Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-02-15
A wcMAN'S INSTINCT,
a spriehIy Comedy in n London Rail-
road station.
From the London Wolll.l

From the London wolldJ
Pretty Mrs. Valery was q merry, light
hearted little creature and very charming.
This was nearly enough to make her de-
tested by her sex; but add to this that
her husband was devoted to her, and that
all the men of her acquaintance admired
her, and there is quito sufficient reason
for the enmity felt toward her by all
women less fascinating-or as they would
have said, less clever.
In truth Mrs. Valery was the most in
nocent little woman in the world, and it
was very easy for her to walk in the path
Of virtue, MS she had the exceptionable
advantage of being in love with her hus-
band. But, of course, her female friends
could not be expected to believe that,
though the men had all found it out long
ago and admired her all the more for it.
She accepted their admiration with an
case and grace all her own she had been
o great deal abroad, and possibly this
gave her manner brilliance and gayety
Half her girlhood had been spent with
relations in st. Petersburg, and she
spoke Russian as if she were herself a
Slav. From that gay city perhaps she
brought her love of social life and the
vivacity which delighted her male friends
All these things were enough to make the
ladies' OF her acquaintance quite con-
vinced that she was Improper" 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 rs de-
tective-in-chief to spy upon Mrs. Valery.
But there was a much stronger reason
for that ladys willingness to fill the post
Her husband, Sir George Lynx, was q
confirmed globe -trotter, lover OF almost
any land but England, and he seldom re-
turned to the wife of his bosom. In his
absence men treated her with but chilly
politeness, though she painted and pow
dered and dressed to perfection. Yet
Mrs. Valery, though her husband was a
stay athome, had n constant train Of Wis
itors, Lady Lynx was convinced that
there was more in this than met the eye
she devoted herself to Mrs. Valery, be-
came her most intimate friend, and re-
solved that some day she would outwit
and expose her.
On a certain afternoon when the sen.
aon 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 O
interest.
"Indeed !" she said; u shall be glat
to make his acquaintance.
II don't know at what time" said Lad,
Lynx, "or I would go and meet him
But must sit at home and watch from
my window the wandering knights re
turn"
will he come TO Charing Gross :?
asked Mrs. Valery.
yes" said Lady Lynx. "Why'"
20, nothing" said Mrs. valery, care
lessly; "only that l have to 60 and NEE
friend this afternoon. must star
soon," she added, looking at her watch.
you have to meet friend there :?
said Lady Lynx.
eyes" said Mrs. Valery then, with
laugh "or rather. I should say strar
ger. 1t seems absurd, but / have t
meet gentleman whom I have neve
seem"
'EIt does seem absurd, indeed" sai
Lady Lynx, echOing the laugh mechaI
ically. Her thoughts went ranging bac
ever Sir Georges frequent absences
Had Mrs. Valery been abroad when h
was away? Yes, hundred time
Doubtless they had met at many Il cont
htItai ItsoIt, anu were Olu NcQuuln
Ances.
ut is absurd, yet true" said Mrs. Va
cry, iudifferently. "You know / have
great many old friends in st. Petersburg
Well, one OF these writes me that n ce
tain Russian gentleman will arrive
London this afternoon, and will be utte
ly lost unless / take pity on him anu
to meet him. He believes that no one
England can speak any thing but En-
lish. To certain extent he is right. I
will find it difficult to get on with Il
cabmen and porters at ChGring Cros
they don't generally speak French.
/ must GO, and at least send him to n h
tel where he will be understood"
"What queer thing to ask you to do
said Lady Lynx, looking at Mrs Vale
with an expression which said as plain
as possible, ''do you think I'm an abt
Lutte fool?" ''And are you really going
meet him i'll the station, and shake han
with all the men in the train on chance
she asked.
''No, not quite that, said Mrs. Waller
with another laugh. ''He will go
Charing Cross Hotel for tonight. "
ask for HIM there, bring him home
dinner if lie looks nice in any ca
give him some little information abe
this wilderness OF London. Mr.. Vsls
has found me some addresses for hil
one or two hotels where the people
French. It's pity Frank can't go W
me-"
1T is, indeed" snid Lady Lynx, dry
II really must run away p said NJ
valery, again consulting her witch 81
very sorry to seem rude"
"Oh not at ALL SAID Kndy Lynx,
ing to go. Her mind was working b
lily. Why had Sir George said that
sould be home some time ia the event
probably to dinner? He had mention
Oharing Cross. 1t is absurd to supp
that he did not know what train he sho
come by. The thing seemed more
diculous the more she thought of it.
course he knew when he would arriv
but he did not waat her TO, That seer
clear
Bhe walked up to the top Of vii
Place. took hanson, and told the =
~ driys 10 ChaEing Gross Hotel.