The Delta independent., 1910-07-08
CHAPTER viii.

One morning in the early fall, a
few weeks after the return of Stennis
from abroad. Roger Hews called at
his rooms bearing a letter of intro
duction from Horatio Passavant It
ran:
My Dear Mr.. Stennis This will com
mend to your consideration Mr.. Roger
Hews, who prefers to do his own explain
Ing to the object of his waiting upon
you. 1 am requested to say. however,
and 1t gives me great pleasure to do So
that Mr.. Hews has upon more than one
occasion acquitted himself intelligently
and faithfully in matters of moment en-
trusted to him by this firm, and I be-
heve him to merit the utmost confidence
Most truly yours.
HORATIO PASSAVANT.
What can l do for you. Mr.. Hews?"
inquired Stennis genially, dragging a
chair forward.
Il understand that your secretary
is about to leave you, Mr.. Stennis, and
] venture to make application for the
post. 1t occurred to me that a per-
sonal call would be more satisfactory
all around. l hope I'm not too late?"
"On the contrary. you are the first
in the field. How did you know that
mere was TO De vacancy!
From Mr.. Passavant."
Il see," said Wilfrid "It was
through him that Mr.. Jocelyn came
to me three years ago; If he sends me
as good a man this time, / shall not
complain"
Hews bowed. In dress and deport-
ment-the former severely business
Hike, the latter quiet and sedate-he
seemed outwardly all that could be
desired.
Stennis turned to the letter OF rec.
ommendation, slightly at loss what
TO say next. This man was evidently
some years older than himself, and
no doubt eminently respectable.
Despite his experience of the re-
spect and Difference everywhere elici-
ted BY his wealth and social standing,
Stennis had never quite gotten over
slight feeling Of embarrassment and
ehamefacedness when dealing with
those of his fellowmen who might
in any sense be considered as de-
pendents. An acute observer would
have said that this hang-dog trait was
convincing proof that he had not been
born to the purple. Your titled Eng.
lishman. for instance. has no compunc.
tion or hesitation in ordering his serv-
ants around: they are to him. and al
Gays have been, simply SO much fur.
Allure
Il suppose ought to ask you some
questions. Mr.. Hews," said Stennis.
with a whimsical but engaging little
smile. but for the life of me don't
6now where to begin"
II am entirely at your service" MUIR
nured the irreproachable Hews. who
Was on his good behavior.
"Well-er-what experience have
you had? / presume that's a fair in
auiry?" said Winfrid tentatively.
"Oh. certainly, Mr.. Stennis. To be
frank with you, have never occupied
exactly the position Of private sec
retary, but / have been employed at
various times in a confidential ca.
pacity by several men of affairs, and
the firm of Carboy, Passavant &
Cozine has also used me in some deli
cate matters. I may say without hest
tation that l am thoroughly familiar
with the duties of such a place"
Wilfrid nodded "Mr. Passavant
transacts all my weightier business
you know; you would look after my
private correspondence. keep me
posted as to social engagements, &c
through the begging letters-there'a
a devil of a lot of them, can assure
you-purchase supplies. end pay the
bills.
II understand" said Hews conn
IDENTITY.
Then there's the new house;
there's q confounded amount of pett,
detail connected with that which viii
fall to you"
Hews waved his hand with q ges
furs Of complete assurance. "0fv,
Sourssk no uneasiness. Mr.. Stennis