Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-01-18

was bid.
lord Snappington-Mrs. Redcar
COL Frotheringham-Mrs. Redcar; Sil
John DeTabley-Mrs. Redcar; Major
Beaulieu-Mrs. Redcar. Beaulicu, |
think you know Charlie 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 conversation
was possible. At the first convenient
pause, little Winton darted forward
MY dear Mrs. Redcar. how sly you
have been! And, Charlie, too, never
breathed a word Of this Now, you
must come at once to the Duchess
have her positive orders" And, before
| could take in what he meant, was be-
ing introduced to very large lady, with
high nose, and a most charming man
ner.
IL am so pleased to know you, Mrs.
Redcar,' she said: II am obliged TO
hurry away, but you will come to me on
the Goth won't you; haven't time TO
say the pretty things ought; but really.
" ithout fa,,ery. it isn't equal There,
now. Ill not say another word. Stay /:
could you come TO me this evening: It's
sbockingly informal. bu, YOU don't look
informal. Eh, What;-in answer to
whisper from little Wlnton-"Of
course. Captain Rcdcar, by all means
that is, if he will give me the pleasure.
have TO run away-so sorry. My
carriage, Captain Win,on, if YOU please.
Good bye" And with pretty smile
and bow, she vanished.
i, was all so sudden ! felt quite
stunned Il don't know her or what
she wants with me-
That's the Duchess of Cranberry.
She's a great friend Of Masse 5, and her
wonderful party is to be on the 2oth. -.
"But what does she want with me
| repeated. ,
They all smiled. and Winton, who had
Just come back. said Capital lie
volunteered to 20 and look for Charley
and suggested to one OF the gentlemen to
see about my carriage.
"The Duchess is delighted he said,
land thanked me much for the intro
duc,ion. No wonder. it makes the
whole thing complete Didn', do well
about Charley, II wouldn't do at all
for him to be in the background. But,
listen. have hint for your private ear.
shouldn't be at all surprised if certain
person is there this evening"
Where
"Oh at the Duchess. of course. |
just give you the hint Throw over any
engagement. do YOU hear, And mind
YOU bring Charley And with a grave
face he went.
For minute or two felt inclined to
cry. had no luncheon, and this ex
traordinary adventure puzzled me. |
looked round at my escor, Of four gentle
men. II should like to go home"
said.
Lord Snappineton Immediately offered
me his arm. Major Beaulieu brought my
parasol-the other two ran for my car
rage. Il hnvn't any, indeed, went
on Il think you take me for some one
else"
At this they all laughed, and Lord
Snappington asked if would honor him
by making use OF his. He didn't want
it for the rest of the afternoon, If liked
to drive. He was so pressing that |
really couldn't refuse to go 10 Inverness
Terrace in it, although | hardly expected
the wonderful footman to know where it
| was.
declare, when found myself in the
carriage quite alone rubbed my eyes
and pinched my fingers. | could hardly
help thinking that had fallen asleep and
dreamed all this, but just as | was pinch
ing myself hard | saw Charley and Matil-
da standing on the pavement in Piccadil-
", looking very hot and uncomfortable.
put my head out of the window and
called to the grand coachman to stop.
The man looked at me very wickedly,
but didn't care. jumped out and
never felt more pleased than when | got
hold Of Charley's arm and the fine car
riage had driven away empty.
Anything like the amazement of Char
lev and Matilda, when they heard my
adventure, never saw. They couldn t
make head or tail to it any more than
myself: only one thing was clear to me,
that must get home and have something
to eat, | was so faint with excitement, and
hunger. We all made up our minds it
was a mistake of some kind. We went
through the catalogue carefully, but there
was nothing there. Charley proposed
running into Mrs. Smithers, at No. 10
she sets up to be aristocratic) but Matil-
da said no-not on any account-the
thing was to keep our own counsel.
Matilda was for our going to The Ouch
ess'. She said it didn't matter, mis-
take or no mistake. She had asked
me to her house in my own name, and
there was no imposition or forcing myself
in on my side. Charley said the same,
! and added that at all eyents n would hf