Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1885-09-15
MIscELLANEoUs.
The Rival Widows.

She was very pretty little widow,
and though nearly forty, with COM
plexion as fresh as though she had
been fifteen years younger, and hair
of a lovely golden yellow, disposed
about her head in series of curls,
which was simply ravishing.
She was evidently vain of it, for
she never passed mirror without
glancing at it, aud if there happened
to be any disorder or unbecoming-
ness, she would hasten to her room
to remedy it.
At least SO Mrs. Langley said; but
then, some of the ladies whispered
among themselves that Mrs. Langley,
the tall, handsome, brunette widow,
was jealous of Mrs. Bolton.
There were but two or three un-
married men at the Lake Hotel of
age suited to these fair widows, and
of them the major was by far the
most important.
Time and again he had appeared
smitten with the charms of some fair
lady, and time and again back just as
the fact was becoming patent to
lockers on.
This time, however, the major was
undeniably smittcn. Some said that
he was in love with the golden locks
of the blonde widow, while others in
sisted that the dark eyes of Mrs.
Langley had won him captive.
The major himself was evidently
undecided upon the subject, beingal-
ternately in attendance on one or the
other.
And so the two ladies, beneath a
surface of extreme politeness, were
at daggers drawn with each othcr.-
The brunette widow was certain that
had she the field to herself, she could
bring the major to her feet with little
trouble.
So she was thinking, as with her
little pet dog beside her, she reclincd
upon her lounge at the time of her
afternoons sicsta.
The day was warm, and the doors
of all the ladies' apartments open
ing upon the corridor were ajar.-
Most of the fair inmates taking the
beauty-sleep.
Lie still, Puck" she said, as the
silky little spaniel awoke from his
nap and became restless.
Puck submitted for few m inutes,
and then noiscIessIy sliding to the
floor, slipped out into the passage and
sought amusement in his own way.
1t was not five minutes after this
that Puck's mistress was aroused
from the beginning of her nap.
1t was the dog that awoke her.
There he was flying round and round
the room, dragging after him what
looked like, yes, most decidedly like
the head of Mrs. Belton!
Mrs. Langley sprang up, for no
other lady ut the hotel had precisely
that shade and color of hair. It was
good heavens? 1t was vigil
Here was discovery, indeed! And
light of mingled surprise, amuse-
ment and triumph sparklcd in the
eyes of the handsome brunette as she
surveyed the unexpected prize.
Then, with wig in her hand, she
softly gIided into the passage, paused
outside Mrs. Belton's door, and took
q caustious peep within.
There reclined the fair, plump, lit
tie widow herself, fair still, though
her snowy complexion and delicate
features were set off by only q thin
mist of short golden hair, which, if
twisted all together, would not have
made a strand as large as her little
finger.
Mrs. Langley gently tossed the
ruined wig upon the floor, and retir-
ing ro her own room, closed the door
securely on Puck.
Mrs. Bolton did not come down to
tea though her aunt did. The old
lady seemed considerably upset, and
glanced suspiciously round upon the
faces of the ladies'.
But all looked so innocent and all
especially Mrs. Langley-inquired
so naturally as to the cause of her
niece's absence that her doubts we're
quieted. They could know nothing
about it.
TWAS a lovely moonlight night, and
there was music and dancing in the
saloon, and promcnadiDg on the lake
terrace.
Mrs. Bolton, listeniDgto tile music,
grew tired of staying in her own
room. She could not possibly show
herself in public for day or two, in
which time she might have her wig
restored to its normal condition.
Why, therefore, should she moi
take advantage of the moonlight OBJ.
security to enjoy herself as she might
be permitted?
Mrs. Langley stared, and the ma
jor frightened, as they saw her step
upon the terrace. Her face was
shaded by the folds of silk scarf,
which, falling to her shoulders, en-
tirely concealed her head. Thus,
she said, she must protect herself
from the dews and the breezes.
They were all seated in a group
when Mrs. Langley said: