The Washington herald., 1913-09-28
.sand Mysterious Society Burglar Stories Number
M WHICH A SOCIETY CONFIDENCE
WOMAN fNSNARGS A MIL LLlONAlRE-

in it. I'd like to stumble on to anything
unusual Maybe that's why I read the
Personals '"
Its only the evidence of morbid
mind" the other assured him quickly.
"You'll be taking to the obituary column
next"
What would you have me do: sit be-
fore the fire here until my feet get so
accustomed to the heat ri have TO wear
overshoes to bed-or have Chilblains for
breakfast" He dealt largely in after
thoughts.
"Tnlinghast you ought to open An office
downtown and do something" said the
other seriously. for he dabbled in business
three months of the year.
I'D rather open bottle uptown and
do nothing" was the abrupt reply, as
Tillinghast rose. busted the ashes from
his immaculate afternoon trousers, and
bade his friend a curt gOOdby.
Tillinghast was horrible example. even
in the Van Rensselaer, Club, where
wealthy idlers were the rule. 1t was said
that he would sit up all night rather than
take his shoes off alone il his man were
not there TO put the trees in them. Some
pitied him for having absolutely no ambi-
ton, further than that of spending his
hundred thousand dollar a year income.
He stepped into his limousine at the
door and sat for several minutes, wonder
ing vaguely what to do with the after
noon.
"Oh. I ought to pick out some place
cards for the dinner tomorrow, he
sighed guitily. mo, I'm not! It's quite
too tedious" Through the speaking t'foe
he abruptly ordered his driver to take
him to 2A West Thirty-fifth Street
Sinking back comfortably on the cush-
ions he pressed the button at his side
and out slid little gold cigarette box.
the cover open. Tillinghast idly selected
a cigarette and puffed it meditatively
until the car came to stop before his
number.
He threw the stump away reluctantly
and sauntered up the steps to the dingy.
brown-stOne front, as though bent on an
woman. with brilliant eyes and COM
pIexion to match. which showed the raw
ages of time and pigment, answered his
ring.
MAY see Miss McArthur?" he asked.
The woman looked AT him, her face
twisted into an uneasy smile.
you amt reporter or anything like
that" she Queried.
No" answered TilIinghast. I'm
afraid I couldn't qualify. II you will tell
Miss Macarthur I believe l can give her
some information concerning the lady she
is advertising for, l think she will see
me"
she hasn't been seein' anybody for a
week or two, sir"
Not i'll. / hOpe?''
NO. but she's not seein' anybody. I'll
tell her you're here. though"
She disappeared. and in a moment re-
turned to direct Tillinghast to the par
lor floor room.
..R Ice g. Az nv
observed TillinGhast. as he raped at the
high panelled door. II glided open some
three inches and he caught a glimpse of
a bold brass bed within. and flaring cur
tains of red silk at the window. He
could see nothing more, but easily imag-
ined the rest. It was a typical room OF
a burlesque star. a second woman with
musical comedy, or hundred dollar
won an in vaudeville Something quite
above the Thespian average in rooms,
but somewhat below the real thing
You have information about Mime
Flaubert?'' came a charmingiy mOdu-
lated voice from within.
Marvelling at its freshness and wishing
for a glimpse of the occupant of the
room. Tillmghast replied that he did
know something OF the lady in question,
and asked if he might come in.
Il would prefer YOU didn't" there was
a slight panied catch in the splendid
voice Cant you tell me through the
door,
a key-hole conversation is seldom sat
isfactory" answered Tillinghast, Consum-
ing curiosity wearing through the thin
glaze of his accustomed lassitude. What
is the great mystery? Are you veiled
lady of the Orient-or a lately landed
mermaid
''NooO-o-neither" the voice answered.
but I wish-Oh, You may come in."
At that moment the door opened ab-
ruptly and Tillinghast stepped into the
spacious back parlor room. The woman
had backed toward one of the windows;
her profile was lost as she looked through
the pane. turning her face almost com
pletely from him. But the poise of her
head. adapted so we'll to the grace OF her
figure, made a charming picture. The
fush on her cheek, heightened by the