THE CITY OF PURPLE DREAMS,

Marlborough Express, Volume L, Issue 81, 5 April 1916, Page 3

THE CITY OF PURPLE DREAMS,

(By Edwin Baird.)

CHAPTER XXX.

THE AFTER-CLAP.

Arranging the cards in a heap, Fiizhugh rang for Tommy and gave him tho top one, which bore the name of a fiour-rriill owner. The mill man entered cordially, inclined to be loquacious and not lit ail averse to spending a half-hour or ?o chatting pleasantly of business conditions. He left in five minutes, galvanised, his mission *ulfiilcd, passing on the way out the secretary of a grain company. And he carried with him a new impression of the black-bearded young "plunger."

Tho second man was similarly impressed, as were the third and fourth. As incisive as a rapier-point, Fitzhugh observed no amenities, nor allowed others to. He went straight to tho heart of tho matter in hand, with no waste of words, no loss of time, and instantly his callers understood they must do likewise. There was no fluster, no haste.—only a swift sureness Hire the steady throb of a dynamo. The fifth card was IXavis's. He came in breezily. "How are you, Mr Fitzhugh? Busy as alwaye. 1 see. What about the College Inn for lunch? I've a taxi waiting "

"Haven't time for lunch. Sit. down "

Somewhat taken aback, -the-archi-tect found a chair. Before he recovered from his surprise Fitzhugh was halF-way througn his plans. In "crisp brevity' he sketched the -outline of a home 'of such magnificence luxury and .splendor, as Davis had seldom dreamed of. "Why," 7 .thought he. dazzle-{ and respectful, "this man doesn't want a house. What he wants is a palace." "Well?" ended Fitzhugh curtly. "Equal to it?" '•There's not many such mansions in Chicago. Mr Fi+zhiigh, and it'll' cost j,1-- • -

'-WhatMl it cost?"

"Roughly, a million and a quarter." Like the ones who had gono before, Davis found himself speaking with imp onted rapidity. '"Very well"—Fitzhugh was. standing, an' index finger pressing one of the pearl buttons—"you know what I want. Submit your best. There'll be mx others bidding. Good-day."

"But, Mr Fitzhugh " "Tommy, ask my secretary to step in. Good-day, Mr Davis. Sorry I couldn't lunch with you.'"

"Take a letter,''' " said he, when closeted with the secretary, "to. tho county , recorder at Baltimore, and another to oho state archivest in Annapolis. 1 think I have sufficiently impressed upon you, Mr Stimpson, tbo.t all communications you indite for me arc-: to bo held absolutely inviolf.te. That is onr> reason for my paying yon four hundred dollars a month,. If at any time you fopl your services merit a larger salary T shall be glad if you will let me know. Are you iWdy?" '•'Yes, sir. And thank you, sir. 1 understand perfectly." The millionaire nodded, and pressing the too of his shoe against an open drawer of the de&k, leaned far back in his swivel chair, interlaced his strong fingers behind his dome-shaped head, and began to dictate. And as he spoke he seemed to relax, for the first time that.day, from the hum of activity which for hours had held him at a tension of white heat.

Some while after five o'clock Fitzhugh sat at the telephone on his locked desk, his hat on, an unlighted cigar between his teeth, delivering the customary order for violets. With a final admonition to the florist to send nothing except the best he "hung up." As he lighted his cigar and swung out of his office he met an A. D. T. messenger, who handed him a square envelope. Embossed on the back was "G)ne Thousand Lake Shore Drive,'', and it contained a very brief and formal request for an immediate call from him at that address. ,

Paul was waiting with tho car in Adams Street. Fitzhugh settled back comfortably in tiic cu.shioned seat as tuft chauffeur picked his way "through the mass of traffic^ and air the cares and worries of that busy day slipped gratefully from him, leaving ' him serene with contentment.

He was received in the library of Mr and Mrs Otis. There was no sign of Kathleen; and a glance at her parents sufficed to apprise him he was in for a disagreeable time. They remrircd standing after he entered; nor was he asked-to sit down. Mrs Oti?, haughtily stationed as far from him as the large room would permit, had appointed herself spokeswoman. "Our daughter," said she, lifting a formidable lorgnette to her eyes and staring at him p.s though he were ohe garbage man, "lias informed us of her unfortunate alliance with 3 rou." He bowed respectfully. "I need hardly say to you"-- and her head raised * higher, her hauteur woxed stiff—"thnt you must consider this engagement broken. Furthermore, you will regard your underlianded acquaintance with our daughter as though it had never been. All communication with her of whatever nature must cease instantly. That, I believe, is all."