The Washington herald., 1909-07-11

which characterized the houses Of older
New York. were softly lighted aud so
deeply carpeted as to suggest distaste
OF noise ON the part OF the owner. ON
ehher hand were doors seldom opened.
und IN the heart Of the mansion was a
library that appeared TO have over
howed all bounds, spreading from the
room originally devoted to such purpose
after It's walls were filled, until It had
encroached on another room that. at
some time, mast have been dining
room OF splendid proportions-now it.
collections In almost every language
the books spoke, and Of almost every
age; they seemed as If many men had
contributed TO the collecting and amass-
ing Of this literary fortune.
Through open doors leading beyond
might be seen In profusion rare art
works from all the world-curios from
the unknown places, antique marbles and
rusted bronzes telling Of ancient peoples.
and tapestries which might have known
kingly ownership.
In corner OF the main library, an
Indication OF the owners past recreation
was evidenced IN a magnificent chess
board inaid In the heart OF table, a
trophy perhaps of some famous cham-
pionship, or possibly purchased from "A
plethoric private purse. The pieces,
which were usually scattered around II.
were OF such exquisite workmanship as
only the adroit artisans of China who
wrought I'm ivory many decades ago
might produce.
IT HE whole interior of the house bore
evidence that the man who was
Known only us a. ntiinltre hiu tidHh Ai1A
deeper and more Intellectual joys than
those of playing with birds or children,
and that his erudltion must be that or
the man who has arisen above the mere
post Of student. passed on 20 the high
er grade of scholarship. and then gained
the eminences of philosophy. That he
had some acquaintance with folk OF dis
tinctiOn was evidenced by the photo
graphs which were placed here ana
there, invariably autographed with some
kindly wish betokenlng the subjects
friendship, regard or admiration Tor
Norman Moore. Darwin, Spencer, HuS-
ley, Kelvin, and dozen others OF their
time. were I'm this distinguished com
pany
IT. HERE was one day Of that month OF
Il May Immediately preceding the mem,
orable when, although the birds and
children waited I'm the sunshine and leafy
glades OF the park for thtir companion,
he did not appear. He sat instead, IN
the peaceful secusion OF the library
among his higher companions-the books
and pictures OF dead friends-alt though he
was not busy. His hands rested on the
arms OF n big leather Iounging chair In
unaccustomed idleness. His legs were
stretched out before him with his boot
ed toes crossed, and his head was pil
IOwe ed back against recess in the cush'
icns. The aged servitor made his way
softly into the room, Strengthened him
self a tribe In an attempt to recover
the dgnlhed pose Of earlier years. and
announced, I'm a thin, high-pitched voice;
"Dr William b. McGuerney' sir says
he comes by appointment and Is waiting
at tne uoVis
said, without turning his head, changing
his attitude, or removing his gaze from
a bust Of Plato which was niched among
the books.
only when the swish of the heavy
tapestries told that the eminent special
lst had arrived, did he arise to his feet
and walk forward, quietly courteous, ut
terly self-contalned and with no sign OF
haste.
''William." he said, holding out his
hand as he advanced, 1T has been twen-
~ years since 1 saw YOU"
The physician seized the hand in both
his own, and looked down upon the ole
man.
''You have been away, Norman. l pre-
sumo, all that timer
The recluse smiled. but did not refute
the implication.
wen. / have not needed medical ad-
vice" he said directing his friend to
chair, and settling back into the one
which he had vacated. There was I'm the
Mariner OF his movement something of
of professional keenness into the others
face.
"And you have sent for me now, Nor
man, unless i am mistaken. because-'
THE sands are running lowl' the phil
osopher interposed.
n OCTOR McGuerney was instantly the
- eminent specialist again, and. lean
Ing forward, began rapid series OF
questions, coupled with a close physical
time. II was the exhaustive analysis
OF conditions which were palpable to
the expert mind, and, while It was be-
Ing made, there was no reference what
ever 10 other days, older friendship, or
any matter of personal nature be