he deprecated
The amusement showed in the De Bracy eyes. you
never will make valet, Waters" he said. Il owe
you three months wages, as you know. Dress me
and then you may go for the night. You will want
some money pawn this ring. Now that we have
balance in the bank we can afford to disregard
appearances, Waters"
Waters was whim of De Bracys. He had picked
up the boy from the streets, and was repaid by
fiery gratitude that burned away many barrier.
H.
"Oliver" said young Joe Williams you never saw
such hair in your life Joye! 1t fairly seems to be
alive 1t CLOVIS and glitters So" 1t weeks
since the meeting between John Williams and Oliver
Van Corear De Bracy.
Through the red fare of the setting con-
tnuous of carriages and chinked and purred
through the Mall. The crisp tang of a December
evening was in the air The couple in the racing car
swahed in the disguise OF their great fur coats were
skdding with whirrng dash in and out of the stream
ing vehicles, the younger man one sense alert and
watchful of his mechanism, while bis subconsclous
self dreaming,
To the skilled man of the world the winning Of the
youths affection had been an easy matter.
AS they became intimate, however, De Bracy saw
more clearly the difficulties of his case. The
lady vulnerable, the wall of her past presented
hundred points OF attack; but at each masked al,
pointed out the breach and had posted young Will
liams on guard
The infatuation of the young millionaire had be-
come so dangerous that the occasion brooked of no
delay De Bracy decided to join the pair for dinner
at Claremont, towards which they were now motor
ing.
"Oliver" said the boy 81 not poetic. but really
her hair seems like the browning glory of my life
Look out for that carriage" said De Bracy at a
startled exclamation from the machinst perched be-
hind Don't let her hair get wound In your steer
ing gear"
DO you know there's quite a story about her
hair" continued the man at the wheel. "She always
had beautiful hair but when she In Europe some
years ago she went under the care of great spe-
oo1fo u10k In mis- in
Tyrol six months. He tortured her horribly but her
hair, under his treatment became long, and thick
and wonderful just you'll see it tonight. But
here we are and plenty of time for brush-up and
a smoke before she comes. By the way Oliver do
you want the car this evening? I'm going back in
the brougham with Blanche"
An hour later they stood on the piazza watching
the lines of vehicles dscharging their occupants who
rustled the steps to become part of the evening
spectacle
Here she comes, Oliver" cried young Williams,
hurrying toward brougham whose big sorrel minced
and -fretted at the steps. Blanche here is Mr., De
Bracy at last"
why. oliver" said sweet, high voice. at has
been years and years.
my dear Blanche the years for you are but as a
day. and De Bracy assisted Mrs Redington Black
burn to alight.
Il told Joe l wanted to meet you. Joe dear,
like good child and see If Marie has come told
her to bring some heavier wraps. Inquire at the
Office"
Joseph disappeared and under De Bracy's guild
ance Mrs Blackburn trailed her angud aces to tn
table whose orchid exuberance proclaimed Joseph
a chair and began stripping her long gloves, watch
ing she opposite through the fringe of her lashe
oliver" said the woman, I'VE have three minute
while that boy searches for mythical maid. w
know each other. I have followed your career; an.
who has read the headlines knows NINE You al
not in this for nothing Tell me. what do you wan
What Is your price? Is 1t peace war? If 1t
peace Oliver"-she learned forward the old perfum
of iris EMBEDDING him. her lips just iuttering wit
the words her eyes violet wells of meaning undo
her FURNISHED hair-"that is golden city. Help
and will lend you the key
"My dear Blanche said the easily ten
years ago you led me into hell, and left me- locking
the gate. You are not to be trusted with keys,
Blanche
She leaned back, her lips painted smile Your
residence in hell has taught you to make your living
Oliver" she said
''Then pardon me if l make it," he answered smil-
ing "A is fair in two things. We failed at the
love, let try war, my dear Blanche" She laughed
with an accent like thin glass swapping
I'm glad to see you two getting well-whats
the joker? said Joseph behind them.
Mr. De Bracy wishes the orchestra to play Annie
Laurie I have many amusing reeollections con-
nected with that song" she laughed. ASK them to
play it, like dear boy" said Mrs. Redngton Black
burn
WELL" said Joseph couple of hours later I'VE
must be trotting. I'm so glad brought you people
together again. ! knew you'd like each other. I've
never spent a joer evening in my life-we must
have lot of them. Blanche, it's pity your maid
didn't bring you heavier wraps Come, Oliver and see
us to our carriage.
tend to lot of you from on"
my dear Blanche, shall be always at your heels"
laughed De Bracy.
"Mr De Bracy, sir" Waters laid the fesh-brush
ON the long marble massage-slab let into the tiled
wall.
De Bracy, swathed in toweng like monk, stood
on the first step of his sunken bath. The last few
days he had tasted defeat to it's dregs. The battle
had been decidedly to the lady. Never in life of
fighting and manoeuvering had he been so out-ma-
noeuvered and out-fought The announcement of the
engagement imminent
81 am beaten" thought De Bracy, "and by a hank
of hair"
. mr. De Bracy sir" said Waters again.
YES" said that gentleman
II took them flowers to the lady at the st. Agatha
yesterday. She wasn't in. Her maid said she and
Mr.. williams motoring. The maid quitting
and helped her carry her boxes to the car. And
Mr.. De Bracy, sr,"-the Wallets blue, boyish eyes
were sparks of excitement.
At first De Bracy hardly paid attention to the
Wallets story, but 1t progressed he became atten
tive. questioning the man sharply in places, making
him repeat in Others ,
Waters" said De Bracy finally, you never will
make valet but you have your uses Calm your
excitement and remember your massage lessons"
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