Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-08-27

trouble by that interview. gave out
concerning the new method of fire.
proo6ng woodwork In Office buildings
and hotels. It occurred to me after
ward that he is violently opposed to
the system. I advocated it. He'll have
al might say a devil of time ex-
planning his change OF front"
AS a matter of fact, when Medcroft,
hiding in London. saw the reproduced
interview in the Times, together with
editorial comments upon the extraordi-
nary attitude Of a supposedly conserva-
/ tive Englishman Of recognized ability,
| he was tried almost beyond endurance.
| For the next two or three days the
| newspapers printed caustic contribu-
tons from fellow architects and build
ers. in each of which the luckless Med
| croft was taken to task for advocating
an impractical and famous New York
| hobby in the way of construction, some
| thing that staid old London would not
even tolerate OF discuss. The social
chronlclings Of the Medcrofts in Vi
emma as dispatched by the correspond
eats Offset this unhappy bull to some
extent in so far as Medcrofts peace Of
mind was concerned, but nothing could
have drawn attention to the fact that
he was not in London at that partic-
ular time so decisively as the Vienna
interview and its undefended front.
Even his shrewdest enemy could not
have suspected Medcroft Of a patience
which would permit him to sit quiet in
1 London while the attacks were going
on He found some small solace in the
reflection that he could make the end
justify the means.
On their return TO the Bristol. Brock
and Miss Fowler found the fair Edith
In a pitiful state of collapse. She de-
clared over and over again that she
could not face the Rodneys. It was
more than should be expected Of her.
She was sure that something would 90
wrong Why-oh. why was it neces-
sary to deceive the ROdn2ys? Why
should they be kept in the dark? why
wasn't RoxbuTy there 10 counsel wise
ly. and more. ad infnitum. until the
distracted pair were on the point OF
deserving the cause She finally dis
solved into tears. and would not listen
10 reason, expOstulation or persuasion.
1t was then that Brock cruelty but eff
fectively declared his intention TO abdi-
cate, rs he also had i reputation to
preserve. WhereupCn. with q fine
sense OF distinction she lared up and
accused him of treachery to his best
friend Roxbury MedcrOft. who was re-
posing the utmost confidence in his
friendship and loyalty. How could she
be expected to go on with the play If
he, the man upon whom everything
depended. was TO turn tail in a critical
hour like this?
How can you have the heart to
spoil everything" she cried indignant
Iy. He looked at her in fresh amaze
ment. "Roxbury would never forgive
you. We have both placed the utmost
confidence in you. Mr.. Brock. and
"'Sh. Say, 'Roxbury. dear" inter
posed the practical Constance. The
walls may have ears. my dears."
b Then Mrs Medcroft plaintively I'm
plored his forgiveness and said that
: she was miserable and ashamed and
= very unappreciative. Brock. in deep
I humility begged her pardon for his
D not to offend again.
i THE first quarrel" cried Constance
i delightedly. How nicely you've made
0 It up. And you've been married less
D than a week."
: "Roxbury and didn't have our first
J quarrel until we'd been married a
= year." said Edith rehectively
e "Oh. say. Edith" exclaimed Brock.
: with a dark frown. I'D rather you
e wouldn't be forever extoIling the good
:. qualities or my predecessor. It's very
0 bad taste. Very much like the pie:
mother used to make"
o Silly" cried Medcrofts wife, now
5 In fine humor.
! Besides. ROI is an Englishman. II
e would take him a year TO produce q
: quarrel. The American husband is moi
n so COMPOUNDED slow. / won't live VI
4 to Roxbury In everything"
: 1t was decided that Constance should
greet the Rodneys upon their arrival
d The Medcrofts were not to appear I'm
l. til dinner time Afterward the entire
I party would attend the opera, which
e WAS then IN the closing week Brocl
8 WIN SPleuuiu proulSailLf ndu taken I
), box for the final performance Of
= Tristan und Isolde" 1t is not out o
? place to remark that Brock loathet
: the Wagnerian opera. He was OF
a The Mikado" cult He took the seat!
with a definite purpose in mind to cas-
!. the burden OF responsibility upon hi
u wife, who would be forced to extend
I herself in the capacity of hostess. Civ
4 ing him the much needed opportunity
to secure safe footing In the dark are,
n OF uncertainty. he believed himse!
? capable of diverting the youthful Mis-.
Rodney and his discreet sister-iu-law
/ but be was consumed by an dnholy
I dread Of Rodney pere Something toll
q him that this shrewd American bust
ness man was not the Kind who would
|. have the wool pulled over his eyes b!
e any one. Brock felt that the supper
Of Constance was Of greater valu'