New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-02-08
CHAPTER III. An Evening in the KiVer

THOUGH san Marco is q particularly g"uly t'a3ol
L ~, the fringe Of the tourists south, 1t was TO the
north that Richard Anot first turned one hour I',cr
he made his appearance amid the gold brad aid dlSHI!
Of the Plaza lobby.
The Young man behind the dcsl,-an exquisite crea-
tirc done in Charles Dana Gibson best manner
,v when 10 be afable. He also knew when not to De
.fNc Upon Alinot he turned the cold, shy stare nc
kept for such as were not guests under ms charge.
@Wbat IS your business with Lord llarrowby' he
inquired suspicously
Since when. asked Ninot brightly have YOU been
in his Lordships confidence,
This was the young mans cue to vince. But hotel
clerks are VIGOROUSLY poor wincers III Is cuS'o"!
he began with perfect polsc.
81 know, said Alinot. But, then, I'm sort OF
friend OF his Lor'lship.
"A sorof fricnd," How well he lifted his eyebrows
something like that. | believe I'm to be best man
at his wedding.
All. YES that splendid young man knew when to be
aTabei Afability swampcd him now Boy he
cried Take this gentleman card to Lord narrowly
belboy in q Zenda uniform accepted the card, Lana
il uDon silver tray. glued it down with large New
York thumb, and straycd off down gildcd corridors
shouting Lord iawowby
Whereat al the pretty little debuantes who happened
to be decorating the scene ut the moment icIt their
papered hearts 20 pitapat and closing Their eyes, saw
visions and dreamed dreams.
AttltNl4C)IIi
AIinot to Join him. Entering the gay dining room,
inot saw at the far end the blond and noble head he
sought He threaded his way between the tables Al
though he was an unusually attractive young man, ne
had never experienced anything like the array OF stcs
turned upon him ere he had gone ten feet Nv hat the
devils the natter, he asked himself Il seem to be the
c,-nosurc Of ncighboring cycs-and then somc lie dd
not dream that it because he was passing through
u dining room OF democrats TO grasp the hand vi Lord
"AIy dear fellow, I'm delighted assure you. Really,
Lord narrowly face should have paid closer attention
70 his words Just now it failed ANONYMOUSLY IN the
matter OF backing them up.
Thank YOU, Alinot replied. Your Lordship IS no
doubt surprised at seeing me so soon
We'll er-not at all. Shall order luncheon"
40, thanks | had bite on the way up. And
Alinot dropped into the chair an eager waiter held
ready Lord Iarrowby, | trust YOU are not going to
be annoyed by what have to tell you.
His Lorlships face couded, and worry entered the
mild blue eyes. 81 hope there's nothing wrong about
the policy.
Nothing whatever. Lord IIarrowby, Mr. Jephson
trusts YOU implicitly
so perceived this morning. was deeply touched
1T was -cr-t touching" AIinot smiled bit Gym
ically. Understanding as YOU do how Mr. Jcphson
feels toward YOU, YOU will realize that is in no sense
Is reflection YOU that office viewing this matter
in purely business light, has decided that someone
must go San Marco with YOU, who will pro-
tect Mr.. Iephsons interests"
Your Office SAID his Lor1shp, rejecting "You
mean Mr.. Thacker, don't you?"
Could it be that the fellow was not so slow as he
seemed?
MIR. Thacker is the head Of our Office, smiled
Alinot at has been thought best that someone 90
with you, Lord Harrowby, someone who will work