Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1913-03-13

Noah Nash. The name was unfamil-
lar to me, and | expressed the fact
to Mrs Higginson, and thought that
there must be a mistake.
II don't think SO, SIR" was my
landlady's reply. HE said as plain
as he could speak that he wished to
see Mr.. Lissamer."
She retired, and shortly afterward
'eappeared, ushering in the gentle
man who had inquired SO anxiously
for me downstairs. He entered the
room with a forced air of briskness,
like man who was doubtful of the
reception he might meet with, but
there was no servility in his demean
or. He was at his ease, If distrustful.
Confidence in himself was as palpa-
BILE as his want of confidence in me.
In outward appearance he was a
somewhat remarkable man. A man
slightly below the middle height,
and slightly in advance of middle age
"a thin, sharp-featured, sallow and
clean shaven individual, with two Of
the most piercing little black eyes
that had ever encountered. He was
seedy enough, poor fellow, but he
was carefully brushed and buttoned
up, and his boots, which had already
attracted Mrs. Higglnson's attention,
were certainly distinguished by their
utter badness. But his bow and his
smile were perfection-there was art
in both. 49, 4t9ea74s
ut is Mr. Lissamer, I believe,
whom l have the honor of address
ing" he said, by way of preliminary
greeting.
Yes" was my curt reply to his
polite remark. Instinctively | indi-
Gated vacant chair, and hat in hand
he bowed again, and then sat down.
Mr.. Lissamer, Of Thistlewood
street, Newington, / think may ven
ture to add" he said, deferentially.
You are quite right" i replied.
startled now; "but how did you OBJ
tain your information"
81 have lived in Thistlewood street
myself, Mr. Lissamer; hence you are
familiar to me by sight. was
brought up as doctor, and gave up
medicine for the stage. I have al
ways followed the details of my old
profession with considerable inter.
est, and | read the Lancet very regu-
larly. Thus | have come across your
letters in the November number-or
was it in October last?-and though
I hardly agree with the differences
you have drawn, they have afforded
me matter for much grave consid-
eration.'
He spoke very rapidly now, as IL
in hurry to set himself right in my
regard; and | must confess his
knowledge of me and of the theory
l had lately been ventilating in the
medical world sent him up a hum
dred per cent. in my estimation. He
was a clever man, after all, even II
he wanted money.
''Is it concerning those letters-"
I began, when he interrupted me.
Not at ALL" he fastened to ex-
plain. II merely thought that the
mention of them might stand as q
kind of introduction between us. My
object in waiting upon you is of to-
tally different character, and | trust
you will generously excuse the lib
erty l have taken in coming hither. I
am here, Mr.. Lissamer, to solicit the
honor of your patronage and sup
port for my forthcoming benefit at
the Princes Theater, In this town,
and any encouragement that you can
afford me in my earnest endeavors
to raise the standard of dramatic
taste on that occasion, and"-he
said ,edryly and less oratorically-".t to
put a few pounds in my own pocket,
which will be esteemed personal
favor which your humble servant
will not readily forget"
In plain words, you want to sell
some tickets for your benefit?" I
said.
Precisely. | prefer plain words,
sir, but | don't get on SO well with
them as I could wish. How many
shall we say?" he inquired, produc-
ing packet of pink, blue and white
tickets, neatly folded in a sheet of
writing paper.
II am quite alone In the town
L"
There is Mrs. Higginson, who
might take 1t as little return for
past attention, if you presented her
with couple of tickets for the up
per boxes, or the pitt" he said, in
sinuatingly.
Il never thought OF that"
Mrs. Higginson is fond of the
theater-when she gets an order"
he added. II have seen her and her
husband several times in the pit dur
ing the Winter months Shall we say
two upper boxes for this couple, Mr..
Lissamer?"
Very we'll"
"And for yourself? A private box,
or dress circle seat-we have not
got to stalls at the Princes yet-or
"a"
II will take seat for the dress
circle, Mr.. Nash"