Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-05-02
CHAPTER XXI.
Fantasia and Capriccio.

and Bolger and Chatfield Bruce enter
ed the elaborately furnished parlor OF
the suite on the sixth floor.
Had Miss Burke seen Bruce at that
moment she would have. found certain
of her surmises going by the board.
If the young man had felt himself
wavering, he had recovered; he had
never appeared to better advantage
than now. His clothes draped to per-
lection his tall figure: even his tie
had a delicate, definite distinctness of
it's own; upon his finger cleaned the
curious ring of oriental design. Bruce's
features were composed, indicating
only a gentle inquiry and pleasure at
this unexpected meeting akain with Sir
Archibald. The latter shot his glance
steadily before him; then into his gaze
came an expression IF satisfaction.
Good breeding" thought the Eng
Iishman, and thrust his big hands into
his trousers pockets. This was an
antagonist worthy OF his mettle at ev-
cry stage, even the last.
Sir Archibald had pushed Mr.. Gold
berg rather hastily aside from table
over which the latter was bending
when Bolger's knock sounded. The
parcel, which the owner of the pearls
had quickly started to undo, Bamford
had taken pains to conceal beneath a
few newspapers, before calling out
for the newcomers to enter. Bruce's
casual glance, Sir Archibald now sur
missed, sought to find it, when the
young man turned his careless eyes
after few moments, from the other
Excellent quarters" Bruce remark
ed, his stick at his chin, looking around
i'm apparently appreciative survey OF
draperies and rugs. although these
steel cut engravings are bit conVen-
tional. Too much just what you'd
expect in any hotel, don't You know!
he laughed.
Yes: they're comfortable enough
quarters" Sir Archibald also laughed
rather shortly. although it was not
exactly for that reason | again sought
them" Briton- fashion, he leaped
without too much delay, into the
trench
Bruce, if he caught the remark, be-
trayed no inordinate curiosity as to
what reason had brought Sir Archibald
there: his seemingly tranquil look
turned to Mr.. Goldberg, hurried
confused. rather strange figure, or de-
tail of the picture.
At another time, the young man
might have smiled at the manner ir
which the other had repeatedly thrust
his stubby fingers into his hair until
now it stood up somewhat preposter-
Ously: but Bruce appeared TO find
nothing comic in that feature of the
general composition; his eyes contin-
ucd to linger tentatively on Mr.. Gold
berg. as if he hardly saw or compre-
hended that individual. in the light oi
a specific entity.
Across the room CagliOni, seated OF
| the edge of q great chair, noted and
watched. Bruces glance passed over
then returned to him, as a connossem
might hcstOw second look on GU
riously alive Japanese carved figure
or animal, poised somewhere, about tc
spring. The young man even suffered
slightly whimsical expression tt
cross his features CagliOni could di-
vine in it a thought of the night be-
fore. the plight he had been left in.
Bruce's gaze now seem to say;
We'll how did you get out OF it,
| The little man sat farther forward
still only his eyes spoke: the Other
swung his stick lightly, as if inadver'
| tcntly. The secretary yet managed
with an effort to hold himself very
| immovable: for the sake of what re-
| manned to come. Sir Archibald spoke
Il trust we are not inconveniencm&
you?" with sardonic humor
Not at ALL" said Bruce. "As | in
formed your affahle cOmmissiOnaire,
| indicating Bolger, Il was quite charm
ed to receive the glad tidings that on'
so distinguished h"d again appear"t
i'm our midst
| Ramford colored slightly; his lool
began to he disagreeable. Then W.
aren't interfering with any OF you
numerous engagements" came from
his lips with Il barely perceptlbI'
Snecr.
when | accepted your charming
| invitation. | could think of no othe
engagement at the time" answered
the young man. since then-our lit
tlc conversation in the palm room"-t'
Bolger-"a small matter has occurred
To me which may. fear, ahridge some
what our delightful interviews
| "'Abridge.' eh?" the other laughed
| harshly. YOU are in hurry to &c
il over"