San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1926-01-17

NDmGlC was NohottVec VI NiiN hONOil-
ETY. he had already achieved; he
had caused society to part its lips
in surprise, now he was determined
that society should cry out in
amazement. He might spend a
fortune in dressing this ball and
yet not awaken some of the more
conservative from a yawning doze.
Well, this should strike them with
dynamic force. The ball was to be
given in the town house of Lord
Ardingly, Dorchester Square.
THAT" said Swete, decisively,
will admit of no refusal. There's
a magnetic attraction about cor
onet."
Society did start in amazement'
when it heard the news, but it
quickly subdued natural conjectur-
ing. After all, this extraordinary
young man had worked little mira
cles during the last four years, so
why be amazed that the dignified
house of Ardingly had taken him
to its heart?
Perhaps few of them did ask
of themselves: "What is the Sc
eret of this fellows personality?
Why is it that he has only to
raise finger or an eyebrow and
all criticism of him fades away
like a whisper in cathedral? Is
it that his charm of manner is
utterly irresistible or4s he capable
of exercising some .baneful influ-
ence?"
The ball could not have been
held in the South street house, for
it was to be on magnificent
scale. Lord Ardingly was said to
have offered his palatial place with
the mien of one who seeks a favor,
and it could be taken for granted
that all his friends who happened
to be in town would assemble there
as guests; who, then, dare refuse?
Marcus Swete, having finished
with the tradesmen who were to be
responsible for the catering and
the decorating, rang up his thea
tres and insisted on the stars" at
each being present, car would be
sent for each one after they left
the theatre. He engaged the or
chestras-two of them; one had
been commissioned for a Guild
hall affair, but Marcus Swete said:
81 wish you to come to my place
if it is possible" and that was
enough.
There were few servants kept
in the South street house and only
one of them came in personal con-
tact with the master. This was
Brasher-wonderful Brasher, val
ct. butler, confidential secretary
all in one. Faithful Brasher, who
would have given his life for this
elegant young man with the heavy
purse, who played the dandy in
the open and was the stern, bitter,
calculating man of the world in
the privacy of his own house.
Rrasher was young, but welded TO
his own was the experience of his
father, who had been valet to
Swete's father for forty years, and
was found dead by his side on that
morning of tragedy which marked
the beginning of vendetta against
society.
The telephoning finished with,
Marcus Swete rang for Brasher;
he was standing behind the chair
almost before the ringing of the
bell had ceased.
"Half an hour in the park,
Brasher, is going to do me world
of good. And ! shall be back here
to lunch at the usual time. At
five o'clock exactly he will be here;
see that everything is in order as
usual"
Brasher made no more reply
than could be given with nod Of
the head. Swete had told him so
often that his silence was worth
a dictionary of eloquence.
"He will stay only few min
utes, Brasher; the servants will be
out of the way"
Brasher was handing him his
bowler hat and walking-stick; no
need for Swete to inquire if the
cigarette case were full or if
matches were in the customary
pocket.
Beautiful morning, Brasher,"
glancing out of the window "The
ride will be crowded | suppose.
Pity we can't take a gun instead
of walking-stick. We should if
we were honest-true to ourselves,
Brasher. Stead of bowling and
scraping to passing acquaintance
we should raise the gun and let
'em have a barrel We content
ourselves with wishing that the law
approved of such proceedings, or
that our courage was great enough.
launching alone, Brasher. Thank
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