Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1911-09-29
Copyright. iso9, by G. W
CHAPTER v.

In New 1UIh W pTONlue lUAuflOus
quarters regardless of cost for those
who can afford to pay for the best
none could rival the Astruria in size
and magnificence. Occupying an en-
tire block in the very heart of the
residential district, it took precedence
over all the other apartment hotels OF
the metropolis as the biggest and
most splendidly appointed hostelry OF
its kind in the world. 1t was, indeed
small city in itself It was not nee.
essary for its fortunate tenants to
leave it unless they were so minded.
Everything for their comfort and
pleasure was to be had without taking
the trouble to go out of doors On
the ground floor were shops of all
kinds, which catered only to the
Astruria's patrons. There were also
on the premises a bank, a brokers'
office, hairdresser, and a postal tele.
graph office. A special feature was
the garden court, containing over 30,
600 square feet of open space, and
tastefully laid out with palms and
flowers. Here fountains splashed and
an orchestra played while the patrons
lounged on comfortable rattan chairs
or gossiped with their friends Up on
the sixteenth floor was the cool root
garden, an exquisite bower of palms
and roses artificially painted by 8
famous French artist, with it's rech
erche restaurant, its picturesque
tziganes, and its superb view of al
Manhattan island
The Astruria was the last word In
expensive apartment hotel building
Architects declared that it was as fa1
as modern lavishness and extrava.
gance could go. It's interior arrange
ments were in keeping with its ex
of noble dimensions, richly decorated
and equipped with every device, new
and old. that modern science and
builders ingenuity could suggest That
the rents were on a scale with the
grandeur of the establishment goes
could stand the strain. 1t was a ia.
vorite headquarters for Westerners
who had Struck it rich wealthy
bachelors, and successful actors and
opera singers who loved the limelight
on and off the stage.
Sunday evening was usually exceed
ingly quiet at the Astruria Most of
the tenants were out of town over the
weekend, and as the restaurant and
roof garden were only SHINY patron.
ICED, the elevators ran less frequently,
making less chatter and hustle in cor.
ridors and stairways Stiffness reigned
everywhere as if the SOLDERING infiu
ence of the Sabbath had invaded even
this exclusive domain of the unholy
rich. The uniformed attendants, hav
ing nothing to do, yawned laZily in
the deserted halls. Some even In
dulged in surreptitious maps in cor
ners, confident that they would not
be disturbed Callers were so rare
that when some one did enter from
the street he was looked upon with
suspicion
1t was shortly after seven o'clock
the day following Mrs Jefries re-
ception when man came in by the
main entrance from Broadway, and
approaching one of the hall boys, in.
quired for Mr.. Robert Underwood.
The boy gave his interlocutor an
impudent stare. There was something
about the callers dress and manner
which told him instinctively that he
was not dealing with a visitor whom
he must treat respectfully. No one
divines a mans or woman's social
status quicker or more unerringly
than a servant The attendant saw
at once that the man did not belong
to the class which paid social visits
to tenants in the Astruria. He was
rather seedy looking, his collar was
not immaculate, his boots were thick
and clumsy his clothes cheap and i'll
fitting.
rs Mr.. Underwood in?" he de
handed.
Not home" replied the attendant
insolently, after pause. Like mos
hall boys, he took savage pleasure
IN saying that the tenants were out.
The caller looked annoyed.
He must be in" he said with
frown. 81 have an appointment will
him."
This was not strictly true, but thu
bluff had the desired effect.
Got an appointment! Why didn'
you say so at once?"
Reaching lazily over the telephon
switchboard, and without rising iron
Ills seat, he asked surlily:
What's the manner"
Mr.. Bennington"
The boy took the transmitter an
spoke into It:
"A party called to, see Mr. Under
wood"
There was brief pause, as If tn
person upstairs was in doubt whethe
70 admit that he was home or no
ihen came the answer. The be
looked up
He says you should go up. Apar
"ent l65. Take the elevator