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20
THE KTTSBUIIG DISPATCH, SUOT)AT, -NOVEMBER, 3, 1889.
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TfEfEAEE BY
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V
A STORY OF A BRITON
Written for The Pittsburg Dispatch
-BY-
A. OAKEY HALL.
1TD so yonder lies 'the
Home of the Exile,
downtrodden and
free!'"
These words, mut
,tered rather than out-
. spoken, were ad
dressed by one passen
ger to another on
board of the steam
ship Gallia, as a few
evenings ago she was steaming about snnset
time along the southern coat oi x.ong
Island and making for Sandy Hook. Both
were John Bulls to their very phlegmatic
cores.
The speaker was a very handsome young
man of athletic form, of refined features and
aristocratic presence on whose face rested
shadows ot ennui, ill-assorting with his age.
The addressed passenger was a thick-set.
pudgy man, with Hebraic cast of counte
nance, whose looks bore an imprint of cyni
cism. They had struck acquaintanceship
in St. George's channel, and both being
good sailors had been in every respect "fel
lows" during the passage.
Tes, those are outlying shores of the
Empire State. Home of the exile, it has
been, as the shades ot Emmet, Louis Phil
lips, Louis Napoleon and Garibaldi could
bear witness; home, too, of the downtrodden;
but how much longer America will continue
to be such a home depends upon politicians
and labor-Socialists who have already begun
to exclude nationalities and artisans. But
yonder is not what may be called a home of
the free. The mob and the press have re
duced Americans to a sort of servitude."
The pudgy passenger spoke hesitatingly,
as if weighing bis words, as a commonger
would weigh half sovereigns or quarter
eagles of gold. The youngster seemingly
half listened only as if weighing his own
thoughts instead of his companion's words.
Yet he responded: "And yet it is to be the
Dome oi my exile ana wnere a na.u. ire hot
at least oi suggestive wibiunuuc
The pudgy passenger was a keen observer.
He had not "been a "Wall street broker for 15
years without acquiring a detective faculty,
a jndgment of men and becoming an assayer
of motives, He had wiwout attracting mucn
attention studied the youngster, and had
molded much of the latter's observations into
a fancied story as to his past.
"We shall soon go our various ways. Ton
already have my card. Do not fail to call
and see me as soon as yon find it practicable.
I may be useful to you, an exile, and per
haps save you Irom being downtrodden in
this land of the 'free and easy. "
vl&" sins
Wk The other slichtly shrugged his shoulders.
perhaps from habit; cut ne acceptea tne
guerdon of courtesy with a pleasant smile
and turned toward the cabin.
Beaching his stateroom he encountered in
the passageway his body servant, still pale
and weak from mal de mer, yetwearing a
self-satisfied grin as he found the vessel
nearing port.
"Is vonr lordship ready to be vaccinated?
I hear we are soon to be in quarantine,
where the doctors get fees for plugging your
arm with "
"Hush, Mivins, you forget. There is to
be no lordshipping over here. You have
stowed that stuff all the voyage not a soul
oil board knows who I am and no one in
America shall ever know. To you and
to everybody I am plain Mr. Carson, an old
name in our family, and the moment you
offend we part company and you return
home, for all your seven years of excellent
service in ourknockings about the world."
The body servant touched his forelock,
and admitted that in the joy of coming near
land he had "slipped his memory." It was
plain to see by the dialogue which followed
as to directions and acceptances of orders
that master and Bervant had been on terms
of intimate understanding for a long time.
There were few points in Europe, Asia and
Africa accessible to tourists that they had
not visited. Milord held a courtesy title as
the younger son of a deceased duke, and
brother of the living successor, whose two
sons seemed to be a perpetual bar against
any hopes of the younger brother succeed
ing to the family honors. These were im
pressed at present upon impecuniosity.
There were historic titles, domains mort
gaged to the last roofcerie, and there was a
husbanding of every shilling beyond the
Jaw of waste. Milord who at Cambridge
had been crack oarsman, unrivalled crick-
fe eter. well np in the list as a wrangler and
mst toe uesi uuer, jeuucr auu muieie ui uis
college naa ior some time enjoyea a goomy
income. But. although no gambler nor
bookmaker at races, nor given to gross vices,
he had been no saver of money; and when
the family crash came he found himself
with a world-wide experience of men, lan
guages, climes and manners, but the pos
sessor of only a small annuity the legacy
of a dowager aunt and of amount jnst suf
ficient to keep nim on the living list for ne
cessities, and with the only real luxury left
him in the aid of a faithful servitor who
blended the faculties of friend and body
servant. Caring not to be prodded by so
cial bayonets in the "battle of life" on
English soil, he had preferred emigration to
America rather than to Australia, where
English gossip was as busily rampant as in
Mayfair or Scarborough.
In a few days Carson had accepted the
post of private secretary to the banker, and
lound himself installed at a fair salary in an
occupation which gave him ail his hours
after 4 o'clock of each day. His easy man
ners, his imperturbability and curious pa
tience made him in only a lew weeks a great
favorite with his employer, who treated him
more as a friend than as a subordinate.
Carson also won upon the habitues of the
office. In a few months he became well
known on 'change, and was often invited to
dinners and evening entertainments. At
the former he seldom ate or drank. His
soup-spoon and fish knife became mere toys
then, but his conversation was frequent and
attractive. He knew the art of the talker
in sinking self and starting topics that in
terested the self-love or sympathy of listen
ers. He took conversation as a game ot
I.j.. .... 1 ViatftAA Btld Clllf flannel ..
t(UCVUliVU whvuui. Mutt auuiMbkVVkj UC4I.
ly returning with interested stroke a deliv
ered topic. iui ne never oetrayea aeep in
terest. His throws were cynical, but never
offensively nor drearily so. There seemed
to be a subtle xnvstery about him that was
implied only. He baffled the curiosity of
matrons in tne most teasingly indifferent
manner. The chatty American girl would
often be piqued at his want of enthusiasm.
His expensive stastes in carriage hire,
changes of dress, books, and in menus that
rather gratified the eye than impressed the
Jialate all kept his purse thin, but he had
earned how to marry thrift to desires. He
suffered only one extravagance the hire of
the faithful Mivens.
Time hung heavy around the latter's
seek. He could not, like Mark Tapley,
become jolly under adverse circumstances.
He missed his mnsic hall of the evening.
By day his old nook in a "pub" was ex
changed for the noisy tipple amid a crowd
-' of smugglers at an American "bar." These
shocked his traditions. He missed his
lounge alone the railincrs of Botten Bow in
IHyde Park. "Everybody is bo busy here,"
be would remark to his incognito lordship;
-j. nave neen tnrough Central .raricthis
afternoon, and the carriage folk and eques
trians seem from their look to be doine the
Ijark only under medical advice."
xntu sneering ennui that as often visits
pughlifo. below" u above "stairs," there Jjcys of her crienas. No one seat other than.
llk I
lOSKBY.
IN AMERICAN SOCIETY.
came one day to Mivins a curious incident.
