Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-10-21

lie smiled with shut lips. Her promise true, he
said. Il wonder why think OF old times tonight"
According the clubs and drawing-rooms Oliver
Van Corear De Bracy Thought little OF old times
and less OF an old name Still. his world recognized
his right to live, without close inquiry as to
how he managed it. The last OF the honors and per
quisitcs OF the Dc Bracys the right to the social
raft until exhausted.
Gave me her promise true
trillcd the piano
Those mid Victorian poets had such magina-
ions unused the man at the window. "Watcrs, light
the lamps | am expecting gentleman.
The room began to glow with incrcasno radiance
as lamp after lamp its soft clarity upon por
ceains and mahoganics Old tapestries commenced
20 swim out OF shadows, and low tables to glitter
with silver services and shine with the iewccd con
fusion of snuff boxes and miniatures
"Waters,' said De Bracy, "how often have told
YOU that the highest light should fall on that photo
graph cabinet" referring to huge folding screen
Wherein row on row, the autographed lilcncsscs OF
ermincd aristocrats attestcd his popularity in tho
coronation year. My best stage property, Waters.
Control your face, man. | sometimes think shall
never make valet OF you. That's better. Is that
the Office calling: Hand me that dressing gown, the
Chinese one. Now, show the gentleman in-until he
goes, not at home.
The figure Of Waters disappeared through the
armorul brocadcs OF the doorway.
De Bracy tied the cords at his waist, surveying
the room with sardonic eyes.
AN elaborate set but the gallery though cheap,
is critical he thought.
Mr. John Williams announced Waters. holding
back the curtain.
The personality of John Williams had screamed
from the columns OF the press for years in ever
growing menace, until its penetrated every
home from which, like the barons of old, he exacted
tribute.
His name had entered into the common language
The in the street, when he spoke OF being
beaten, conquered, trickcd said he had been will
amscd.'
"Oi what use can the social mouse be to this lion
OF aclicvcment:' De Bracy wondered, as he
advanced to greet him.
This thought in a different fashion, occurred to
John Williams, lie gazcd with contemptuous
curiosity the man before him. Dead generations
had taught him to dstrust this type. The refined
aquiliuity Of the features, deeply tanned, thrown
into relief by the crisp blond hair that becd the
mans forty years by good ten; the tall, slender
figure in its bizarre parb of bac; satin, spashcd by
the vivid scarlet and pink of wonderful Eastern
cmbroidcres; the hands, long, slender, with the
pointed fingers familiar in old portraits, made pic
tutc foreign to his usual environment that the
sngnt confidence which had sent him on his errand
Disappeared His nod had the curtness OF business
mans, rcbukng ovcr-pote clerk.
y m from hamburger, nc sad cuttngly.
$50 presume Mr-or'-with glance at the card
~-"Wilkins, | am very sorry, but | am afraid Mr..
hamburger has made mstalc'
My name is Williams-John Williams, OF the
United Milling What mistake did he make"
Excuse me- said De Bracy. My books full,
and Mr.. hamburger does not send me enough clients
TO justify my keeping any dates open for him. As a
business man, you will understand my position, Mr.
Williams" The nod and smile of Oliver Van Corlear
De Bracy Enthusiastically a careless dismissal
Young man." said the other his eyes narrowing
Il don't make calls. We do business, l guess"
The younger tapped open the lid Of a bronze
cigarette -cas,;c put paper roll in his teeth, and,
turning his back the other, puifcd at the flame OF
Roman hearth altar, tended by vestal virgin in
bronze.
That depends" he said between puhs.
"On what" said the older
"You," said De Bracy.
"Me? How Amt my credit good;' the ghost
of a smile Pickering the adamant OF his eyes.
"Your credit financially, Mr.. Williams does not
concern me- Mr.. Hamburger is responsible ii he
sends you
III be damned" said John Williams
De Bracy smiled and waved his hand--thc gesture
might mean anything
sit down, Mr. Williams; will explain he said
seriously. evil you smoke? Mo- lie seated him
self in a large chair bending forward and looking
Into the others eyes with cool dirccness
"Mr Hamburger has doubtless told you" he began
In level voice. 81 am a bridesmaids you are. My
business is the breaking of mesalliances My clients
range from the royal families OF Europe to members
OF corporations like the bilon-doar iron trust,
Now, as business man, may put it to you-wly
MOULD 7, with my books full of clients, il not as
wealthy fully as H.. .. YOU. put them all aside