Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-06-24
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the overcoat Well, I'll get rid of that
in Florida. I'll say good-by-"
He shook hands with Jepson and
with Tnacker.
"Good-by, Richard said the latter.
I'm really fond of old Jephson lere
He's been my friend in need-he
mustn't lose. l trust you, my boy"
Il won't disappoint YOU Dick Minot
promised. A look of seriousness hash
ed across his face. Miss Cynthia
changes her mind only over my dead
body" ~
He paused for a second at the door,
and his eyes grew suddenly thoughtful.
mured.,e-
Then, with smile toward the two
men left behind, he went out and down
that stenographer bordered lane to
San Marco.
CHAPTER II.
An Evening In the River.
Though San Marco is particularly
gaudy tassel on the fringe of the
tourists south, it was to the north
that Mr.. Richard Minot first turned.
One hour later he made his appearance
amid the gold braid and dignity of the
Plaza lobby.
The young man behind the desk
an exquisite creature done in Charles
Dana Gibsons manner-knew when to
be affable. He also knew when not to
be affable. Upon Mr.. Minot he turn
ed the cold flshy stare he kept for
such as were not guests under his
charge.
What is your business with Lord
Harrowby?" he inquired suspiciously.
Since when" aswed Mr. M1not
brightly, have you been in his lord
ships confldence?"
This was the young mans cue TO
vince. But hotel clerks are notorious
ly poor wincers.
1T is CUSTOMARY be began with
perfect poise.
II know" said Mr.. Minot. But
then, I'm a sort of q friend OF his
lordship."
"A sort of friend?" How well he
lifted his eyebrows!
Something like that l believe I'm
to be best man at his wedding
All, yes that splendid young man
knew when to be affable Anablllty
swamped him now.
"Boy!' he cried "Take this gen.
tleman's card to Lord narrowly"
bell boy in Zenda uniform &C.
cepted the card, laid 1t upon a silver
tray, glued it down with large New
York thumb, and strayed of Gown
gilded corridors shouting, Lord Har-
rowby."
Whereat all the pretty little debut
antes who happened to be decorating
the scene at the moment felt their
pampered hearts go pit-a-pat and, clos
ing their eyes, saw visions and dream
ed dreams.
Lord Harrowby was at luncheon,
and sent word for Mr.. Minot to join
him. Entering the gay dining room,
Minot saw at the far end the blond
and noble head he sought. He thread
ed his way between the tables. Al
though he was an unusually attractive
young man, he had never experienced
ANYTHING like the array Of stares turn
ed upon him ere he had gone ten feet.
what the devils the natter ne
asked himself 81 seem to De the
cynosure of neighboring eyes, and
then some" He did not dream that
it was because he was passing through
a dining room or democrats 10 GRASP
tn. hand of lord.
my dear fellow, I'm delighted. l
assure you---" Really, Lord Harrow
by's face should have paid closer at
tention tc his words. Just now 1t fall
ed ANONYMOUSLY In the matter OF
backing them UP.
THANK you," Mr.. Minot replied.
"Your lordship is no doubt surprised
at seeing me so soon
"Well-er-not at all. Shall | or
der luncheon"
mo, thanks. | had bite on the
way up." And Mr.. Minot dropped into
the chair which an eager waiter held
ready. Lord Harrowby, | trust you
are not going to be annoyed by what
| have TOT tell you.'
His lordship's face clouded. and