Several months after the exiles had ex
changed Astor House comforts for apart
ments, one of the newspapers that originate
rumors for other papers to deny contained
an article of which the following is an ex
tract: "There also recently arrived an eccentric
nobleman who intends to 'do' our country
without divulging his identity. He affects
the disguise of a valet and courier, and it is
said plays his part with a perfection of act
ing that would do honor to any theater," etc.
This extrart Tell under the notice of Mrs.
Mortimer Merton, a widow lady of fortune
and social clevernesSj who was known in
Kew York society as its Mrs. Leo Hunter.
Celebrities especially from "foreign parts"
formed an element of her social craze
whenever luncheons, dinners or receptions
were to occur at her hospitable menage in
"Upper-ten-dora." She read the reference
over and over with sparkling eyes, and
called her daughter in her tenth season of
Madam Mortimer Merton,
bellehood in consultation. They conversed
of how to obtain a clew. "Yet the masked
nobleman must come into evidence some
where." So, for at least a fortnight, Madam Mor
timer Merton converted herself into a detec
tive at all social gatherings, asking pertina
ciously, "Have you, my dear, heard any
thing about an eccentric nobleman who"
etc., etc. Soon chance threw into her way a
clew that diligent search had failed to
evolve.
n.
Mivins was cooling his ennui by violating
an ordinance of Central Park in exploring
its thickets and treading its verdure with
all the quietude and stealthiness of a
poacher, when he heard a half stifled shriek
proceeding from the neighboring bridle
path. Gaining its skirts he saw a young
girl clinging to her saddle pommel, while
her horse quite a docile looking animal
was running away with a portion of the
bridle unbuckled. Meantime a dazed look
ing groom was coming up behind. Mivins,
who, in halcyon days gone by, had in many
seasons ridden to hounds in attendance en
his master, and was himself a cool hand
with restive horses, instantly ran onward
until the excited steed reached him. While
the animal was still rnnning he seized the
curb rein and soon had the animal in check.
He then disengaged the affrighted lady and
laid her upon the side of the bank as the
stupid groom came up, to whom the rescuer
dealt a few sarcastic remarks with allusions
to the groom's better horse, and his want of
presence of mind.
They found that the voung girl soon re
covered from the shock. Taking Mivins'
hand she began to pour out her heart in
thankful words. She asked for his card,
and the groom shyly added something about
her father, "who "would be happy to know
who had been so heroic" Mivins merely
said: "I have been something of a groom
myself and am now only a body servant.
Wherefore, my name can be of no service and
I am only glad to have accidentally proved
of aid." "Thus saying he touched his hat
Mivins bad caught graces and such magnetic
assistances as residence amid good breeding
inspires and disappeared in the bushes.
But not before he bad unknowingly dropped
from his pocket a used envelope post
marked from England and bearing his ad
dress. The young girl's sharp eyes saw it,
while the dull vision of the groom missed it,
and in a moment it was in the pocket ot her
riding dress.
Naturally the incident soon became a
family topic, and the story was duly told the
next evening at one of Mrs. Mortimer Mer
ton's stereotype receptions, to the great de
light of that lady.
"What luck," she exclaimed, "and an ex
groom? And he claimed to be a body ser
vant? Have you not read about the dis
guised and eccentric English nobleman?
Exchanging Confidences.
What luck indeed! It must be he. But"
she added, under her newly bridged teeth
"I shall be the first to take advantage of the
lucky discovery."
Before the '"lights had fled, or the gar
lands were dead," the scheming hostess had
duly written to the address copied from the
truant envelope her compliments. Her B, 1
S. V. P. card requested the pleasure of the
company, etc., etc., on Wednesday evening
fortnight to dinner. She sealed it with her
crest, as befitted the destiny of the missive
the motto being, Fortunajuvataudaces.
Meanwhile "Mr. Carson," solely to oblige
his employer, had compromised with his
dislike of society and accepted an jnvitation
to a large evening party; and while the
Central Park incident was actually in
progress had been gossiping with one of his
fellow banking clerks who eagerly coached
the "Britisher" on the methods and char
acteristics of New York societv.
Jn the evening after his littfe coaching he
made his debut at the reception of Mrs.
Judge Stevens, a friend and banking client
of his employer. Her exactions as hostess
were few and simple, but rigid. Her talk
ers aria dancers must be fine looking and
graceful, with morals not too plainly
stained with naughtiness ; and they must
wear unexceptional evening dress. Mrs.
Jndge Stevens as a hostess knew the value
of tasteful toilets in the foreground when
differentiated against a background of black
coats and white linen. Her husband, who
had died of gout induced by the prime old
Sercial that has utterly disappeared from
the face of the earth as has the mastodon,
had left her a large fortune, and the knowl
edge of how to nurse it and use it to advan
tage. Childless, she became a social
mother-in-law to her guests of young
women and young men. She had lived in
many lands and had skimmed the creme of
the best societies abroad. She was a typical
hostess in knowing how to drown her self
consciousness in the industrious streams of
...:- a .i il. .r.- .J
a sternly necessary regret for invitations to
her dinners and entertainments.
"You are very fortunate, Mr. Carson,"
said a sparkling young beauty to him on an
introduction, "in being, as a stranger, so
soon invited to Mrs. Judge Stevens' house.
Now if these were Mrs. Mortimer Merton's
drawing rooms, I might say you were a
nobleman. She is as fond of celebrities as
is your London World newspaper."
Carson's face slightly flushed at the un
conscious hit, and he retorted: "Are noble
men then so much sought after as our Welsh
saddles of mutton?"
"I do not say with the old saw ravenous a
nos mouton, for I prefer what yonr people
call 'grass lamb.' Yes, we have a craze on
noblemen. For instance, look at that group
under the Millet picture yonder. Matrons
and daughters are clustered around that
recently arrived baronet, Sir Eredenc
Murray."
Carson looked in the direction, and bis
imperturbability slightly faltered in look
and tone, for the personage in process of
being adored was not that baronet, whom he
well knew. "Eich, I presume, and mar
riageable?" he interrogatively answered.
"Oh, yes. and he brought splendid letters.
Beside, the baronetage tells all about him."
"And do letters and a printed book con
stitute all that American families accept as
social vouchers?"
The tete-a-tete was interrupted by the po
lite "beg pardon'' and an introduction to
the chatty beauty, while Carson passed over
toward the group around the baronet and
soon obtained an introduction. "Shall I
roast or roost and play detective," he
thought to himself.
"You also, I bear, are from England; are
you much acquainted there," said the "bar
onet," with a faintly suspicious falter in his
tone.
"So, indeed, for I am only of the middle
class a banker's clerk, and of course go
little into such society as yours, Sir Fred
eric." The latter put his glass to his eyes, gave a
haughty stare, and seemingly .relieved,
stonily said, "Quite so. I fancied as much.
Of course of course," and turned away to
pose before a matron with two daughters
garlanded for any chance matrimonial sac
rifice. Carson soon took occasion to rejoin another
chatty young American to whom he had
been presented and who had graciously
asked to point out a few of the noted guests.
