Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1909-10-08
CHAPTER v.


next day His unexpected summons
was very busy. and | could not an
swer it at once. ! drove promptly to
his house the moment | was released
from my last engagement, but 1t was
late and the lights were on He sent
word down that he was dressing for
dinner. but that he would be glad to
have me come directly to his dressing
room. I went up. to find him in a
rather flamboyant gown. sitting incon-
grouously beside his sisters dainty
little dressing table, with its pink
shaded candles.
He put down a silver-baeked brush
and rose to greet me. knew him bet
ter in canonieals and broadcloth than
in this bizarre attire. and he rather
embarrassed me; but. ais usual. he
was serene and apparently quite I'M
disturbed, as If he were as accus-
toned to granting audiences here as
in the stately rooms below.
They are doing over my suite
while my sister is away" he ex-
planned. and / have taken possession
here. Sit down, If you can find room
for the pillows. Such trifiing pillows
as they are" with a smile. For so
sensible a woman as my sister, she
amazes me with her furbelows."
Il suppose she would call them
comforts / suggested.
"Oh, doubtless" said he. They
are more like little pink and yellow
cotton puffs than anything that might
give real comfort" He tossed a
couple of them out Of brocaded arm
chair and, indicating 1t, drew up an
other for himself.
Il hope my summons did not incon-
venience you. arriving at such an
hour?' he remarked But my mind
has been greatly perturbed. and
wished to have 1t put at peace one
way or the other. The matter upon
which | wish you to advise me lis one
of exceeding delicacy and unusual
ness"
| bowed
Perhaps You know Mrs. Arson
Dimes" he remarked, by way of begin
ming.
Il have the misfortune not to-"
said I.
well, I don't know that | should
put it quite like that, Mr.. Twining."
he said, with smile; but she Is GER
tainly a most estimable person, of
think I may truthfnlly say--the most
original and startling ideas, particu-
larly as to-but we shall touch upon
that later. Mrs. Dimes has long been
a friend of my sisters
"Ah, SO ! recall" interrupted.
Mrs. Dimes was the widow whom |
heard Miss Winstanley speak of to
the bishop the evening at the opera
when his glasses had been so per-
sistently ieveled where she thought
they ought not to be- | imagined
something interesting was about to be
unfolded, but ! was in no way pre-
pared for what came.
You haye-ah, seen Mrs Dines?"
the bishop asked.
Once" said /; "a somewhat stout
lady with copious--''
"Chins,' supplied he gravely.
Dear me-" said l.
~ ciPhNP hoNato soird1AiJ
"A trife elderly?' ! ventured, en-
couraged by something in his eyes.
"a trifie, She is co.
''Ah, is it posaible?"
Mrs Dimes admits CO., he replied
"She may be more. But 60-is
enough"
1 nodded, not quite understanding.
g. Ios I
would make it plain.
Mrs. Dimes is lady of very large
means and equally generous inclina-
tons" he continued. "A woman who
has done much good and should con-
tinue to do more. Charitable work is
her passion. She is an enthusiast
along that particular line. My sister
mendable character.
Il have often heard her called so"
There are undoubtedly many ad-
Yn:-able things about the lady
AS young woman | imagine she
may have been attractive" yentured.
watching the bishop out OF the tail OF
my eye.
AS young woman" he repeated.
"And clever" said /.
He smiled. She Is still clever
enough" he commented
There was a long pause, during
which his shapely fingers earessed the
tassel Of his dressing gown.
Mrs. Dimes is in Africa at present.
he continued She says she desires
to remain there indefinitely. Wishing
to further to its utmost the work she
has undertaken. and to be entirely I'M