Morris tribune., 1884-04-16
SHE LOVES AND LIES.
TWilEie Collins.

Among the late arrivals, who had no
choice but to stand or leave the hall, were
two ladies. One of them at once declded on
leaving the hall. II shall go back TO the
carriage" she said, land wait for you at inc
door, Her friend answered, 81 shant keep
you long. He is advertised to support 1he
second resolution; want to see hlm-ano
that is ALL"
An elderly gentleman, seated at the end OF
bench, rose and offered his place 10 tue
lady who remained. She hesltated 10 take
advantage of his kindness until he reinlhueo
her that he had heard what she said to her
friend. Before the third resolution was pro.
posed his seat would be at his own disposal
again She thanked him, and without rur-
Their ceremony took his place. He was pro-
yided with an opera-glass, which he more
than once offered to her, when famous ora
tors appeared on the platform; she made no
use of it until a speaker-known in the city
as ship-owner-stepped forward to support
the second resolution.
His name (announced in the advertise
ments) was Ernest Lisnore.
The moment he arose the lady asked Tor
the opera-glasS She kept it to her eyes
for such a length of time, and with such
evident interest in Mr.. Linsmore, that
the curiosity of her neighbors was aroused.
Had he anything to say In which lacy
evidently stranger to him) was person
ally interested2 There was nothing in the
address that he delivered which appealed to
the enthusiasm of women. He was undoubt-
edlv handsome man, whose appearance pro-
claimed him to be in the prime OF ne-md-
way. perhaps, between so and 40 years OF
age. But why lady should persist In Keep
ing an opera-glass fixed on him all through
his speech was question which found the
general ingenuity at q loss for reply.
Having returned the glass with an apology,
the lady ventured on putting question
next Did it strike you, sir, that MI.
Lisluore seemed to be out of spirlts!" the
asked.
III can't say it did, ma'am."
"PerhapS you noticed that he left the plat
form the moment he had donep
This betrayal of interest in the speaker did
not escape the notice of q tlady seated on the
bench in front. Before the old gentleman
could answer she volunteered an explana-
ticn.
Il 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 en-
barrassed by the failure"
A loud burst of applause made the end Of
the sentence inaudible A famous member
of parliament had risen to propose tho third
resolution The polite old man took his seat,
and the lady left the hall to join her friend
=
"Well, Mrs Calender, has Mr. Lismore
disappointed you?"
Ear from it! But I have heard report
about him which has alarmed me; he is said
to be seriously troubled about money mat
ters How can find out his address in the
city?"
I'VE can stop at the first stationer's shop
we pass, and ask to look at the directory.
Are you going to pay Mr.. Lismore visit"
Il am going to think about it"
The next day q clerk entered Mr.. Lisnores
private room at the office and presented
visiting card. Mrs. Calender had reflected,
and had arrived at 9cision. Underneath
her name she had written these explanatory
words: "On important business"
"Does she look as if she wanted moneyW
Mr.. Lismore inquired.
"Oh, ,ar, no? She comes ID her carriage"
is she young or olda"
"Old, SIR"
To Mr.. Lismore-conscious of the disastrous
influence occasionally exercised over busy
men by youth and beauty-this was a
recommendation in itself. He said: "Show
her in"
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
misfortune, common to persons at her time
of life, of becoming too fat Even to q mans
eve her dress maker appeared to have made
the most of that favorable circumstance.
Her figure had its defects concealed and its
remaining merits set off to advantage. 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 embar-
rassment. Being the embarrassment Of q
stranger, land not of youthful stranger
it failed to impress Mr.. Lismore favorably
II am afraid I have chosen an incon
venient time for my visit" she began.
IT am at your service" he answered a Lit
tie stifly; Especially if you will be so kline
as to mention your business with me in
few words"
She was woman of some spirit, and tina
reply reused her. II will mention it in on
word" she said smartly, "My business is
gratitude"
He was completely at loss to understand
what she meant, and he said so plainly
Instead of explaining herself she put ques
ton.
$40 YOU remember the night of the eleventh
of March, between 5 and years since?"
He considered for moment. "No," h
said, Il don't remember it. Excuse me, Mrs
Calender, have affairs of my own to atten
to which cause me some anxiety"
"Let me assist your memory, Mr.. Lismore
and will leave you to your affairs. On tn
date that have referred to, you were o.
your way to the railway station at Bexmore
to catch the night express from the north t
London.
As hint that his time was valuable tn
ship-owner had hitherto remained standing
He now took his customary seat and began t
listen with some interest. Mrs. Calender ha
produced her effect on him already.
cit was absolutely necessary" she pre-
ceeded, ''that you should be on board you
ship in the London docks al 9 o'clock th
next morning. If you had lost the expires:
the vessel would have sailed without you"
The expression of his face began to chang
to surprise "Who told you that?" he asked
"You shall hear directly. On your wa
into the town your carriage was stopped b
an obstruction on the high road. The peopl
of Bexmore were looking at a house on fire.
He started to his feet. ''Good heavens! al
you the lady?"
She held up her hand in satircal protes
"Gently, sir! You suspected me just now {
wasting your valuable time. Don't rashl
conclude that 1 am the lady until you fin
out that am acquainted with the circun
stances"
"Is there no excuse for my failing to re
ognize you?" Mr.. Lismore asked. eve we
on the dark side of the burning house; yc
were fainting and /"
"And you," she interrupted "after savir
me at the risk Of your own life, turned de
ear to my poor husbands entreaties when
asked you to wait till I had recovered n
senses"
"Your poor husbands Surely, Mrs. CT
lender, he received no serious injury from
freq
s'The fremen rescued him under circu1
stances Of peril" she answered, land at