The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-08-16


'tMarie, remember I am at home to
no one to-day except the young person
in mourning who will enquire for me
on business"
A radiantly beautiful woman, pos
sessed of all the mature charms q bru-
nette of thirty knows well how to pre-
serve; charming little boudoir, hung
with deep silk pink curtains selected
with critical eye to Mrs. Whiteman's
hair, eyes, and complexion; oriental
cushions of gorgeous hues piled in cosy
heaps; low luxurious chairs; tiny white
statuettes; frowning bronzes; gilded
pictures; rare Persian druggets on the
inlaid tfoor-everything as magnificent
as lavish expenditure, voluptuous taste.
and fanciful, artistic caprice could make
it.
The owner and sole inhabitant of it
all was '.Mrs. Whymer Whiteman,"
her visiting cards announced, even after
she had laid aside her widows robes for
six long months. This dashing, stylish
widow was standing before her dress
ing mirror as she issued her order to
her maid, carefully arranging the fluffy
cbon fringes of hair on her forehead.
Marie courtesied, then glanced depre-
catingly at her indulgent mistress.
..And M. Arlington? Madame forgets
the appointment for eleven in the morn
ing! Is it not at home to him also?"
Mrs. Whiteman laughed.
=. You good creature! How faithfully
you remember everythingl OF course |
am always at home to Harry-the king!
Have the drawing groom curtains drawn,
Marie, before he is shown in, or he may
discover how passe | am growing.
The French girl made a feint OF hor-
rified surprise. '+<
Madame passe' Never, even in the
horrible sunlight, Such hair, such
eyes, such"
Mrs Whiteman waved her two fin
gers deprecatingly. ..- ~
There, Marie-sutlicient.
And as the girl Withdrew, she turned
away from the mirror to her fayorite
chair.
Il suppose the girl wants to retain
her position after am married again
married to Harry Arlington. And l
will marry him. despite current rumor
to the effect that he wears the willow
in his heart for Winnie Warren. :"
She yawned behind her lace handker-
chief, then drew her watch from her
belt sts=sf-,
mine O'Clock only. How barbar-
ously early! | imagine not even the
prospect of a big bargain, such as L
shall drive with Miss Warren, will
tempt me to my chocolate so heathen-
ishly soon again"
Cha yuaS daanIT in fau
ite novel when Marie raped on the
door, and admitted tall graceful girl
in deep sable garments.
GU may retire, Marie. ! have been
waiting, Miss Warren; and rs | have
an engagement at eleven, you may show
me the jewels at once.
If Winnie's face flushed under the i'm
perious request, she made no sign be-
yond quietly removing her veil, and
placing a small ebony-and-silver casket
on little commode at Mrs. Whiteman's
side
81 will not detain you madame" she
said in her own sweet proud way.
''There are the jewels, my sole depend
ence since our misfortune and"
'sOh, | know all about that. Unlock
it. Yes-I always admired that pearl
and emerald set, although | can't wear
them. remember you used"
Winnie's lips grew tenser and more
naughty as she Interrupted the painful
"reminiscences.
''Here are rubies, madame, and opals,
and amethysts. You can wear any or
all of these"
$50 can, especially rubies. l re-
member when you wore those once at
Mrs. Maysel's with black lace. Mr..
Arlington was your escort. You used
to look down on me in those days,
didn't you? And now
A cutting smile cleaned evilly over
the woman's s brilliant face as she toyed
with the glowing red jewels, and Win
MES eyes flashed like swords in the
moonlight-cold as steel.
eve will not discuss our opinions il
you please, Mrs Whiteman. Enough
that never change my views of per-
sons or things because of the chances OF
fortune Win you take the rubies?"
Mrs. Whiteman's keen black eyes
roved among the contents of Winnie's
easket.
$50 you don't change your views?
Then it is presumable you are as much
in love with Mr.. Arlington as everP
Oh, what an exquisite thing! My own
initials too-'W Wa and just my.
shade Of pink! I'll take this locket, at
all events"
But Winnies hand, cold and trem-
bling. reached out.
''No, not that. l did not know it was
there Not that. Mrs Whiteman.'
''Why not? You profess to be in need
of what these Jewels will bring you, and
here you refuse the only one | really
want. Perhaps" and the black eyes
sparkled maliciously perhaps it was
present from-from Mr., Arlington.
Winnie rose in stately co1dness.
..Since you seem incapable of disasso-
ciating Mr.. Arlington from your. own
private affairs, l will not detain you
longer. You cannot buy the locket for
gold. Do you wish anything else?"
She was so high, SO naughty in her
calm dignity, that Mrs. Whiteman ac-
tuafly admired her. Besides, the rubies
were a bargain.
''Well, since / feel shall be doing a
duty, will take the rubies. Call to-
morrow, and you shall have the check
Winnie bowed as though she were
granting royal favor.
Mrs. Whiteman swept the jewels, ex-
cepting the rubies, back into the cas-
ket; then she closed it, locked it, and
handed the key to Winnie, who bowed,
and left the apartment.
.'Such p high-strung piece! | fiatter
myself took some of the starch out of
her Now for delightful call from Mr..
Arlington, who will not have much
trouble to induce me to change my
namer' d
80 t's*
Grave, handsome, fascinating rs ev-
er, Harry Arlington leaned over the
pretty iewelled hand Mrs. Whiteman
extended with effusion- as he came
across the floor.
$50 prompt! But then you gentlemen
always are, where you want to be.
She seated herself where the light
was most artfully shaded.
You haven't changed at all, Mr..
Arlington, in your year of absence, al
though there have been great changes
in other people--myself for instance.
| am positively getting old and faded
l caught Marie pulling a gray hair out,
only this morning."
A,,;,,o.4o, ILL :1 - l. -.