The Shasta courier., 1867-12-07

| her rooms.
Mrs. Napier was Napoleon in social life
an Alexander in crinoline. If she had
been man she could have left an impress on
the shores of time; heing a woman her
sphere was more contracted. Born parve-
nu, she had resolved from the very first, to
conquer the walled citadels of society,"
Always struggling with limited means. ad
verse circumstances, and unlucky combina-
ton of-events, Mrs. Napier had yet set her
self to work to conquer Fate, and she had
nearly achieved her purpose. Outward ap-
pearances were her forte and as to princi-
pie, Mrs. Napier was as unscrupulous as
any modern European statesman. Now at
length she was beginning to reap the harvest
she had watched and waited so long, and her
spirits rose up within her exultant, in spite
of the supercillious insoence with which
many of her new guests treated her.
They d spise me STILL" thought Mrs.
Napier; but will yet conquer them."
Meanwhile DR.. Maynard said but little !;
nevertheless his keen eye was taking note of
all the elegant trifes and expensive gim-
cracks that were scattered so lavishly round,
and at length when the company were as
sembled at the long dining table. where hot
roses glowed in crystal epergnes, and cut
glass sparkled and massive silver (who was
to know that it was hired for the occasion
cleaned be lifted his eyebrows and COM
pressed his thin lips.
They need lesson, these foolish aspir-
ing upstarts,' he said, within himself, and
this is the most fitting opportunity for ad-
ministerng it."
The tide of dinner table talk ebbed and
flowed, and bon mots sparkled with effermes.
cent glitter, and people laughed at they
scarcely knew what, and the rose tinted
champagne circled round aud round the
board, and Mrs. Napier thought triumphant
ly to herself 1t will be a success.
Just then DR.. Maynar1s calm, monoton-
ously pitched voice broke in upon a silence
that had momentarily settled upon the fes-
tive assemblage"
Mrs. Napier be said. looking full at
the hcsess, this is a very elegant table
cloth"
Mrs. Napier smiled blandly and inclined
her head, until the part ornaments tinkled
softly 1t was very singular remark. but
then every one knew that Dir. Maynard was
one of those eccentric geniuses that nobody
pretends to understand or criticize.
Z" And these napkins are as white as the
driven snow" went on the doctor, critically
surveying the double damask on bis lap.
Again Mrs. Napier bowed.
" Moreover" pursued the doctor, in the
same calm, unvary tone, . | have been ad
mirng Miss Napier's white muslin dress"
. 'Ah-yes, simpered the gratifed mama,
:" white is very becoming to my Theodosia's
style.'
And she glanced towards Theodosia who
was playing with her black Hamburg
grapes in manner eminently calculated to
display her rings.
I" You must have very good laundress, "
said the doctor, abruptly.
- believe Mrs. Tnoiey is quite compe
tent to her business, answered Mrs. Nap
er, little puzzled, but trying to indicate
her claims . to the best society" by express
ing no symptoms of surprise whatever
you are satisfied with her. then mad
am ?"
Quite"
"Then why don't you pay her for her
work ?'
The elite dropped its silver fork and set
down its glasses of champagne, quite uncer-
tain whittier this singular investigation was
about to lead. Mrs. Napier turned scar
let.
''Dr Maynard, 1 do not understand
you"
Do you not, madam Then l will en-
deavor to speak little more plainly, Mrs
Toolev is one of my tenants she cannot
raise her rent because Mrs Napier would
withhold the wages of her lauudress on no
other ground than that of inability to pay,
| can only suppose her too poor to discharge
her rightlul dues"
He was silent moment. Mrs. Napier
strove to speak. but something rose up in her
throbbing throat and seemed to choke her,
Mr.. Napier sat at his end of the table
aghast.
Under these melancholy circumstances,
resumed the ruthless doctor. | beg leave to
suggest taking up collection at the table
for the benefit of Mrs. Napier's distressed
washerwoman, whose bills have not been
paid | put in quarter myself-will
somebody be kind enough to pass the china
plate? p
The china plate went round the table in
perfect silence, and returned to its original
source well filled. The elite. maliciously
alive to all the weak spots in Mrs. Napier's
armor appeared to enjoy the thing. Mr..
Napier, smiling family endeavored to regard
it as joke; but his wife knew that this
one evening had undone the work of years,
and sat pale and silent. She could have
murdered Dr. Maynard at that moment,
and Mrs. Tooley, too
Ten dollars !" said the doctor deliber-
ately counting the change. Just forty
cents more than we need but it will not
come amiss to Mrs. Tooley Ladies and
gentlemen have the honor to bid you very
good eveuingw
ANSWERS TO POPULAR AIRS Go, forget
In Tears l Pine" They will soon be.
I o,,,,o