The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-02-18


housekeeper?" he queried at length.
She nodded a curt affirmative.
II am Mr.. Bristow, the Attorney" ex-
planned the lawyer. He rendered his card
and voiced what he was painfully conscious
of being decidedly incoherent request for
an interview with the physician.
The woman's face did not change as she
caught the name and glanced at the card.
But, was it imagination, or did he really
detect a note of apprehension in the query
that followed:
what is your reason for wishing to see
DR.. Selden?"
A flush Of mingled confusion and resent
ment mantled Bristow's brow.
"The doctor is bothered so much by
agents and solicitors that l have orders to
exclude all persons who refuse to state in
advance the nature of their business with
him." she explained.
To Bristow this explanation lacked the
ring of sincerity. 1t appeared puerile too,
in view of the fact that she held his pro-
fessional card. Some more cogent reason,
he thought must underlie her reluctance to
admit him to the house.
"The doctor seldom receives visitors"
continued the housekeeper, pointedly. GAS
a resident of Laurens you should be aware
of that fact"
Il am not unknown to DR.. Selden,' he
said automatically. my business with hin.
is important and, pardon me, personal IL
you will kindly explain to him that the
partner of his old friend, Colonel Balm.
bridge has called regarding matter that
will i'll admit of delay believe he will not
deny me an interview
Still she hesitated, apparently debating
the propriety of turning him away
He noted with inward surprise that the
hand resting upon the door casing trembled
violently. simple request to see her en-
ployer scarcely warranted such display of
nervousness, he thought
Il will see the DOCTOR" she finally con-
scented, stepping aside that he might enter.
lie had barely crossed the threshould
when she hastily closed and locked the por-
tai.
Come this way, please" she requested,
without offering word in explanation of
her peculiar action.
The room into which Bristow followed
her was large and rich in its appointments
1t was warmed by CHEEKY open fire. Sew
eral well-filled bookcases distinguished it
library. A large mahogany table was
strewn with reading matter indicative of
scholarly taste in selection. Scattered about
the apartment were several pieces Of rare
old furniture. Bristow remembered having
heard that DR.. Selden had, while abroad,
developed a mania for collecting curious
and antique brie-a-bracc. He rightly in
ferred that these articles were some of the
fruits of the old physicians hobby.
He looked up from appreciative in
specton of these treasures of other lands
and centuries to find the housekeeper gaz-
ing at him fixedly.
II believe the doctor is in his study up
stairs" she remarked, hastily dropping her
eyes before his questioning scrutiny. HE
gave orders last night that he was to re-
main undisturbed, so did not summon him
to breakfast"
Perhaps it would be well for me to call
later" suggested Bristow.
NO. she interrupted hastily. "If he
agrees to see you at all the present time
will do as well as any other. You see, Mr..
Bristow, he is-well, trifle peculiar"
Bristow nodded comprehendingly. The
same comment could, with equal justice, be
applied to the housekeeper, he thought.
But he said
miss Nerissa-I trust she is well.'
Gas well as usual, l presume" Miss
Wrightson replied.
He imagined that there was a strained,
almost apprehensive note in her voice.
There was something decidedly odd about
this woman, he concluded Her reluctance