PAGE 5
A Temporary Dead-Lock
by
I observe that you speak of the White Mountain Express as coming in at Jersey City. This is a mistake: it arrives at the Forty-second Street Station. Bear this fact in mind, please; and I advise you to write on a card–which you had better have easily accessible in your pocket-book–Mrs. Warden’s address, No. 68 Clinton Place. Then, should I miss you in the crowd at the station, or should any other mischance occur in regard to our meeting, you will know where to tell your driver to take you, and where to send your trunks. Do not fear that any such untoward accident will occur: it is only professional prudence that leads me to provide for every contingency that may arise. As a further precautionary measure (we lawyers are full of precautionary measures, you know), please telegraph me from Littleton on the morning that you leave.
XIV.
Mrs. Clement Markham to Mr. Hubert Van Cortlandt, New York: Littleton, September 9th.
Dear Mr. Van Cortlandt,–Your very kind letter came last evening. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you for all your goodness and thoughtfulness. With such explicit directions I cannot possibly go wrong. You must be right, I think, in regard to the cable despatch. Such a mistake would be just what dear Clement would be almost certain to make when in one of his absent-minded moods. I will do all the prudent things which you so thoughtfully advise, and I shall keep your letter to show to dear Clement, so that he may know how much trouble you have taken to make everything about my arrival secure. Of course, the train does not come in at Jersey City: I remember about it now perfectly. I am in the thick of packing to-day, and expect to get off in the morning; but I will telegraph you before I start. I don’t want to bother you with this letter at your office, so I send it to your house. I find the address in Clement’s address-book. Am I not considerate?
XV.
Dr. Atwood Vance to Mr. Hubert Van Cortlandt, New York:
[Telegram.]
Tannersyille, New York, September 9th. Mrs. Van Cortlandt taken dangerously ill in night, and continues in critical condition. Come at once.
XVI.
Mrs. Clement Markham to Mr. Hubert Van Cortlandt, New York:
[Telegram. Endorsed: “Not delivered. Party out of town.”]
Littleton, New Hampshire, September 10th. Will arrive on White Mountain Express this evening.
XVII.
The Rev. Clement Markham to Mrs. Clement Markham, No. 19 Mount Vernon Place, Boston:
[Telegram. Endorsed: “Returned to sender. Unknown at this address.”]
Breyoort House, New York, September 11th. Arrived this morning. Will be with you (D. V.) to-morrow.
XVIII.
The Rev. Clement Markham to Mrs. Winthrop Tremont, No. 19 Mount Vernon Place, Boston:
[Telegram. Endorsed: “Returned to sender. Addressee absent from Boston.”]
Breyoort House, New York, September 11th. Is Margaret with you? Please answer at once.
XIX.
The Rev. Clement Markham to Clerk, Outlook House, Littleton, New Hampshire:
[Telegram.]
Breyoort House, New York, September 11th. Is Mrs. Markham still at Outlook House? Answer prepaid.
XX
Clerk, Outlook House, to the Rev. Clement Markham, New York:
[Telegram.]
Littleton, New Hampshire, September 11th. Mrs. Markham left on morning train yesterday for New York.
XXI.
The Rev. Clement Markham to Mr. John Amesbury, Minneapolis:
[Telegram.]
Breyoort House, New Tore, September 11th. Has Mrs. Markham returned to Minneapolis? Please answer immediately.
XXII.
Mr. John Amesbury to the Rev. Clement Markham, New York:
[Telegram.]
Minneapolis, September 11th. Mrs. Markham has not returned. Glad you are back safe.
XXIII.
The Rev. Clement Markham to Mr. Ronald Markham, Menger House, San Antonio, Texas:
[Telegram.]
Breyoort House, New York, September 11th. [Delivered September 12th.]
Did Margaret communicate with you in regard to her intended movements? I cannot find her and am much perturbed. Answer at once.
XXIV.
Mrs. Clement Markham to Mr. Hubert Van Cortlandt, No.–Broadway, New York: