St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-03-08
SHE LOVES AND LIES.
BY WILKIE CoLLINNs.

lord mayor.
Among the late arrivals who had no choice
but to stand or leave the hall, were two Ia
dies. One of them at once decided on leav-
ing the hall. 81 shall 90 back to the car
riage," she said, "and wait for you at the
door" Her friend answered, ~ shan't
keep you long. He is advertised to support
the second resolution; want to see him
and that is all"
An elderly gentlemen, seated at the end
of a bench, rose and offered his place to the
lady who remained. She hesitated to take
advantage of his kindness until he reminded
her that he had heard what she had said
to her friend. Before the third resolution
was proposed his seat would be at his own
disposal again. She thanked him and with
oGt further ceremony took his place. He
was provided with an opera-glass, which he
more than once offered to her, when IA
nous orators appeared on the platform; she
made no use Of it until speaker-known
in the city as a ship-owner-stepped forward
to support the second resolution.
His name (announced in the advertise
ments) was Ernest Lismore.
The moment he arose the lady asked for
the opera-glass. She kept it to her eyes
for such length of time, and with such
evident interest in Mr.. Lismore, that the
curiosity of her neighbors was aroused.
Had he anything to say in which lady levi
IDENTITY a stranger to HIM was personally
interested? There was nothing in the address
he delivered which appealed to the enthusiasm
of women. He was undoubtedly a handsome
man, whose appearance proclaimed him to
be in the prime of life-midway, perhaps,
between thirty and forty years of age.
But why lady should persist in keeping au
opera-glass fixed on him all through his
speech was question which found the gen
eral ingenuity at loss for q reply.
Having returned the glass with an apollo
gy, the lady ventured on putting ques-
ton next. 'EDid it strike you, sir, that
Mr. Lismore seemed to be out of spirits?'
she asked.
81 can't say it did, ma'am.''
ttPerhaps you noticed that he left the plat
form the moment he had doneE'
This betrayal of interest in the speaker
did not escape the notice of lady seated on
the bench in front. Before the old gentle
man could answer, she volunteered an eX-
PLANTATION.
~ am afraid Mr.. Lismore is troubled by
anxieties connected with his business" she
said. my husband heard it reported in the
city yesterday that he was seriously embar-
raised by the failure"
A loud burst of applause made the end of
the sentence inaudible. A famous member
of parliament had risen to propose the third
resolution. The polite old man took his seat
+ba To- d. loft +ba hoJ 10 Sol, Il
X Y
''Wel, Mrs. Calender, has Mr.. Lismore
disappointed you?''
''Far from it! But have heard a report
about him which has alarmed me; he is said
to be seriously troubled about money matters.
How can I find out his address in the city?"
''We can stop at the first stationer's shop
we pass; and ask to look at the directory.
Are you a going to pay Mr.. Lismore
visit?
am going to think about it."
The next day clerk entered Mr.. Lis
more's private room at the Office and pre-
scented a visiting card. Mrs. Calender had
reflected, and had arrived at decision. I'm
derneath her name she had written these
explanatory words: Con important bust
ness.''
:Does she look as if she wanted money?'
Mr.. LlsmOre inquired.
sob, dear, no? She comes in her carriage"
ISIS she young or old?'
''Old, sir.''
To Mr.. Lismore-conscious of the disast-
rous influence occasionally exercised over
busy men by youth and beauty-this was
recommendation in itself He said; "Show
her inn
Observing the lady, as she approached him
with the momentary curiosity of stranger,
he noticed that she still preserved the re-
mains of beauty. She had also escaped the
the misfortune, common to persons at her
time of life, of becoming too fat. Even to
mans eye her dress-maker appeared to
have make the most of that favorable circum-
stance. Her figure had its defects conceal
ed and its remaining merits set off to adj
vantage. At the same time she evidently
held herself above the common receptions
by which some women seek to conceal their
age. She wore her own gray hair, and her
complexion bore the test of daylight. On
entering the room she made her apologies
with some embarrassment. Being the en-
barrassment of stranger, (and not OF
youthful stranger,) it failed to impress Mr.
Lismore favorably.
81 am afraid l have chosen an inconveni-
ent time for my visit" she began.
81 am at your service,'' he answered lit
tie stiffy; especially if you will be so kind
as to mention your business with me in
few words.''
She was woman of some spirit, and that.
reply reused her. II will mention it in one
word,' she said smartly, ''My business is
gratitude"
He was completely at loss to understand
what she meant, and he said so plainly. In
stead of explaining herself she put a uues-
ton.
edo you remember the night of the elev-
enth of March, between and 6 years since?"
He considered for moment 'tNo," he
said, 81 don't remember it. Excuse me,
Mrs. Calender, I have affairs of my own to
attend to which cause me some aaxiety-''
'Let me assist your memory, Mr.. Lismore,
and 1 will leave you to your affairs On the
date that have referred to, you were on your
way to the railway station at Bexmore, to
catch the night express from the north to
London.
AS a hint that his time was valuable the
ship-owner had hitherto remained standing.
He now took his customary seat and began
listen with some interest Mrs. Calender
had produced her effect on him already.
at was absolutely necessary she proceed
ed, ''that you should be on board your ship
in the London docks at O'Clock the next
morning If you had lost the express, the
vessel would have sailed without you.'
The expression of his face began to change
to surprise. ''Who told you that9" he asked.
"You shall hear directly. On your way
into the town your carriage was stopped by