The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-02-15
CHAPTER Xxx.
A Surprise.

Walter Monk His daughter was
just about to tell me much that
| greatly desired TO know. and his
abrupt entrance had prevented her
from speaking freely. l' was most
provoking. as might not easily
find her again In a confidential
mood However. as things were,
il only remained to accept the sit.
uatiou phil, sophically, so | dis
missed the lost opportunity with a
shrug and turned to examine the
newcomer Already he was cmbrac-
ing the girl whom he rather az.
fcctedly called "diughtcrline l
summed up his character from his
use Of that exotic word.
Mr. Monk presented himself as a
dapper, small.sizcd man, with q
clcan-shayen face. smooth gray hair
parted accurately In the middle of
his small head. and pinccncz
which usually concealed two shal.
low brown eyes. On removing an
expensive travelling cat. lined with
sable. he appeared iu au admirably
cut tweed suit, with smart brown
shoes. dark blue socks and silk
scarf OF the same hue huottcd neat
ly under an immacuratcly white
collar lie struck me- as a lapdoe
man: dandy. Il petit maitrc, too
precisely dressed, too tinicky ky-that
is the exact word-in his manner.
too etfeminatc in his way of speak
ing There was suggestion of
Miss Destiny mincing ways in his
whole attitude How such a doll
like piece f humanity came to
have so tall and stately daugh-
ter was a question could not an.
swcr until it struck mo that Ger.
trude might take after her deceased
mother Then wondered atrrsh
how such woman could have mar
ried such manikir
Il am glad To see YOU. dear said
Gertrude. kissing him in such "A
mothcrly way. but did not scar
the bell
Il let myself in by using my latch
key" replied Mr. Monk. disengaS
ing himself from an embrace which
somewhat disarrangcd his catclu
attire, "and this gentleman. Getty
dear"
Mr.. Vance-Mr. cyrus Vance
/ the dramatist."
How are YOU. Nr. Nilce.
think" Mr.. Monk put his finger r.
! flectively TO mis- forehead, II think
have heard the name"
Il doubt It," was my reply. fol
the Gisparaging insolea"c OF the
'i.uc man somewhat amused ne,
my fame has not Travelled very fal
| toward the West"
"Oh. am sure i de.ctyes to,
said Mr.. Monk politel,' "G1fty
dear. can you give me cgp Of cof
! fee?"
Dinner will be ready soon, faith
Ell"
II do not want any, daughtcrling
as / dined in town. Coffee, m
1--we. coffee and a cigarette. ii yol
will permit smoking in your draw
ing room"
This unnecessary politeness was
further revelation OF Mr. Monk
character. Under the mask of coul
tesy ne secured his selfish ends
and imposed upon everyone by hi
heartless good breeding which pass
ed for amiability | Judged that Il
looks and manner and dress an
!nclinations he resembled Harcl
Skimpole. Esquire, and was quit
as homeward bound as that gentl,
man. could have kicked mysel
for accepting a cigarette from ma
of so mean nature. But then h
was Gertrude's father. after al
and II was necessary to secure hi
good will il desired TO marry he
She seemed TO be fond OF him, an
treated him with playful love, Fflii
affections evidently warped her judi
ment, a state ct things OF which
am sure Mr.. Monk took every a.
= vantage,
While Gertrude ran for the coff,
d he lighted my cigarette-which }
!, had Just handed me-insistei tn
.hnu,1 Ia eoatab and than ,as