Part 2 (1/2)

”Jason Jones, 1744 East 67th St., New York City.

”Your wife is dying at the Hotel Voltaire and wishes reconciliation before she pa.s.ses away. Come quickly, as any delay may prove dangerous.

Notify me by wire when to expect you.

Edward Anstruther, M. D.”

He left orders that the answer be delivered to him at his office or residence, as soon as received, but the day and the night pa.s.sed without a word from Jason Jones. Dr. Anstruther telephoned the telegraph office and was a.s.sured his message had been delivered to the party in New York, as otherwise they would be notified to that effect.

Knowing Mrs. Jones' dangerous condition, the good doctor was worried, but the following morning brought the delayed answer:

”If necessary for me to come, you must send money for expenses.”

It was signed ”Jason Jones” and its tone and its demand annoyed Dr.

Anstruther exceedingly.

”Confound the fellow!” he exclaimed. ”Any decent man would have borrowed the money, or even p.a.w.ned his watch and jewelry, to get to a dying wife who calls for him. Either Mrs. Jones is mistaken in her husband's kindly character or--well, he may have changed since last she knew him.”

He did not hesitate, however, to go to the office and send money by telegraph to Jason Jones, furnis.h.i.+ng the required sum from his own pocket rather than allow Antoinette to see her husband's telegram. He even sent more than was necessary, muttering to himself: ”The poor devil may have some bills to settle before he can get away, and in any event she must not be disappointed because her impecunious husband lacks a few dollars. I fancy the poor artist will be amazed to find himself suddenly raised from poverty to affluence, for little Lory's income will be enormous and he will have seven years, at least, to enjoy it unrestrained. I hope,” he added thoughtfully, as he drove back to his office, ”that Mrs. Jones has made no error in her judgment of this man, for it is considerable power to place in anyone's hands and Alora is such a dear that I want her properly taken care of.”

When he made his next visit to his patient he said in answer to her questioning look:

”Mr. Jones will be here to-morrow, I think. He will notify me of his arrival and I will be here to meet him. I believe it will be advisable for me to see him first, you know, in order to--eh--eh--to post him a bit,” he added, meaningly.

”Yes,” she replied, ”I fear it will be something of a shock to Jason.

Even though we have practically been strangers for years, he is sure to be grieved and sympathetic. But do not bore him with particulars, Doctor. Send him to me as soon as you have prepared him for the interview.”

CHAPTER III ALORA'S FATHER

A man slouched into the lofty foyer of the Hotel Voltaire and paused uncertainly, as if awed by the splendor of the place. A boy in uniform hastened to relieve him of his hand baggage, which consisted of a ”roll-me-up” or ”carryall” of brown canvas, strapped around the middle, such as one often sees in traveling on the Continent. It seemed a much used and abused affair and painted upon the ends were the dimmed initials: ”J. J.”

This man was plainly dressed. His clothing was of the cheap, ready-made variety, worn nearly to shabbiness and matched by a gray flannel s.h.i.+rt with a flowing black tie, knotted at the throat, and a soft gray hat that was a bit weatherstained. His shoes were shabby and uns.h.i.+ned. His whole appearance was out of keeping with the palatial hotel he had entered.

Without relinquis.h.i.+ng his baggage to the boy he asked sharply:

”Is Dr. Anstruther here?”

But now Dr. Anstruther, who had been impatiently waiting, espied the arrival and after a glance at the initials on the traveling-roll said in hesitating tones:

”Mr. Jason Jones?”

”Yes. You must be the doctor who telegraphed me.”

”I am Doctor Anstruther.”

”All right. Where's my wife?”

There was no especial anxiety in his tones, which were slow and distinct and a trifle sharp. He seemed ill at ease and looked around the foyer again, as if fearing he had entered the wrong place.

”I will lead you to her presently,” replied the physician gravely; ”but first, sir, I must acquaint you with her condition, which is serious. I have engaged a room for you here and if you will please register we will go there together and talk undisturbed.”