Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-02-22

N|chspterE{ ;e s
|NRDE'S bank account, in spite o.
his laughing assertion to New
mark, contained some SLIGO
After L brief but comprehensive
tour Of inspection over all the works
then forward he drew hundred of
this and announced to Newmark that
business would take him away for
about two weeks.
At Redding, whittier he went to
pack his little sole leather trunk, be
told Grandma Orde the same thing.
She came and stood by the man lean
ing over the trunk.
Speak to her, Jack" said she quiet
y. "She cares for you"
Orde looked up in astonishment. but
he did not pretend to deny the implied
accusation as to his destination.
"Why, mother" he cried, shes only
seen me three or four times! It's alb
surd-yet."
81 know" nodded Grandma Orde
wisely; Il know. But you mark M
words-she cares for you"
She placed her hand for an instant
on his shoulder and went away. The
Ordes were not demonstrative people.
The journey to New York was ut
that time very long and disagreeable,
but Orde bore It with his accustomed
stoicism He had visited the metrop-
oils before, so it was not unfamiliar to
him. He made his way to small ho-
tel just off Broadway.
Orde ate, dressed and set out afoot
in search of Miss Bishops address. He
arrived in front Of the house little
past s o'clock and after moments
hesitation mounted the steps and rang
the bell.
The door swung silently back to
frame an impressive manservant dres:;-
ed in livery. To Ordes inquiry he
stated that Miss Bishop had gone Out
to the theater The young man left
his name and a message Of regret. At
this the footman. with an irony so sub
tie as to be quite lost on Orde, demand
ed card. Orde scribbed line In
his notebook, tore 1t out. folded 1t and
left 1t.
| II rIx G
had become his habit. At the office
the clerk handed him note:
| My Dear Mr. Orde-I was so sorry to
miss you that evening because Of stu
| pid play. Come around as early as you
| can tomorrow morning l shall expect
| you. Sincerely yours,
CARROLL BISHOP.
Orde glanced at the clock, which
pointed to I. He breakfasted and start
ed leisurely in the direction of West
Ninth street He walked slowly. At
University place he was seized with
panic and hurried rapidly to his desti-
| nation The door was answered by
the same man who had opened it the
night before. To Orde's inquiry he
stated. with great brevity. that Miss
Bishop was not yet visible and pre-
pared to close the door.
"You are mistaken" said Orde. 81
have an engagement with Miss Bishop.
Tell her Mr.. Orde is here"
The man departed, leaving Orde
standing in the gloomy hall. That
young man. however, parted the cur
tains leading into parlor and sat
down in a spindle legged chair.
For quite three quarters Of an hour
he waited without hearing any other
indications of life than muflied sounds.
Occasionally he shifted his position,
but cautiously, as though he feared to
awaken some one. Three oil portraits
stared at him with all the reserved
aloofness of their painted eyes. He
began to doubt whether the man had
announced him at all.
Then, breaking the stiffness with al
most startling abruptness. he heard
clear, high voice saying something at
the top of the stairs outside. rhyth-
mical swish of skirts, punctuated by
the light pat-pat Of girl tripping
downstairs, brought him to his feet
A moment later the curtains parted.
and she entered. holding out her hand.
He stood holding her hand. sudden
" unable to say word, looking ut her
bungrily. A food of emotion. of which
he had had no provision, swelled up
within him to I'll his throat.
at was good OF you to come so
promptly" said she. "Tm so anxious
to hear all about the dear people at
Reddng."
The sounds in the next room increas-
ed in volume, as though several people
| must have entered that apartment. In
| q moment or so the curtains to the hail
parted to frame the servant.
Mrs. Bishop wishes to know. miss.
said that functionary. IF you're not
coming 10 breakfast"
Orde sprang to his feet.
Haven't you had your breakfast
YETI" he cried. conscience stricken.
"Didn't you gather the fact that I'm
Just up?" she mocked him. II assure
you It doesn't matter. The family has
just come down."
"But," cried Orde. 81 wasn't here un-
III 0 o'clock. thought. of course.
you'd be around. Pm mighty sorry
"Oh. la, lar she cried, cutting him
| short.
Orde was for taking his leave, but
this she would not have.
"You must meet my family sne
negatived. for If you're here for so
short time we want to see something
of YOU. Come right out now"
Orde thereupon followed her down
narrow, dark hall to door that
opened s.antwise into the dining room.
With her back to the bow window sat
woman well beyond middle age. but
with evidently some pretensions to
youth. She was tall. quick in move
ment. Dark rings below her eyes at
Tested either a nervous disease, hys-
;erical temperament or both. lmmedi-
ately at her left sat boy OF about
fourteen years Of age. his face a curl
bus contradiction between naturally
frank and open expression and
growing sullenness. Next him stood
vacant chair, evidently for Miss Bish-
%. Opposite lolled young man.
holding q news