The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1880-11-11

the hdeep impasto" of Burne Jones.
soon got tired, so | sat down near the passage
leading to the refreshment room. / always think
the lunch is about the best thing at the pictures.
But they seemed never to be coming For some
time amused myself looking at the people they
were a shifting mass of faces and dresses, and
was greatly diverted.
Bv and by | began to observe that the crowd
when they came to "A certain picture stood there,
forming regular line as they did for Miss Thomp-
SON. 1t was awfully hot, and had taken off my
veil and pushed up my hat, for my forehead was
burning. Suddenly noticed that a great many
people turned their backs upon the picture and
looked at me, and then faced around again to the
canvas wall. In my character of Beauty, have
been all my life pretty well accustomed to the
sort of homage conveyed by what is called "hard
staring" so that it must have been an undue
amount Of it which attracted my attention; but
surely had never seen any like this. Groups of
two three six at time would stand before me,
calmly surveying me, and, could gather by their
gestures, talking of me. But didn't hear what
they said.
| became very anxious to see the picture which
attracted such attention, but the block around it
was too great. The next best thing was to ask for
information. 1t some time before | could
pitch upon person who seemed fitting for this
purpose. At last quiet-looking lady came near
me- She had catalogue in her hand. addressed
her:
''May I ask you to tell me the name of the pic
ture at which every one is looking"
She turned to the book but first glanced at me; (;
then she hurried on, and ! saw her a few minutes
afterward pointing me out To some OF her friends
/ felt extremely uncomfortable. looked about
anXiously for Charley and Matilda, but there was
no sign of either. Then | did "a very foolish thing
I got up To 90 and look for them, principally to
/ escape from the numberless eyes liked upon me-
To my surprise, the crowd made way at once and
followed me as | walked pressing very closely
upon me, but not discourteousy. | could hear
some of the remarks, which were of the most nat
tering description.
Just then saw i'm the distance a brother officer
of Charleys, a certain Captain Ninton lie was
a hanger-on and toady of the great and most
cOnceted, tireSome little creature. dlSllkeu hln
although I'm bound TO say lac never absolutely
cut Us. He now stopped 10 speak 20 me; of course,
he was politely indifferent as 20 the loss OF my
party.
''I would help YOU 10 look for Charley" ne
said, but the fact Is the Duchess of Cranberry Is
here, and she's quite on the qui rirc. Some one
has told her that the original of the picture II
actually in the room, and OF course, u would be
everything to secure her for the 20th, and
Here interrupted him rather rudely, but he is
such bore.
Il wonder" | said-but here / was in my turn
Two gentlemen on one side, two ON the other
tapped Captain Winton ON each shoulder.
"Will you kindly Introduce me?' said one
"And me ?' said another.
"And me ?'
''And me ~
Little Winton stared, but did a. ne was bid.
Lord Snappngton-MrS. Redcar; Colonel
Fotheringham-Mrs. Redcar; Sir John De
Tabley Mrs Redcar; Major Bcaulieu- Mrs
Redcar Beaulieu, think you know Charley
Redcar; he one of ourS.'
In right Of this acquaintance, Major Bcaulieu
walked on my right hand; Lord Snappington
fought hard 10 keep his place on my left, but the
crowd which persistently followed in my wake
would not let him. Hardly any conversation was
possible. At the first convenient pause, little
Winton dartcd forward:
my dear Mrs. Redcar, how sly you have been
And Charley, too, never breathed "a word Of this I,
Now, you must come at once 10 the Duchess l
. have her positive orders
And before / could take I'm what he meant,
was being introduced To very large lady, with "a
high nose, and a most charming manner.
81 am pleased TO know YOU, Mrs. Redcar,N
she said. 81 am obliged To hurry away; but YOU
Will come TO me on the goth, won't YOU? ! haven't
/ time to say half the pretty things | ought; but
. really, without fattery, it isn't equal! There,
now I'll not say another word Stay; could you
come TO me this evening" It's shockingly in
formal, but you don't look formal Eh what ?''-
in answer TO a whisper from little Winton-"Of
course, Captain Redcar, by all means-that is il
he will give me the pleasure. / have to run
away-so sorry. My carriage Captain Winton, if
you please. GoOd-by' And, with pretty smile
and bow, she vanished.
1t was all so sudden felt quite stunned.
81 don't understand it, said 81 don't know
her, or what she wants with me-
That's the Duchess Of Cranberry. She's great
friend of Masses, and her wonderful party is to be
on the 10Th"
'sBut what does she want with me ~ repeated.
I They all smiled, and Wnton, who had Just
come back, said "Capitalw He volunteered to go
and look for Charley and suggested to one Of the
gentlemen 10 see about my carriage
"The Duchess is delighted he said. "and
thanked me 50 much for the introduction. No
WONDER it makes the whole thing complete.
/ Didn't DO well about Charley? II wouldn't do
/ at all for him to he in the background. But lis
ten; have hint for your private ear. shouldn't
he at all surprised if a certain Person is there this
] evening"
I "Where -
"oh at the Duchess, Of course. just gave
nr fr .raf d
. you h.trf and mind you bring Charev.r
/ And With "a grave face he Went
For minute or two | felt inclined tocrv. had
lad 40 i1neheoh' ana TINS extraordinary advcn-
I ture puzzled me. looked round at my escort ol
/ four gentlemeh
al should like TO go home said
Lord Snappington imme,liate'y offered me hi.
I arm; Major BeauIieu brought my pnra.oi. ia,
OF her two for d. carriatrn