Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1912-03-08
CHAPTER v.

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, 1t 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. 1t was not nec-
essary for its fortunate tenants to
leave 1t 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
Astrurias patrons. There we're also
on the premises a bank, a brokers'
office, hairdresser, and 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 roof
garden, an exquisite bower of palms
and roses artificially painted by
famous French artist, with its rech-
erche restaurant, its picturesque
tziganes, and its superb view of all
Manhattan island.
The Astruria was the last word in
expensive apartment hotel building.
Architects declared that it was as far
as modern lavishness and extrava-
gance could go. Its interior arrange
ments were in keeping with its ex-
ternal splendor. Its apartments were
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 scale with the
grandeur of the establishment goes
without saying. Only long purses
could stand the strain. 1t was a ia
vorite headquarters for Westerners
who had Struck 1t 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 ana
roof garden were only slimly patron
lied, the elevators ran less frequently,
making less chatter and hustle in cor
ridors and stairways. Stiffness reigned
everywhere as If the SOLDERING influ-
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. Jeffries' 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 visitor whom
Lo CT
divines 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 ILL
fitting.
rs Mr.. Underwood in? he de-
manded.
mot home" replied the attendant
insolently. after pause. Like most
hall boys, he took savage pleasure
in saying that the tenants were out.
The caller looked annoyed.
HE must be in." he said with q
frown. II have an appointment with
him."
This was not strictly true, but the
bluff had the desired effect.
Got an appointment! Why didn't
you say so at once?"
Reaching lazily over the telephone
switchboard. and without rising from
his seat. he asked surlily:
whats the name"
"Mr. Bennington"
The boy took the transmitter and
spoke into 1t:
"A party called to see Mr. Under.
wood"
There was brief pause, as II the
person upstairs was in doubt whether
to admit that he was home or not.