Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-06-24
ONLY A PIMPLE.

LORD Boft1e ElleSmere walked into his
wife's sitting-room one afternoon, with an
unusually serious expression on his face
Fer Lord BERTHE was young man of a
cheerful disposition, not given to serious
thoughts. He found Lady BERTHE in her
room, engrossed in the absorbing occupa-
ton of looking in the glass. She did not
turn when he entered, but continued to
study the dimples in her chin. She had been
a recognized beauty when she married, and
still held that position; therefore she must
be forgiven for continuing to look in the
glass without apology, whether herhusband
or any one else entered the room. Actresses
do not apologize for settling their ruff1es
aud studying the effect of their makeup
in the green-room mirror all the while they
carry on conversation; why, then, should
not a society beauty watch her own face
while she talks? It is but matter of bust
ness in both cases.
Lord and Lady BERTHE had been married
two years, and they were still excellent
friends. No jealousy or misunderstanding
had, SO far, marred their content with each
other.
Lord BERTHE sat down and looked atten-
lively for moment at his wife's back, but
it's prettiness did not occupy his mind at
this moment.
'May," he said suddenly, and in grave
voice, sis there anything you want?'
"Anything 1 want.'' exclaimed Lady
Berthe. 'Well, I should think so I want
new idea for ball dress; want an Es-
quimaux dog; want my diamonds reset;
want to go to st. Petersburg this winter;
want-I can't think of them all now, but
want hundred things"
s'Do you want money!"
"Money Not particularly at the mo.
ment; but if you are overburdened with
bank notes I feel sure can use them"
'Don't talk nonsense, May; Pm in earn
est. And I do wish you d turn around"
'1'm busy" replied Lady BERTHE. And
so, indeed she was. She was applying with
| the greatest care and skill a minute patch
of sticking plaster to tiny defect which she
had discovered on her chin. "Fancy you
being in earnest p she went on. 'Whal
can it be about ?"
'May, have you been gambliDg?" asked
Lord BERTHE abruptly.
''Gamblingn 20 cried Lady BERTHE. "Cer-
tainly not. Why, I should have hollows
under my eyes in fortnight What car
have put such an idea in your head?"
.Tll tell you," said Lord BERTHE. "Just
now, for the second time, have seen a
dreadful looking Jew, with any quantity Of
watch chain over an immense waistcoat, go
ing out of this house. Now, what on earth
can you want with Jew, if it isn't to bor.
row money
"Dearme !' said Lady BERTHE, with scorn,
what poverty stricken imagination yours
must be One might want a great many
things of Jew, should think. Jews are
very clever people,"
"Don't you mean to tell me what thai
man comes to see you for ?' asked Lord
BERTHE in a gloomy tone.
''Nop' said Lord BERTHE airily, but with
much decision; emo, don't. 'sNow," she
added, turning around at last, 'am look
ing well to-day ?''
"You are getting handsomer, believe, ,
said Lord BERTHE, but in the same gloomy
tone.
ed Lady BERTHE, with fervor. "That's al
right then" And she left the mirror ano
came to low chair near her husband. Sht
was exceedingly graceful and could sit dowr
in an artistic manner worthy of the prea
Sarah. She formed lovely picture. in he
white wrapper that was little more than {
cloud OF Valenciennes, as she posed hersel
In her favorlte lounge and crossed her pret
ty pink slippered feet. Lord BERTHE ha(
thrown himself into an easy, but hardl,
graceful attitude-his legs outstretched an9
his heels OF the ground, his hands in hi
trousers pocket. Sitting thus, he eyed hi
beautiful wife all over, with a detected am
perplexed air.
"It's not all right he said after mo
ment. 81 hate mysteries. We've ken
clear Of them SO far, May. If you won
clear this one UP, I'll cut it short by tellin,
the servants that Jew is not to enter tbil
house.
ooh, do % said Lady Berthe; "that will
make such q nice little scandal for the ser
wants hall And by tomorrow it will b
half over town."
'Well, don't want to make a fool O
myself, and I'm sure I've no desire that yo
should be talked about; but I can't stan
this state of things"
SIN fact, you are dying of curiosity?''
"Not at all. But if YOU are in difficulties
Pm ready to get you out of them. There
my hand on it, May; and all I ask is, don
Lgo to anybody else.''
"What dear boy you are,'' said Lad
BERTHE "But there's nothing to be so Sc
rious about, assure you. Pm not going t
tell you why my friend came here, or wha
my business is with him; because that woul
be countenancing absurd tyranny on you
part which / don't mean to do
"Don't answer me like that, May, can
stand it. The light comedy manner ISM
always appropriate. Pm in earnest, an
you've done nothing but chaff me since
came in
every well, I'll drop into melodrama. :
Wild horses won't drag my secret from me
you may take my life, but will not speak
Now m1lsf drese to 1ro o,,A. or, err,<,d h. 1,