"Well, yonder stands a veteran ex
diplomatist and historian, who was many
years iu Paris. Note his tall form, his
Bomanesque profile and pose. You see I
commence at American beginning, for his
great grandfather was a veritable aboriginal
chieftain of the Mohawk tribe near Albany.
See, he yet shows the skull and high cheek
bones of the Indian. How courtly his bow,
engendered of European atmospheres, to the
lady he pauses before."
"And she why she seems a veritable
annn winrlnut tt lanralii oo alia bife "
"The wife of a millionaire by inheritance, '
and of German ancestry. His grandfather
explored Alaska as a furrier long before
Bebring Straits became a crooked element
of diplomatic combat There are other
races "to right of them, races to left of
them" all types of blood-crossings in
American residents. Perhaps every civil
ized country of the world is represented in
the guests present For instance, at the end
of the room by the crystal mirror is an ex
Mayor of this city, whose paternal grand
father was of your country and the grand
mother was once a hat weaver in Wales;
wnose maternal grandfather was a Hollander
and the grandmother a Frenchwoman. He
married the daughter of a lady who was
Manx and who married a Canadian."
"Fancy!" languidly responded Mr. Car
son; "you positively reckon ancestrv here
by multiplication; we Britons only by the
algebraic quantities of an 'X' among the
Druids and the unknown quantity of a 'Y'
among Normans."
"While this reception is somewhat re
markable for wealth it is more notable for
"brains." Brain power here as in London
does not accumulate wealth, but here as in
London wealth tn its hospitality renders
homage to the brains that guide pen and
pencil. Yes, the brunette gentleman lean
ing on the chair lined with tapestry is a lit
erary man and not a millionaire. He is a
journalist of skill and power. Not so much
at present a writer as a suggestor to other
writers. He plans a campaign for a re
porter. He finds the latter in ammunition,
shows him vantage ground, deploys hjs
battalion of penworkers and oversees their
foraging. His hand is never removed from
the lever of his journal. In all this he is
aided by his wife over whom he is fondly
bending that is she, the blonde in dimples
with arms and bust that sculptors sigh to
place in marble. Near him is anqther Nes
tor of journalism a grand combination of
Echabod and Shylock. One who realizes
the Mazeppa liner as to the patient search
of him who treasures up a wrong.
The conversation was here interrupted by
a tap on Carson's back from the fan of the
first" piquant beauty whom he had met on
his entrance and of whom he had been in
search. "What an automaton in our so
ciety a Briton is," she began gaily and as
confidentially as if she had known him for
ages. "I have been observing you. You
have reminded me of images I saw in your
Madame Toussaud's exhibition, or in our
own Eden Musee. Do you Britons ever
show, animation or exhibit a sentiment even
when talking it? Is every Briton "used
up" at at well let us say, thirty?" And
she slightly blushed. As did he, for he had
been only that moment impressed with the
beauty of her eyes and with the elastic
stamp of enthusiasm upon her features.
Enthusiasm and volubility in a woman
were rare qualities to him.
He became conscious of positively feeling
a new sensation. Instinctively his hand
went to his pulse. It was actually beating
fast, and for a moment this wearied scholar
of the mundane was embarrassed. This
feeling increased when he semi-awkwardly
adde'd: "I am frightfully forgetful, don't
you know, and I really cannot recall the
name by which you were introduced."
She laughed reproachfully, but rallying,
repeated, "Dontcherknow; and indeed I
don't know whether you are a forgetful per
son. But pardon me. It was not I who
was introduced, for I 'fancy' that is the
proper English word, I think that you
were introduced to me. My name was then
mentioned as Vera Bosebery.".
"I could not have heard it, or I never
would have forgotten it truth, flowers and
fruit aptly conjured in a name that is evi
dently appropriate."
"Am I a conjurer to have suddenly
awakened you from a state oi Bocial syncope
to this one of trite compliments?"
"Not trite, but heartfelt Burely," he re
sponded, as his face for a moment lost its
habitual stolidity.
She instantly, with a new blush, changed
the subject and added, "Tell me if I have
what you call an American accent Do
you know pardon me I should have said
dontchcrkuiiw when I was in London two
years ago everybody challenged my Ameri
can accent. Now here we do not challenge
your British accent, but pass it by."
"Is it noticeable, then?"
"Now let me be British 'Bawther.'"
He felt the hit to be clever and smiled
showing a fine set of white Saxon teeth
then good humoredly said, "Please give me
tome more examples."
"Well, in general if we Americans speak
from the nose at times, especially during
blizzards, you seem to possess a grill in
your throats which broils language drawl
ingly. I could travel were I a French or
German woman all over England did I
know only two words 'Fancy' and 'Quite
so.' You say 'cultsha' for culture. Your
letter 'a' becomes as broad as our rivers;
and instead of being 'sure' of a thing you
are 'sher of it.' But why accumulate in
stances? Accent, after all, is a mere inter
national game of give and take."
Carson with all his imperturbability
could at this juncture have brained the
"dude" who at this moment came and
claimed Miss Vera for a "dawnse." He,
too, was on accent bent; but it was a poor
imitation of a Curzon street drawl. Miss
Vera Bosebery also looked annoyed, and as
she was borne away like a Zenobia at the
wheels of a conqueror the Briton again felt
the strange and new sensation of having
been socially magnetized he the "used up"
blaze tourist of the world. He watched
her in the adjoining roomj evidently danc
ing mechanically and clearly absorbed in
her thoughts. His own absorption fol
lowed as he took leave, and it did not de
sert him when he reached his rooms and
encountered Mivins who was also in even
ing dress.
(Then the invitation came for the latter
under the supposition that he was a noble
man in disguise, he took counsel at once of
his master, who, relishing the contreteums,
advised him to accept and coached him in
the role he was to play. He was simply to
deny the imputation, and to insist upon the
great honor done him, to marvel at the con
descension and be natural. "If I indulge
in the extravagance of a body servant, why
should he not minister to my fun?"
in.
Months had elapsed since their landing,
and Mivins -had found in a member of the
detective staff of the city police one with
whom during a visit of the latter to London
he had become "chummy." This was one
of the shrewdest of his class and who had
passed an ordinary lifetime as a modern
Fouche. He was familiarly known as
Golden Tim a soubriquet as well under
stood at Scotland Yard as at the Mulberry
police headquarters. Under his guidance
Mivins had "seen the sights" of Manhattan
to their realistic maximum.
One can estimate therefore the surprise
with which Golden Tim on the evening of
Mrs. Merton's reception saw Mivins the
center of an eager group of guests who were
evidently deferential to him. Well they
might be for the hostess, with many smirks
and smiles and implied innuendoes had
bruited it around that there was the eccen
tric nobleman a veritable "Lord Bateman
ot high degree," who was incognito explor
ing the Slates and looking out for a wife,
while concealing his identity. Of course,
Golden Tim was thus iar ignorant of the
A OiXLAKI KESCUE BY THE UNKNOWN.
cause and ot the romantic relations of
Mivins and his little public.
