The Portland daily press., 1884-06-23
She Loves and Lies.
BY wILKIE COLLINS.

House, London, under the direction of the
4~ord Mayor.
The list of gentlemen invited to address
the audience had been chosen with two OBJ
jects in view. Speakers of celebrity, who
would rouse public enthusiasm, were sup
ported by speakers connected with COM
merce, who would be practically useful in
explaining the purpose for which the meet
ing was convened. Money wisely spent in
advertising had produced the customary re-
sult-eVery seat was occupied before the
proceedings began.
Among the late arrivals who had no choice
but to stand or to leave the hall, were two
ladies. One of them at once decided on
leaving the hall. 81 shall go back to the
carriage" she said, ''and wait for you at
the door," Her friend answered, 81 sha'n't
keep you long. He is advertised to support
the second Resolution; l want to see him
and that is all.''
An elderly gentleman, seated at the end
OF bench, rose and offered his place to the
lady who remained. She hesitated to take
advantage of his kindness, until he remind
ed her that he had heard what she said to
her friend. Before the third Resolution was
proposed his seat would be at his own dispo-
sal again. She thanked him, and without
further ceremony took his place. He was
provided 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 speaker-known in the city
as a ship-owneT- forward to sup
port the second Resolution.
His name ANNOUNCED in the advertise
ments) was Ernest Lismore.
The moment he rose the lady asked for
the opera-glass. She kept it to her eyes for
such a length of time, and with such evil
dent interest in Mr.. Lisnore, that the curl
~cslty of her neighb0rs was reused. Had he
anything to say in which lady (evidently
stranger to him) was personally interested?
There was nothing in the address that he
delivered which appealed TO the enthusiasm
of women. He was undoubtedly hand
some man, whose appearance proclaimed
him to be in the prime of life-midway be-
tween thirty and forty years of age. But
why lady should persist in keeping an OPP
era-glass fixed on him all through his speech
was question which found the general in
genuity at a loss for reply.
Having returned the glass with an apollo
gy, the lady ventured on putting a question
nax-. "Did it strike you that Mr.. Lismore
seemed to be out of spirits, sir?''
ST can't say it did, ma am.'
"Perhaps you noticed that he left the
platform the moment be had done?'
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.
ST am afraid Mr.. Lsmore 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 inaudibe. A famous member
of Parliament had risen to propose the 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?'
''Far from It'll But have heard report
about him which has alarmed me he is said
to be seriously troubled about money mat
tiers. How can find out his address in the
City?"
eve can stop at the first stationer's shop
we pass, and ask to look at the Directory.
Are you going to pay Mr.. Lismore a visit?"
81 am going to think about it."
III.
The next day clerk entered Mr.. Lis
mOre's private room at the office, and pre-
sented visiting card. Mrs. Calender had
reflected, and had arrived at decision. I'm
derDeath her name she had written these
explanatory words: Son important bust
ness"
"Does she look as if she wanted money!"
Mr.. Lismore inquired.
''Oh, dear, mol She comes in her car
riage.''
''Is she young or old?"
sold, sir.'
To Mr.. Lismore-conscious of the disas-
trous influence occasionally exercised over
busy men by youth and beauty-this was
recommendation in itself. He said, "Show
her in"
Observing the lady, as she approached
him, with the momentary curiosity of a
stranger, he noticed that she still preserved
the remains of beauty. She had also es-
capped the misfortune common to persons at
her time of life, of becoming too fat. Even
to the mans eye, her dressmaker appeared
TO have made the most of that favourable
circumstance. Her figure had its defects
concealed, and its remaining merits set off
to advantage. At the same time she evil
IDENTIFY held herself above the common de-
captions by which some women seek to con-
ceal their age. She wore her own gray hair,
and her complexion bore the test of day.
light On entering the room, she made her
apologies with some embarrassment. Being
the embarrassment of stranger land not of
a youthful strangely it failed to impress MI.
Lismore favorably.
81 am afraid | have chosen an inconveni-
ent time for my VISIT" she began.
81 am at your SERVICE" he answered a
little stlff1y; Especially if you will be so kind
as to mention your business with me in few
words.
She was a woman of some spirit, and that
reply reused her. 81 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 ques-
ton.
"Do you remember the night of the eev-
enth of March, between five and six years
since?'
He considered for moment. mo" he
said, 81 don't remember it. Excuse me-
Mrs. Calender, have affairs of my own to
attend to which cause me some anxiety"
LET me assist your memory, Mr.. Lismore
and will leave you 10 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
to. listen with some interest. Mrs. Callen-
der had produced her effect on him already
''It was suddenly necessary" she proceed
ed, "that you should be on board your ship
sin the London Docks at nine O'Clock the