Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1910-01-21
CHAPTER II.-continued.


doorstep. For moment he hesitated.
He did not wish to discuss his business
in the presence of other visitors. How
ever. he finally decided to go ON. If he
were admitted he would outsit the other
man or boldly demand private inter
view. But he knew it was highly prob
able he would not be admitted.
Mr.. Caterhouse was, he had gathered
from his own slight personal observa-
ton, as well as from the newspaper re-
ports, an eccentric hypoehondriac, who
Stunned society, and evidently regarded
his niece's disappearance chiefly in the
light of bore which interrupted the
even tenor of his life. He reached the
door Just as it was opened to the first
visitor, and heard the mot at home"
that the neat maid-servant replied to
the inquiry for Mr.. Caterhouse
Us he really not in the house? Or is
he only conventionally not at home to
yisitors?" returned the young man cool
ly; then, catching sight of slight pu-
lifting of the eyebrows on the part of
Mr.. Iangrishe at this breach of good
manners, he added II wish to speak TO
him on a matter of important business"
Mr. Caterhouse is in," replied the
maid imperturbably, "but he is not well
enough to see anybody, especially on
business"
The importunate visitor pulled out his
card, and, as he scrubbed few lines in
pencil on it, he said
Il think he win see me if you give
him that"
Alick Langrishe promptly did the
came.
Il also wish to see him on business"
he explained TO the maid. IF you will
give him that message / think he will
see me-" He added to the other man
with an air of slightly supercilious cour-
tesy, "Of course l will wait till you
have had your interview with him. l
can only claim the very slightest ac-
quaintance with Mr.. Caterhouse."
Il can't claim any acquaintance with
him at ALL" replied Montresor, com
posedly, but my business with him is
urgent"
Again Langrishe slightly raised his
eyebrows, and Montresor began to be
vaguely conscious of hating this thin,
melancholy man. The maid showed the
two gentlemen into room on the
ground floor and left them. 1t was five
minutes before she returned. There was
about her an air of suppressed amuse-
ment which was imperfectly concealed
by her occurrences of manner.
Mr. Caterhouse says, sir" she said.
addressing Langrishe but including
Montresor in her glance, chat as you
have both come on the same errand he
will see you both at once
The American drew back with an in
of aloh faly
ness, and Montresor, without further
ado, preceded him out of the room and
up the stairs
They We're ushered into a small draw
ing room, very simply furnished, con
tanning indeed little more than writing
table, luxurious armchair, two
straight backed chairs and a revolving
bookcase. The windows were open. but
were so shrouded with colored muslin
curtains and partially drawn green
blinds that a semi-darkness prevailed
As his visitors entered Mr.. Caterhouse
rose from the armchair to receive them.
lie was man of about sixty. of middle
height and slender build and very erect
carriage. He had long grizzled hair and
"a dropping Lloustache. His face was
much wTinkleJ, and over one eve he
kept half closed as if even the subdued
light of the room hurt it. He was
dressed with scrupulous neatness in
somewhat old-fasrioned style. He bowed
coldly, and, looking from one to the
other of the two men, seemed to await
a statement of their errand.
Montresor plunged into the subject at
once.
81 believe I saw your niece Denzilia
last night at Nottingham"
Langrishe started slightly and frowned.
Mr.. Caterhouse said in a slow, deep,
rather husky voice
"Ah, sit down please"
He resumed his armchair and mo-
toned his visitors to the straight
backed chairs.
i regret | have not more comfortable
seats to offer you, but ] find comfortable
chairs encourage people to stay too long,
and | have not the health for visitors.
l must apologize also for the darkness
of the room, but / have only one eye,
and that a bad one. Ny reader com
plains he cannot see to read, but that
is mere excuse for Sinking his duties.
And SO you are under the impression
that you saw my niece Denzilia last
night" Hitherto he had addressed him
self to Montresor. but now he turned to
Iangrishe. And you-Mr.-a-Lang
ford"
"Langrishe," corrected the American.
"Langrishe beg your pardon! Was
1T also at Nottingham that you saw my
nieee?"
1T was replied Langrishe.
Montresor darted quick look at him,
opened his lips as il about to speak,
thought better of it, and remained
silent.
IF | am not Mistaken continued Mr..
Caterhouse in the same slow, husky
voice. "you called on me before and pre-
scented yourself as a friend of Miss
lavenham?"
AS an acquaintance" amended Lang
rishe quietly.
Are You also an acquaintance of my
niecef" Mr. Caterhouse went on, looking
at Montresor.
NO" replied Montresor bluntiy.