Equal surprise came upon the latter per
son when a mirror in front of him revealed
the features of the detective. Presently
they met
"Not a word as to my identity," was about
the hushed and whispered salutation of
each.
"Identity indeed," quoth the body ser
vant, "I have lost mine. The conversation J
of the hostess and of nearly all the people
here seems that of Queer street But as you
ask why I am here, how is it you are?"
"I am only professionally known to Mrs.
Merton. I attend many receptions and
weddings, and my face becomes known to
many guests without their guessing my
vocation. Know that not only ground
swells, and not a few of the swell mob ob
tain forced entrance to these entertainments;
whereat it is a wise host who knows all his
guests but the bona fide guests that I am
employed to watch."
"To watch?"
"There are light fingers in the fashiona
ble, as in the adventure world. Many a
wedding present disappears. Manv an
ornament falls to well, let me say the
floor, and is never found by its owner.
Beside, I am advised to watch this evening
one particular chap."
"Who is he?"
"Never you mind yet; but I'll tell you
before long. Bnt what has been done to
you that you are losing your identity?"
Before Mivins could speak the question
was practically answered by another group
settling around him, led by the ubiquitous
Mrs. Leo Hunter.
"Was your lordship I beg pardon"
there was a little blush here as if apologiz
ing for undue eagerness "were you wearied
of listening to compliments?" she said.
"Here are several who wish introductions
to you and who have heard of your prowess
in the park."
Introductions followed and she confiden
tially whispered to the detective: "So you,
too, are on the scent." And she rolled her
eyes significantly in the direction of Miv
ins. The former, not understanding, or rather
misunderstanding her reference, whispered
in response, "I feel sure he is not what he
represents himself to be." But the detect
ive was referring to the Baronet, on whom
the suspicions ot Mulberry street officials
had already fallen. Her eyes twinkled
with triumph as she answered in one of her
mysterious whispers, "Of course he is not,
but what can his rank be?"
"No rank at all, I fear. He may be an
impostor."
"Impostor? Impossiblel" and her face
lengthened.
"But I must attend to him now as the
supper crush is beginning," and Golden
Tim made his way toward the frantic,
hungry crowd in the adjoining room, fol
lowed by the bewildered Mrs. Leo Hunter.
Presently three persons emerged from the
supper room two of whom, a man and a
woman, were evidently in a state of excite
ment The other was a detective, cool as an
icicle on Chamouni.
"What means thisimpertinence."said the
man.
"This is my accepted husband," added
the lady to the detective. "What do you
mean by this behavior?"
She was an imperious and well-preserved
matron a widow of family and fortune.
"A short time ago you were wearing in
your hair, madam, an ornament composed
of an opal surrounded by diamonds."
She put her hand to her coiffure. It was
gone.
The man turned pale.
"Did you pick it up? I have dropped it."
The detective with a quick yet quiet move
mentranhisbandinto the man'sbreast pocket
and pulled out the ornament, while the false
Baronet aimed an ineffectual blow at his as
sailant "See what they are doing to Sir Frederick
Murray," cried a lady coming toward them.
At this some groups rushed toward where
the three were standing. The detective, in
a low voice, said, as he slightly touched the
wig : "Bod Sutten, you are dead to rights;
come out quietly and avoid a scene."
But the lady had diverted attention by
fainting.
She was at least saved from a wretched ex
istence ou the other side of the water such
as several American heiresses have known
who blundered into wedlock.
Mrs. Merton instantly became a Niobe, so
fvu "tears idle. tu"v'were. conosrae
and, like many women pnzzled in any
emergency, turned for blame upon the near
est person, who happened to be Mivins:
"If I have heard rightly in my astonished
frame of mind, the Baronet is no baronet,
and a thief. Fray, then, are you also a false
lord?"
"Madam, have I ever claimed to be
oue ?"
Such of the guests as had not already
sought the shawling room gathered around
her and looked Maltese daggers at the re
treating supposititious nobleman. "Poor
deluded dear," became the substantial
chorus of the group, to which was added
recitative reading, thus: "Such imposi
tions are to be expected when we admit the
scum of Europe lreely to our shores."
rv.
When Mivins reached the apartments he
related his adventures to Carson, whose im
perturbability and carelessness for emotion
relaxed intd peals of laughter, saying: "I
discovered some time ago that the Baronet
was "bogus" to use some slang I learned
in Wall street and I trust the incident
may become a social lesson to American
hostesses on the lookout for titled foreign
ers. His courtesy-lordship as a younger son,
had, when in London, received scant atten
tion Irom British matrons and daughters
who ranked in the list of eligibles; and he
bad been too indolent, and perhaps too self
ish to care for marrying money where it
abounded outside of "eligibles." In truth
he was fastidious a quality which lithe
progenitor of ennui, that itself is the pa
rent of cynicism. But he had studied
women throughout his travels those of
heartless Paris, of flippant Italy, of the
voluptuous Orient, of" domestic- Germany
and of heedless Sweden. But now for the
first time he had been moved to a de
light in feminine companionship by Vera
Bosebery. Of the social swims in which
she disported he had come to Make a point
of taking close cognizance. Nor had she
now become, as she had theretofore been,
indifferent to swainship. She was a half
orphan residing with her mother. The
father, once an Admiral, had left them a
fortune that he himself had inherited.
Vera had enioved everv possible advantage.
Her childhood had been trained in the
Manhattanville Convent of the Sacred
Heart. Her forte was in language, of
which she spoke several. She was mistress
of the harp. An excellent memory, wide
range of reading, cultured habits of
thought, impromptu wit, fondness of repar
tee, and ready command of speech, with
much residence in Europe, had made of
her a brilliant conversationalist. Her old
governess had named her Miss Crichton,
after the 'Admirable' Scot. But she threw
around her beauty, grace, and her accom
plishments a cold reserve that held at a
distance the attentions of menand that para
lyzed what society bezun to term 'dudes.
Perhaps it was the sang froid of Carson that
first attracted her attention to him so that he
becamea guest of her mother's house, and
bore with infinite patience her persistent
raillery. His amusing indifference to life,
the mystery hanging "about him and the
eccentricity of a banking clerk keeping a
body servant became additional incidents of
attention. Neither was admittedly to each
other in love with each other; yet each con
fessedly cared for association with the other.
Such a combination of friendship, however,
often brings around the best union of head
and heart Was it not written in one of
the ephemera of the first Lord Lytton that
sexual association invariably led to that
state of heart and head which found perfect
happiness in the companionship of two per
sons ofdifferent sexes, and gave compara
tive misery during their mutual absence.
Misery only mollified by the hope of fresh
companionship a state to which Lord
Lytton gaue the name of love.
When her mother once hinted at such a
word, and deprecated her "throwing herself
away upon a clerk or secretary of whom
nobody knew anything," Vera heartily
laughed; yet when she retired to her apart
ments her mirror, if it had a tongue, could
have prated of her thoughtful demeanor
there and of her quietude, as if a catechism
of a certain kind was being applied by the
"Me" to the "Myself."
