Anadarko daily democrat. [volume] (Anadarko, Oklahoma) 1908-191?, 1910-12-02
CHAPTER t.

IN Craven he had added to rather than
diminished his popularity. lie re.
fused TO be further lionized; either
timid or wise In the white heat Of his
fame's flame. he ran away Rather
than watch his fame fall TO ash, OF
fearful that it's tense heat would harm
him? For neither reason, lie was
not thinking of London, or his public.
he was thinking of himself.
In Craven. whilst immured, he was
as well delightfully."- at large. The
castle itself vas prison. standing, as
II did. le miles from any railway,
dominating, as IL did. the entire coun
~ OF shire. Craven was fortress
for the writer's hours OF labor--a
pleasure garden for his leisure. But
on this occasion he had not come to
II for the sympathetic atmosphere II
extended to his work Craven was not
20 offer in this sojourn any of its
Rforetime tonic-nor was II demanded
that II should suggest new theme, or
even cradle an old idea. Mr.. Tempest,
a solitary inhabltant OF his study
asked new balm OF his retreat--it.
must be a panacea.
1T should be-" he said aloud as he
replaced a book in the shelves and
found another. "a padded cell"
Into the great bow window whose
squares OF glass let In the whole wide
country sweep to his eyes-once a
veritable lovers eyes for this English
nature. whose graccs and beauties
Tempest had made to live and bloom
in his book till all England echoed his
muse--into the bowed windows his
housekeeper daily oleverly drew the
writing table. Tempest many times
before II had seen hour after hour sir
away. until. exhausted yet supremely
content. he had risen. aching in every
limb. the pile OF manuscript grown at
his hand. his work done, and he him
self free and buoyant as only the
creator can be before his selfappoint
ed task But writing materials re.
mained these days untouched.
November had almost gone. and the
drear baroness of the landscape. nj
though not yet despoiled OF LEAKAGE
was hidden on this afternoon by .
mist full OF rain. Tempest had the
extent OF blank gloom before him as
he faced II by the window. leaning
against HIS workable, his back to tho
room. Something OF the leaden quail
ity OF the outside reflected itself in hi
countenance. But he had not time &c
follow his meditations to their end
for rap on the door fell once-was re
peated. then the door opened and his
housekeeper came in.
Il beg pardon, Mr.. Basil" He did
not stir.
She waited moment, then ad
vanced: II beg your pardon. sir"
After another silence he blurted
out:
"Well? What for pray? II yor
have any good reason to break In on
me. Henly, you viii give IT,"
1--WE disobeyed you, sir"
I'D rather forgive you than hear
about it-don't do II again"
II won't indeed. sir. but"
Tempest turned reluctantly to IN,
intruder She said oh" involuntari
ly as she caught sight Of his face: IN,
last hour had ravaged e. Her evi
dent affection, not her sympathy. mod
ifed his mood.
What the devil have you done?" h,
asked. not unkindly. 1T can't b,
worse than coming here to me aftei
my express injunctions."
TITS worse, sir" she nodded: 'I'v,
let in lady"
She breathed freer with the Who'll,
confession OF her crimes enormity.
Tempests surprise was as sharp al
his displeasure, "A lady-you'r,
dotty!"
She pleaded. Il couldn't help Il. Mr.
Pasil-she had walked from Craven
ford-to see you. strand hadn't tn,
heart"
Comet" he exclaimed furiously
81 am not to be obeyed then. Henly
see plainly you are taken advantag,
of-of-I mean to say youro astound
ing! give orders to leave me II
peace. TO refuse my doors: to keep m,
mail. my dispatches, away, and yol
admit God knows whom and for wha
purpose at your pleasure"
She let him fume. and her patient
gentle bearing OF his detestable humo
made him ashamed. What for, pray?
81 don't know. sir" she said humbly
II couldn't say no-somehow. Sh,
begged for moment-she had wake,
the ~ miles and she says she mus
foot II back. It's late. too"
"She has a notebooks or coursel
"She's a pretty hat on and a lonI
dark coat. and she is so lovely, MI
Basil. that l."
She finished subtly-and triumphed
Tor her master slightly smiled. 1T