The Washington herald., 1908-03-17
CHAPTER XXI.
shows Mr.. statham at Home.


Many a man and many woman, as
they passed UP Park lane on motor
buses. In cabs. or on foot. glanced at the
white house Of Samuel statham, and
wondered.
The mystery concerning IL and its own
er always attracted them. Many were
the weird stories afioat concerning IT,.
stories greatly akin to those already told
in previous chapter Men had watched.
il was said. and had seen queer goings
and comings. But as the matter con-
cerned nobody in particular. ii merely
excited public curiosity.
That Sam Statham was eccentric all
the world knew. Society gossips in the
papers were fond OF referring 10 the mil
lionaire as the recluse Of Park lane"
when recording some handsome donation
10 a charitable institution. or expressing
a surprise that he was never seen at
hospitals or children's homes which he
had himself endowed
But the word eccentric explained il
all As regards the mansion in Park
lane, they were always silent, for the
elastic law OF libel is ever before the
eyes OF the journalist who deals IN title
tsttle.
Though the stories concerning the mil
liOnaire's residence We're curious and
sometimes sensational-many OF them. OF
course. invented-yet color was certainly
lent 70 them by the fact that the old man
saw nobody except Levi and his secre-
tsry. and nobody had ever been known
TO pass that closed door at the head of
the staircase
Any one, however. catching a glimpse
OF the interior OF the hall, when passing.
saw old Levi in black. with his strip OF
spOtless shirt front. and behind. wide
hail with thick Turkey carpet, huge blue
antique vases. carved furniture. and sew
eral fine pictures. the whole possessing
an afr OF solidity and wealth. Beyond,
however. was the Unknown and the Mys-
FERROUS.
In the clubs and over dinner tables the
mystery Of that Park lane house was
often spoken Of Men usually shook their
heads and said little. but women ex-
pressed their opinion freely, and formed
all sorts OF wild theories.
Among the men who had always been
attracted by the stories afoat were
Charlie Rolfe. because OF his close assO-
citation with the old man. and Max Bar
clay. because Of his intimate friendship
with Rolfe. The latter had always been
full OF suspicion. sam and Levi. master
and man. were the only two who knew
the truth OF what lay behind that locked
door And the servant guarded his mas
ter's secret well. He was janitor there.
and no one passed the threshold into old
Sans library without a very good cause
nd without 20 r,arrrfgefOrr NJ the ma - .
himself.
A thousand times, as Rolfe had gone
in and out Of the place. he mad glanced
up the broad. well-carpeted stairs, at the
foot of which stood the fine marble
Aphrodite holding the great electrolier,
and at the head. 10 the corner out OF
sight. was the locked door upon which
NaIf London had commented.
Had Samuel Statham thrown open his
house only once. and given a reception,
all gossip would be allayed. Indeed. as
Rolfe sat with his master in the library
the morning following Adams meeting
with Marion. he. without telling sam the
reason. suggested an entertainment in
November He said that society were
wondering he did not seek TO make theiI
acquaintance. There were hundreds OF
people dying to know him.
around the darkened room. for the morn
ing sun was full upon the house. Il
know them. They'd come here. crush
and guzzle. eat my dinners, drink my
wine. and go away without even remem.
bering my name. Oh. I know what the
so-called aristocracy are like. never fear
Most of them live upon people like my
self who are vainglorious enough 10 be
pleased TO number the Earl OF So-and-sC
and the Countess Of Slush among Their
personal friends.
Men with wives can't help being drawn
into it, The women folk like to speak OF
dear Lady Longneck.' slobber over some
old titled bag at parting. or find theiI
names in the Court and Society column
Of the Daily Swivel It's their nature tC
be ambitious: but when r mans single
like myself. Rolfe. he can please himself
That's why 1 shut my door in theil
faces
''Of course, you can afford to-" the sec.
rotary replied. leaning both his elbows
on the table and looking straight into hi:
masters face Few men could do as you
do. II would be against their interests"
1t may be even against my interests,
the old man said thoughtfully. leaning
back in his chair, FOR might get good
deal Of fun out of watching them trying
TO squeeze a little money out of me, OF
worm from me what men call tips re.
garding investments. Why. my dear Rolfe
once my door Is open TO them. my life
would no longer be worth living. In.
stead Of one secretary, I'd want dozen
and Levi would be at the door all day
long answering callers. other men who
live in this street on either side OF it have
done it to their cost
I've heard il said in the clubs that you
with your vast means and huge interests
owe duty to society" Rolfe remarked.
Il owe no duty TO society" the old fel
low declared angrily. Society owe:
nothing to me. and owe nothing 10 81
You know, Rolfe, how-well-how l hate
wonderland ] won't have a pack of chat
terboxes about my place. II was mar
with five hundred year they wouldn'
want TO know me-
That's very true Rolfe remarked
with a sigh. Nowadays. when a mar
has money he is at once called a gentle
man. A lady is the wife OF q man viii
money, whatever may have been her pas
-or her present"
The old man laughed.
And there is the perfect LADY," h,
said. "A genus usually associated Wit