When once the banker-employer slightly
rallied Carson upon his attentions to the
lady, Carson also laughed but also grew
thoughtful and taciturn.
She had often endeavored to turn his con
versation upon English matters and social
associations in British cities and ruralities,
yet entirely without definite clews as to
whom he might be. His very avoidance of
his past, except as to his travels and ad
ventures, . more and more increased the
mystery, and aroused her interest She
could, of course, like many of her sex, have
aired her curiosity in questions, or have in
truded herself upon his secretiveness by
many an adroit reference. But she was "an
angel who feared to tread," however much
others might be tempted to "rush in."
"The Dead Heart" is of late a current
phrase. That Carson possessed a dead heart
was the general impression among his ac-
3naintances. Yet in his day, or rather hey
ay, he had been popular among women,
yet had never been entangled. There was
an indescribable magnetism about him
which at first fascinated and then deepened
its attraction. When he chose to talk it
was upon other people's topics and not bis
own. This method interests listeners and
banishes self consciousness. Of such a kind
was the conversation of Macaulav. Of such
a kind is not the talk of Buskin. The
adroit conversationalist having limpid reser
voirs to tap knows how to draw silvery flows
of language.
But is "dead heart" a truthful phrase?
A heart's emotion may be congealed by sor
row or made apathetic by ingratitude; but
to every such an heart there can come the
healing touch ot some circumstance.
Carson's heart had long been apathetio
under a stratum of selfishness. It had been
at times congealed by disappointments.
Vera's heart had never been congealed, but
a want of any lairy touch from an event bad
held it in a state of syncope. Carson's ap
parent indifference had given her heart a
quicker beat Her unwonted companionship
had thawed his habitual iciness of emotion.
When a skater whisks toward thin ice there
is often a hapless-fascination to him in the
placard "Dangerous;" and so a man in love
yet fully realizing the precariousness or per
haps impolicy ot bis suit, will nevertheless
tempt himself with hopes and companion
ship. Carson one night fell asleep mur
muring: "What a grand duchess Vera
would make if if " but the contingency
was so entirely distant that when he fell
Asleep the smile at such a folly remained
upon his face.
In a few months his opportunities for so
cial enjoyment were enhanced by the receipt
of some unexpected balance from the con
fidential solicitors of the family, who, of
course, knew and kept all of his secrets.
Vera's birthday intervened and she received
from him the souvenir of a tasteful writing
case of original design his own and of
unique comfort in uc. Vera hart rallied
him kindly but firmly ou hjs extravagance,
but he parried lt,plias.ititly.
A friend oi Vera seeing it In hor boudoir re
marked upon it "Do you know there is gossip
about jou two? CWft.moifBi.MBjj'eoUsgo
brottecarifftMiW ,
Vera answered, 'If there were anything in
the gossip my will power would be stronsr
enongb to put tbat or anything else of the kind i
wholly out of my life." I
xes,"rejoineaineieminine friend, "butre
member the lines, 'He comes too near who
comes to be deniedV and such a denial might
encourage. But possibly it Is a case of la
reine qui s'amuse."
"It is not only folly In a worldly sense, butl
could never tolerate iis insouciance, confessed
weariness of existence and abominable sang
froid that is often the shield of cowardice,"
In due time tbe day arrived for tbe trial of
the fallen baronet and Mivins, who
happened to have witnessed the extraor
dinary legerdemain of the theft was
to be tbe witness. The courtroom was
crowded and the corridors of the building
thronged by unsuccessful applicants for seats.
Society tbat had worshiped even the shadow of
a supposed baronet was now eager to exult at
his downfall. While technically be might be
guilty of theft practically, society wished him
convicted for this humbugging of society.
That popularly considered, was nis crime.
Among the audience was Carson. The whole
affair struck him as if it were a theatrical en
tertainment He missed tbe quietude
of London's Central Criminal Court and
the . white wigs and flowing gowns of
lawyers. He admired tbo red cravat
of the presiding judge who was clad In such a
morning dress as ha would have worn at a
wedding. He was amused at the questions ad
dressed to the jurors before tbey were sworn.
He marvelled at thecameradeship that seemed
to exist all around. Tbe impertinence of some
of the qnestlones addressed to the witnesses
who sat at their ease instead of standing at
reat discomfort as in an English court And
e was puzzled by the cross-firing ot words
between counsels and the confusions ot "we
object" "please note an exception," and by tbe
free and easy way In wbich'the Recorder was
hectored b counsel and By the deprecatory air
of tbe Jndge, who. under no circumstances,
wish to offend a man who might be a voter
when the Judge came up for re-election. But
most of all Carson trembled for Mivins when
A Charming Tete-a-Tele.
he became a witness, and he admired most tbe
celerity wittt which testimony was given and
taken down In writing by an official stenogra
pher so different from the slow and delayed
manner of taking long hand notes that was In
vogue at London trials. And greatly to his
surprise the Baronet was allowed to tell his own
story from tbe witness cbair wben in England
his month would bave been sealed.
The name of Mivins created what tne re
porters wrote down as "a sensation." The
story of his saving a life in Central Park and
of tbe curious mistake made at the reception
regarding his rank bad been duly chronicled
by the press and bad made him as much of an
interest as the cl devant Baronet himself. The
prosecuting lawyer bad generously admitted
tbe ownership of tbe jewel so as to save tbe
mortification of the appearance of the
young lady who bad been the
dupe of the accused, so Mivins seemed to have,
as actors phrase it "all the fat of tbe part"
His cross-examination began and among the
questions was this one, "In whose employ are
your' Mistily the words, "swear to the trntb,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth,"
came to him. and ho faltered as his eyes cangbt
those of his master and as he noted tbe flash
upon his cheek. His hesitancy prompted the
prosecuting lawyer to object "it is tbe prac
tice," thought Carson, "in America for counsel
to object to everything and take chances." A
wrangle ensued, during which some of the
jurors patronized an old woman who was saun
tering about the courtroom offering
'apples and walnuts" in pantoinine. At the
end of the wrangle His Honor said he should
"reserve his ruling to a later Btage." This came
so late that, much to the eventual delightof tbe
witness, Judge and connsel forgot all about the
subject matter of tbe wrangle. His master
took great interest in the addresses of the
counsel. They orated more about matters out
side ot than those which were inside of tbe tes
timony. At times connsel seemingly addressed
auditors as actors often improvise asides. Car
son was especially pleased with the fairness of
tbe Recorder toward the jurors, whom he told
had sole charge of tbe tacts, while' be com
mented only on tbe law applicable to those. He
detected the superior fairness of such a course
to that of maoy judges of his own country,
who at least intimate, even If they do not de
clare, their opinion as to what kind of a verdict
the jurors should give. But Carson's, commis
eration for tbe "baronetlsh Bob Button" was
mnch weakened when be was told that months.
and perhaps a year, might elapse when tbe sen
tence he heard pronounced could be carried
into effect because of the multiplicity of ap
peals tb,at was bis right with the sentence
meanwhile suspended in operation.
CHAPTER V.
