The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1880-11-04

room. I 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 q shifting mass
of faces and dresses, and I was greatly
diverted. By and by I began to OBJ.
serve that the crowd when they came
to . certain picture stood there, forming
q regular line, as they did for Miss
Thompson. 1t was awfully hot. and
had taken off my veil aud pushed up
my hat, for my forehead was burning.
Suddenly I noticed that q great many
people turned their backs upon the
picture, and looked at me, and then
faced round again to the canvass 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 I had
never seen any like this. Groups of
two, three, six at time would stand
before me. calmly surveying me, and, l
could gather by their gestures, talking
of me. But l didn't hear what they
said. became very anxious to see the
picture which attracted such attention,
but the block round it was too great.
The next best thing was to ask for in
formation. 1t was some time before l
could pitch upon person who seemed
fitting for this purpose. At last very
quiet-looking lady came near me. She
had q catalogue in her hand. adj
dressed her. MAY ask you to tell
me the name of the picture at which
every one is looking?" She turned to
the book, but first glanced at me; then
hurried on, and 1 saw her few min
utes afterward pointing me out to some
of her friends. l felt extremely uncom-
Portable. looked about anxiously for
Charley and Matilda, but there was no
sign of either. Then did a very fool
ish thing; l got up to 60 and look for
them, principally to escape from the
numberless eyes fixed upon me.
To my surprise the crowd made way
at once, and, as walked, followed me,
pressing very closely upon me, but not
discourteously. I could hear some of
the remarks, which were of the most
fattering description. just then saw
in the distance brother officer of
Charley's, a certain Captain Winton.
He was a hanger-on and toady of the
great, and most conceited, tiresome
little creature. disliked him, although
I'm bound to say he never absolutely
cut us.
He now stopped to speak to me; Of
oouroo ho x,oo ,,ol;to1x, ;od;fforont "a RI
the loss of my party.
Il would help you to look for Char
ley," he said; "but the fact is the
Duchess of Cranberry is here, and she s
quite on the Qai Uire. Some one has
told her that the original of the picture
is actually in the room. and, of course,
it would be everything to secure herf
the goth, and
Here interrupted him rather rudely,
but he is such bore.
81 WONDER" l said-but here l was
in my turn interrupted. Two gentle
men on one side, two on the other.
tapped Captain Winton on each Shout
der.
'.Will you kindly introduce me?"
said one.
Anu Iu0s SdlU tuc OGuOI.
"And me?''
"And me?'
Little Winton stared, but did as he
was bid.
Lord Snappington-Mrs. Redcar;
Colonel Fotheringham-Mrs. Redcar;
Sir John DE Tabley-Mrs. Redcar;
Major Beaulieu-Mrs. Redcar. Beau
lieu, 1 think you know Charley Redcar;
he was one of ours?"
In right of this acquaintance, Major
Beaulieu walked on my right hand;
Lord Snappington fought hard to keep
his place on my left, but the crowd,
which persistently followed in my wake,
would not let him. Hardly any con-
versation was possible. At the first
convenient pause, little Winton darted
forward:
''My dear Mrs. Redcar, how sly you
have been! And Charley, too, never
breathed a word of this! Now. you
must come at once to the Duchess; 1
have her positive orders" And, be-
fore l could take in what he meant, l
was being introduced to very large
lady, with high nose and most
charming manner.
81 am so pleased to know you. Mrs.
Redcar," she said. 81 am obliged to
hurry away; but you will come to me
on the goth, won't you? l haven't time
to say half the pretty things 1 ought;
but really, without flattery, it isn't
equal! There, now, I'll not say anoth-
er word. Stay; could you come to me
this evening? Its shockingly informal,
but you don look formal. Eli? What?'
in answer to whisper from little
Winton 'sOf course, Captain Redcar,
by all means-that is. if he will give me
the pleasure. l have to run away
80 sorry. My carriage, Captain Win
ton, if you please. Good-by." And,
with pretty smile and bow, she van
ished.
1t was all so sudden I felt quite
stunned. II don't understand it."
said. Il 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
GOTH
but what does she want with mep''
1 repeated.
They all smiled, and Winton, who
had just come back, said "Capitalr'
He volunteered to 60 and look for
Charley, and suggested to one of the
gentlemen to see about my carriage.
1.-THE Duchess is delighted" he said,
"and thanked me so rauch for the in
PRODUCTION, No wonder, it makes the
whole thing complete. Didn't do well
about Charley? 1t wouldn't do at all
for him to be in the background. But,
listen, l have a hint for your private
ear. shouldn't be at all surprised il
. certain Person is there this evening"
"Where?''
"Oh! at the Duchess, of course
just give you the hint. Throw owe,
any engagement, do you hear? And
mind you bring Charley" And with 8
grave face he went.
For q minute or two I felt inclined to
cry. II had had no luncheon, and
this extraordinary adventure puzzled
me. I looked round at my escort Of
four gentlemen. II should like to &c
home," said.