Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-03-13
A WOMAN'S INSTINCT.

ilOHl-DCaIlCu creature
charming. This was nearly enough to
make her detestcd by her sex; but add
to this that her husband was devoted
to her, and that all the men, of her ac-
quaintance admired her, and there is
quite sufficient reason for the enmity
felt toward her by all women less fascin-
ating-or, as they would have said, less
clever
In truth Mrs. Valcry was the most
innocent little woman in the world,
and it was very easy for her to walk in
the paths of virtue, as she had the ex-
ceptiOnal advantage of being in love
with her husband. But, Of course, her
female friends could not be expected
to believe that, though the men had all
found it out long ago and had admired
her all the more for it. She accepted
their admiration with an ease and
grace all her own; she had been a great
deal abroad, and possibly this gave her
manner brilliance and gaiety. Half
her girhood had been spent with rela-
lions in st. Petersburg, and she spoke
Russian as if she was herself Slav.
From that gay city perhaps she had
brought her love of social life and the
yivacity which delighted her male
friends. All these things were enough
to make the ladies of her acquaintance
quite convinced that she was ''im-
proper, 3" and only needed to be found
out.
Lady Lynx lived just opposite Mrs.
Valery in Wilton Place This was one
reason why she was tacitly elected de-
tectiye-in-c chief to spy upon Mrs. Val
cry. But there was q much stronger
reason for the lady's willingness to fill
that post. Her husband, Sir George
Lynx, was o confirmed globe-trotter, a
lover of almost any land but England,
and he seldom returned to the wife of
his bosom. In his absence men treated
her with chilly pOliteness, though she
painted and powdered and dressed to
perfection. Yet Mrs. Valery, though
her husband was a stay-at-hOme, had q
constant train of visitors. Lady Lynx
was convinced that there was more in
this than met the eye; she devoted her
self to Mrs. Yalery, became her most
Intimate friend, and resolved that some
dav she would Outwit and expose her.
On certain afternoon, when the
season was at its height Lady Lynx
came into Mrs. Valery's drawing-room.
"Sir George is coming home to-day"
she said
Mrs. Valery looked up with an air
Of interest.
"Indeedr' she said; Il shall be glad
to make his acquaintance.
4 don't know at what time" said
Lady Lynx, ''or l would 90 and meet
him. But | must sit at home and watch
from my window for the wandering
knights return.
''Will he come to Charing CROSSE"
asked Mrs. Valery.
Eyes, said Lady Lynx, ''Whv?"
90, nothing" said Mrs. Valery,
carelessly; ''only that I have to 90 and
meet a friend this afternoon. [ must
start soon," she added, looking at her
watch
''You have to meet a friend there?"
said Lady Lynx.
Aes," said Mrs VaIery; then, with
q laugh, cor rather, | should say q
stranger. 1t seems absurd, but have
to meet q gentleman whom l have
never seen"
ut does seem absurd, indeed" said
Lady Lynx, echoing the laugh mechan-
ically. Her thoughts went ranging
back over St. Georges frequent alb
sences. Had Mrs. Yalery been abroad
when he was away? Yes, q hundred
times. Doubtless they had met at
many continental resort, and were
old acquaintance.
1T is absurd, yet true" said Mrs.
Valery, indifferently. You know [
have great many old friends in St.
Petersburg. Well, one of these writes
me that certain Russian gentleman
will arrive in London this afternoon,
and will be utterly lost unless | take
pity on him and 90 to meet him. He
believes that no one in England can
speak anything but English. To a GER
tain extent he his right. He will find
it difficult TO get on with the cabmen
and porters at Charing Cross; they
don't generally speak French. So I
must go, and at least send him to a
hotel where he will be understood"
''What queer thing to ask you TO
dor said Lady Lynx, looking at Mrs.
Valery with an expression which said
rs plainly IS possible, ''Do you think
I'm an absolute fool? And are you
really going to meet him in the station,
and shake hands with all the men in
the train on chance?' she asked
mo, not quite that" said Mrs. Val
cry with another laugh. He will 90
to the Charing Cross hotel for tonight.
I will ask for him there, bring him
home to dinner if he looks nice; in any
case, give him some little information
about this wilderness of London. Mr..
Valery has found me some addresses
for him; one or two hotels where the
people are French. It's pity Frank
can't 60 with me. >
1T is, indeed" said Lady Lynx
dryly.
Il really must run away" said Mrs.
Valery, again consulting her watch.
'Im very sorry to seem rude. "
ooh! not at all, - said Lady LYNX,