But summer vacation to the courts soon en
sued and what time Wall street went into
grasshoppertsh speculation and Fifth avenue
uncurtained its windows and mirrors shrank;
behind Hollands, and when citizens rushed
from the chattering of street sparrows to tbe
biting bnzz of rural mosquitoes, Carson took
his fortnight holiday. Did he select for its
celebration tbat Vichy of America, the Sara
toea Springs, because Vera and her mother
were to be at tbe same caravansary where he
could also take rooms? But Carson, as the nn
rerealed brother of a Duke, while democratic
in many of his methods, was a Tory and loved
conservative ways. Saratoga had ancestral
and traditionary fame like his own family.
Among its century of pilgrims from the ranks
of fashion or of invalidism all the Presidents,
all the statesmen, leaders of society from all
the metropolitan centers and from farms and
A Bogus Baronet in Trouble.
plantations as well, had made the resort
famous. "Age had not withered it, nor custom
staled its infinite variety." The odorot its
pines and firs, the mellowed air of its mount
ains, the dazzle of Its hotel life, the romance
of its lakes and parks, the tangles of its
schemers or time-killers and tbe charm of
yearly reunions vet, and, perhaps will for cen
turies to come, win yearly worshipers who
alternate praise in the Saratoga temples, with
their hammock-swinging in the wilderness or
their loitering at tbe sea side.
Carson arrived a few days before Veraandher
mother came over from tbe cozlness of cottage
life where Indian Holyoke adjoins towns of En
glish nomenclature tbat reminded him of tho
Berkshire hills that he had last beheld from the
northern heights of London, where Whittlng
ton heard the prophecy of Bow Bells. Carson
soon learned the traditional programme of
Saratoga life. The 9-o'clock arising and tbe
bath ot native waters, the saunter to the springs
and therst imbibing of the tonic water, tbe
matutinal gossip of the piazza, the compound
ing of plans for the coming hour", the grill of
spring chickens for breakfast, tbe reading ot
the morning papers yet damp from city presses,
the linger over luncheon, the drive to the lake
or the realization there of the old sonir, "Oh
lightly may the boat row tbat my yuung laddie's
in," the sumptnous dinner where the "Blx hun
dred" charge npon menus tbat equally delight
guests from all latitudes, the watching of twi
light shadows, the evening flirtation, tbe feast
of vesper mnsic tbe ball, the novel and the em
braces of Morpheas the oniygodof mythology
that every human agrees to worship.
One morning when tbe omelette anx fines
herbes proved unusually tempting and the
butter on tbe rolls nncommoly appetizing with
itsvellow sweetness, be found places reserved
beside his own place for MUs Vera and her
mother. Then they had arrived. Whatmagie
in cards shuffled over tbe inkstand of a prosalo
hotel clerk. The heart of this blase English
man actually beat a breakfast tattoo. He In
sensibly hummed a Tennysonlan "She Is com
ing, sbe Is coming." How gladly he saw the
sUght flush of VeTa's cheek as he arose to
thrust aside the officious waiter at tbe back of
her chair, who was hungering for a silver coin,
while Carson was hangering for a tons other
voice.
Tbe ninal talk about mutual movements en
sued. They .had not arrived at the intimacy of
even formal correspondence. Were tbe de
llehts of a "ily darling" or "My precious." and
of a "Yours with fondness" addresses and su
perscriptions dear to tbe eyes of generations
from the time of Heloise to this time of Sara
toga loverdom never to join in correspondence
the names of Charles and Vera 7 Yet for all
her Incipient flush ot tbe cheek be found her,
not cold exactly, but nnder strict bonds of eti
quette, with a mother as strictly on guard as
the almost immovable horse guard by the arch
way of tbe Whitehall street in London tbat he
loved In youth to haunt Her raillery was
a-aln busy. Had tho sight of so many celebri
ties at Saratoga fired h ambition yet T Had
anypirioxe of Hf-ct interested him t Was
braWa WO worth living T Had the waters
auickeued his blood or given him an incen
ve T Had he met with a paragon of a flirt,
etc.?
"KnV he caQaatlv answered, while he merelv
jUtynirt tbe TMBtnBiJy;. J ltMtttviv
"there be none of beauty's daughters with a
magic voice like thine."
"Please don't quote; I bate quotations. I
once took vengeance on a man who edited a
iyulrnf nAatloal nnntarianK.1
"And pray what was the form of vengeance!"
"I learned a great lot of his own selections
and fired them off at him like paper torpedoes
or Chinese crackers, and made him winsa and
wince again. But how did you like our Fourth,
of July celebrationT Did it make yonr hears
sink to remember that at Saratoga came tbe
first rebuff to you Britishers when Lord North
was trying to coerce the IrishT"
"Take pity on me. Miss Vera. We shall never
agree on English politics."
"Shall we or do we ever agree n pon anything!
You are as far below my enthusiasm as as '
she faltered a moment for a figure like a bash
ful collegian In a cotillon.
He gaily interrupted. "As you are above my
want of heart.'
"How happy an Idea; as if so purposeless a
gentleman should confess to tbat lack."
He siirned.
"Are you choking with a mushroom, Mr. Car
son, or was that a groan at my audacityT I
beg pardon, perhaps I wound your amour pro
pre, if you carry such a thing about you."
And so her railleryproceeded until be men
tally asked himself "Would she be so cruel un
less It was an Intention of kindness or showed
an ounce of interest?"
Boon bevies of guests began to stream out
and many recognizing the belle of three sea
sons paused to greet her.and to give fresh cause
for Carson's admiration of the woman who
could like a juggler keep several balls of con
versation spinning at one time.
"She often speaks of taking vengeance. It Is
her pet phrase' ho thought to himself when
alone with bis Partitas on the smoking piazza.
"What vengeance would sbe inflict on me were
I ass enough to propose under our present cir
cumstances! Vera's vengeancel" And he re
peated tbe phrase as if in it there was a tender
sound, 'xetwhynot! The vengeance of Venus
herself was of ten sweetand the arrows of her
son often gave delicious pains.
He saw nothing more of her that day until
dinner time. There are a score of lespetlts
solns de la vie a phrase very imperfectly to be
translated in the life of every woman tbat de
mand instant attention. There was wardrobe
to be looked after, porters had played football
with the luggage wherein tbe tenderest lace
and the most exquisite dresses were reposed.
There were cards and letters to be orerlooked
and notes to be written. Bat at dinner he was
vexed to see seated between ber mother and
herself a stranger who was certainly dis
tinguished looking. He had escorted Vera
with graceful skill through the knots of plung
ing waiters in the mammoth dining room and
with great ease of manner had attended to the
etiquette of seating and the proper opening of
serviette. He possessed a finely modulated
voice and yet not orerbraided so to speak
with affected tones. Was this to be a rival,
was the phrase he swallowed with his first
spoonful of Mexican gumbo soup. The thought
seemed to flavor it with a soupcon of Cayenne.
