[Clarence by Bret Harte]@TWC D-Link bookClarence CHAPTER I 10/28
As they ascended the staircase together, it became evident that Mr.Hooker was scarcely more at his ease in the character of host than he had been as guest.
He stared gloomily at a descending visitor, grunted audibly at a waiter in the passage, and stopped before a door, where a recently deposited tray displayed the half-eaten carcase of a fowl, an empty champagne bottle, two half-filled glasses, and a faded bouquet.
The whole passage was redolent with a singular blending of damp cooking, stale cigarette smoke, and patchouli. Putting the tray aside with his foot, Mr.Hooker opened the door hesitatingly and peered into the room, muttered a few indistinct words, which were followed by a rapid rustling of skirts, and then, with his hand still on the door-knob, turning to Clarence, who had discreetly halted on the threshold, flung the door open theatrically and bade him enter. "She is somewhere in the suite," he added, with a large wave of the hand towards a door that was still oscillating.
"Be here in a minit." Clarence took in the apartment with a quiet glance.
Its furniture had the frayed and discolored splendors of a public parlor which had been privately used and maltreated; there were stains in the large medallioned carpet; the gilded veneer had been chipped from a heavy centre table, showing the rough, white deal beneath, which gave it the appearance of a stage "property;" the walls, paneled with gilt-framed mirrors, reflected every domestic detail or private relaxation with shameless publicity.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|