Drainger

I had first noticed the Drainger house because of its oddity.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

The Drainger house was such a house, but it was more.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

And, as Charlie had an obstinate streak in him, it became fairly evident that we were witnessing a duel -- a duel for the possession of Emily Drainger.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

Miss Drainger came in the back entrance as I entered the kitchen.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

"Captain Drainger built the house," he continued inconsequentially,

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

Of course the Drainger fortune, fair enough for those days, went to pieces at once.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

Drainger place, to see a light in the front window of the tower on the ground floor.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

On my way to Jedfrey's office I could not shake off my unfavorable impression of Miss Drainger.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

City ordinances required the laying of cement walks; the rotting boardwalk in front of the Drainger mansion was already treacherous, and no one complained.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915

I resolved finally again to consult my client (if the name could attach to so imperious a lady) and briefly announcing my absence to Mark Jedfrey, I sought the Drainger residence.

The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story Various 1915