Vera seemed to take especial interest In what
he said; for he took especial interest in select
ing his topics which ran through the gamut of
tbe day's events and touched epigram
matically all the news and tbe cur
rent gossip. All this gave occasion
for her best comment and repartee to which
Carson listened with delight and admiration,
yet with a certain pang of that selfish disap
pointment which is the first nshenng in of
jealousy. Moreover while Vera addressed
some observation sow and again to him it was
with a far-away look and on commonplaces.
And no introduction took place. Before
dessert really began to be served he made a re
mark half begging to be excused and half
apologetic at hariiig to miss the benediction,
as it were, of the menu. But not before he baa
heard her. lightly say in echo ot some remark
from the distinguished stranger, "Oh mother
knows that if I ever wed it must be with a
hero."
"Ah," he thought as on theplazzahe sat down
to listen to tbe band then playing a sensuous
waltz of the ancient and almost forgotten
GnDgl, "What hope Is there that I should ever
become a herof
"Ah, Carson, saw you at dmner, and envied
you, dear bhoy so near to the divine Vera and
her cousin, the Governor of tbat Western
State, and one of the most rising statesmen
among tbe Rockies." This was the salutation
of Wallace Berry, the buck of all the Saratoga
Siazzas, as he sauntered up where the one ad
ressed was seated. Mr. Berry was in im
maculate evening dress. It was the effect of
bis fifth toilet Jn 13 hours. Time was never
money to him. If it bad. been what a spend
thrift he would hare proved, for certainly six
bours of each day at the watering place were
passed In making changes of dress. He
sauntered to the wells in plaids selecting every
day a different suit He breakfasted In a suit
of gray adorned with butter plate buttons. He
read the papers while fclad In a brown coat and
And Bo X Am aZord..
Palmerton check troupers. When he tooled in
the afternoon behind a fast stepper his pongees
were a la Turqne. If be went boating no hero
of a Tom Bowline in Dibdln's songs sported a
tinier tarpaulin above what he called his brains,
or nattier marine toggery. And for dinner
dress his cravat was marvelously wide and tied
with the immaculateness of Beau Brnmrnel's
time.
Every one of these salts paid, duty npon the
invoices of Poole, who in London is to men
what "Worth in Pans Is to ladies that is, con
descending to allow other tailors to work upon
his measures and catting, but at sweating
prices: with his own magic name duly Inscribed
on tbe tags of tbe garments. Mr. Berry bad a
museum of shoes and bats. He was obliged to
double the wages of his valet because of that
functionary's toil.
"Take a chair," said Canon. "And so tbat
gentleman was a statesman r
"I can't sit down, dear bhoy, for I am not
wearing my sitting-down trousers. And he
was her cousin. Owns no end of silver mines,
and is expected next year to buy a Senatorship
from his Legislature."
"A lover mayhapf"
"Saw," drawled Mr. Berry. "He don't come,
from Utah, don't-yer-know; more's the ill lack
for him, because be has a wife. There she is
now. by the window, near tbe group of young
sters in execrable coats and vilely wrinkled
white ties."
"Oh, married!" rejoined Carson with a sigh
of relief.
"Bat tbat wouldn't stop another wedding if
he wasn't sweet on number one. because really
in his State, divorces are as easy as patting my
horse over four bars. Otherwise, don't-yer-know.
he might marry his cousin. By the way,
people say you are getting sweet on the cut
yourself. Tid V settlement vou conldcret. Rat
an rovoir, I see tho girls looking around for me.
See you later, as my old law preceptor, Sam
Tilden, used to say."
By one Dart of tbe buck's vaporing Carson
felt relief. Next came a revulsion as he re
membered the words "but only a hero."
CHAPTER VI.
The adrancing night was balmy and inviting
of strolls, so he descended into the street to
walk in the direction of the Hilton Park. He
had not passed many turnings before a bright
flame shot from the second story of one of a
row ot brick houses near by tbat were divided
into apartment flats. Very briskly burned the
window frames, and the flames already began
to lick at the copings above. Listlessly he
turned toward the conflagration that seemed to
threaten dangerous destruction. He was not
long in joining tbe gathering crowd that was"
already welcoming escaping inmates and anx
iously expecting the arrival of firemen with
apparatus. Some of the terrified tenants were
bemoaning the loss of valuables left behind.
Several ot these rushed through the blinding
smoke in search of property, bat one wbo wore
the cap of a nurse suddenly cried out in a piti
ful shriek, "The child! the childl" At this
juncture the firemen arrived, to whom she be
gan hysterically to narrate bow in her fright
she bad forgotton ber charge and where it had
been left A dozen men now sprang toward
the door, and among tbem a gentleman in
evening dress. As tbey rushed inward sudden
volumes of smoke poured from the hallway
outward, and tbe impulsive rescuers were
forced to come running back to the pavement
All bnt the gentleman in evening dress.
"He will be suffocated." cried one. "He
will be burned, vociferated another, while
above the din ot working engines and tbe plac
ing of ladders and the shouts of lookers on,
loader and louder came the shrill shriek ot "tho
child, the child! and its mother is at the balll"
At this moment shouts and din seemed tor
cease, for ata window, out of which came al-'
mostsoiia Dnrsts oi smoxe, me Di&eicnessoi
which was curiously tinged with reflection of
flame, and all forming a background to the
man in tbe evening dress with a white handker
chief oddly tied over his face as be was holding
a baby.
Amid tbo momentary bush at the weirdlike
sight came his commanding voice: "Hold your
coats, some of you. At least let us save the
child."
Before the latter portion of nis coot words
was entirely spoken cheer upon cheer arose be-
low amis undoubted presence of mind and
sang froid; while a dozen men bad stripped off
their coats, and standing elbow to elbow bad
formed a species of bar below. Then the
cheers ceased and a new hnsh of expectancy
was felt. "What would he dot Could he
throw tbe babe sately or was it going toward
certain deasn?" wero the qossttoM tbst every'
fireman a4 ea-looker snanfly asksd tksa-
D91TM
from below as he was next seen to sit .on the
window sill; and steadyinghlsleft band against
tbe shutter made the motion of a toss with the
other hand. s"4
Donble hush and triple expectancrrrom the
prowd below when with the strengtl ofaan ath
lete, the qulcknessof a swordsmanandttha
Srecislonof a bowler at bail play tho .figure
rom out tbe blackness all around him parted
with tbe infant f
A white parcel now descended, amid Itho
deepest hush of all, and then fell with result otf
perfected aim into the center of the extempor
ized receptacle. The child for an instant
bounded upward, but on its second and mini
mum fall was skillfully caught In the armsofjV
one of the ralwart firemen in the rescumI
group. jg.
But the brave man? Was hetoperisbr Hip
was Er!?f??T 8een at the next window, having:
reached it by a masterf nl and flylike crawl on j.
a coping under both windows.
"Ladders, ladders," was the new cry. Theso -had
already been prepared, but as the longest '
touched the wans beneath where the-unknown
man in evening dress stood it proved too short; V
while as that conviction was forced upon the '
firemen flames began to pour on the top rounds
out of tbe window below the place where tho
flre-beleaguered hero stood, seemingly jet ua
daunted.
A visible wave of horror seemed then to pass
over the throngs. The most experienced fire
man appeared to be at a puzzling loss ot plan.
But cheers again arose as the threatened man,
still with the handkerchief over bis faee."wa h i
bebeld moving over yet another coping.'' grasp-S
ingthe sills with tenacious clutch, occasion Z'-j
ally hidden by the dense smoke that became. -denser
when streams of water blunted the"
force of the Are behind him. O5" '
What was his almT What his purpose?
What his destination? Sooner or later he must
fall into tho vortex of flame behind him or on
tbe pavements below.
"He is making- for the water pipe," cried tho
chief engineer.
"He has grasped it already" added a tore- l
man of an engine.
"What coolness!" thought all, as like a sailor
descending a rope hand over hand, he managed
to reach the side bar of a ladder raisedleaintt .
the pipe; and amid cheers that eouidhave bean "
heard far into the village, he reached tho w
ground.
Reached it only to be surrounded by a cheer
ing mob, who sought to take him by tbe hand,
and who fought with each other for that
honor; and fought so confusedly, tbat is tha
semi-melee, he, tbrodgb some dexterity had
disappeared as unknown as he had at fiist
emerged on his self-imposed task of mercy.
But the crowd fonnd nis hat and picked up
the cambric handkerchief- The bat contained
no card. The kerchief had nothing ot identifi
cation except two Anger holes that had made
peep apertures for hij eyes. Evidently he knew
how to fight fire.
The local papers on the next morning nar
rated the romantic incidents of his deed through,
columns of commending description. One
paper headed its account "An Unknown Hero."
Another paperput forth this headline, "Modest
Savior of a Babe." All gazettes exhausted
rhetorical praise for tha unknown in his cool
ness, athletism and modest bravery.
Miss Vera and her party cams into the.
breakfast room earlier than utual. Contrary
to divers sermons she bad manytimes delivered
against tbe plebeian practice of newspaper
readins at restaurant service and thereby pre- ,
ventine digestion waiting upon appetite, sho
was now paying more attention' to the morning
journal than to her savory omelette. Her face
was glowing with honest enthusiasm as sba.
perused tbe thrilling account of tbe fire and of
the almost miraculous rescue. Her running
comments were of a sympathetic and eulogistic ..
character.
As Carsonleisurely sauntered toward his seat
at the table and nonchalantly wished every
body a good morning in the very midst of her
enthusiasm, he was greeted with an "Of courso
you beard about tbe fire of last evening."
He looked positively unconcerned, and sba
continued, "But I beg your pardon, such minor
affairs don't interest one ot your cold blood."
"Oh, yes: my dear Miss Vera, I heard of it.
My man Mivins was there and told me some
thing about it"
"Of course be then saw the brave rescuer"
"Rescue! Fancy! Was there a rescuer' ho
asked as be became apparently absorbed In his
cup ot cafe au lilt
"Was there a rescue. Indeed V she scornfully
demanded, and with positively the intonation
of almost contemptuous indignation, "Why,
look down the table! Everybody Is reading
the newspaper account Here it is: almost a
tale that Wilkie Collins might have penned."
"Oh, fancy!" he almost drawled, "I shall read
it by and by on tne piazza with great delight
since you commend it"
"You provoking man. I shall tell It to yea
myself."
"Shall be charmed to hear yon. To sure."
And bo with all who listened to her rich voteo
was charmed, for sbe condensed the reporter's
version into sentences crisp and piquant as an
Addisonian article. When sbe came to tha
dramatic point of the tossing of tha child
downwards, she turned toward her mother and
exclaimed t "What a hero I L really believe X
coma accept sucn a man ior a nnsnana."
"Fancrr be said, still stlrrinr his cafa. "iww.
bans this unknown hero was aa acrobat or
circus chap one or the fellows, doa't ye
mow. naouw ins Kir mui LraoaxeH." jl
Miss Vera, crumbllntr her newsesser is t&riiiS-
hand, arose in manifest indignation, aadaa u .
she proceeded to quit the table, added; "Ide-'ij
clare I could take some vengeance upon yon Jg
ior sucn nasiiuai swuiut t muo. laca oi i
nraTerr."
Before she could quit her place pausing to ,
adjust ber bat and shawl a gentleman pass
ing out abruptly stopped to look intently at
Carson, then exclaimed: "It must be. It lsv'
Axe you not tne gentleman wno last night turn
tbe hero of tbe rescuer Yes" and again hot'
was seized by tbe band "I saw you plainly, fori
I was there nnder the very waterspout that you?
aescenaoa, ana x ouuuoa a ruu view oi joe
face!"
The features of Carson thus bo abruptly afj
pealed to, became instantly flushed with sum
prise; and his manner as he still stood in the i&r3
tenoea act or nowing-ont alias vera at once i
told her bow accurate was the identification
Her face whitened, sho became nervous, a!-
most HjBfcef ic?i, wu lurBiunft au etiquette or
maidenly reserve, she grasped both ot bis
hands, shook them heartily and said: "loo,
modest hero. How wretchedly I hare mis
judged your"
tie oent towara ner ana waispered, "AB4.. .-v
yon bave said you could marry such a maa. J
Will you? Or for my boldness will you taaJ:
vengeancef C'J&vLs
Before an hour had passed hie name was oal-i'isV
every tongue in Saratoga. Photographers' V
hunted him in bis bedroom lair. Autograph
seekers chased him from every side. Reporters ,
gave him no peace nor freedom. And at every
mineral spring his health was drank by young
and old.
Wben at nightfall he was compelled tejew.
nay back to New York he was cheered at tee i
station, and his departure really raadelri-.
umpbal. All of which the reporters aad presa,,
agents duly narrated; and sent by wire into re-f f
motest hamlets, bnt tbey did not obtaia a cejyr
of this note that Mivins duly placed 1b tSUv
hands ot Miss Vera's maid, and that ia sub
stance ran: i .
"An revoir, and let me beg pardon for'ssy t
boldness, if it bas offended. But if not may I
resume my privilege of seeing you scoot"
When be arrived at his apartment another i
newspaper surprise awaited him In this para-
graph: J
"Br tbe shipwreck of tha vaeat Petronella
during a terrible simoon la tbo Indian Ocean
its owner, tne jjusre oi r-emDerton. and his two
sons, who accompanied him. were; drowned;
and only some of the crew "
He read no farther. He dropped, dazed, on
tbe seat as he involuntarily exclaimed:
"And! am tbe heir!"
Vera duly took her "vengeance." It de
scended on the beads af as many suiters as
Penelope bad, and in time it also descended on
the head of the new Duke by her consent to be
come not only a Mrs. Carson, but to add an
other American Duchess to the British peer
age. Kew York society declared with tha
usual bitterness that the title and not tbe mam
had won a bride. But all who witness their in
creasing happiness at their castle home dismiss
tbe libel at once, and admit tbat If revenge la
sweet there is often as sweet a "Vengeance."
THE lOTD.
Copyrighted, 18S8L All rights reserved. L
'M WISKI
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