The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-25
copyrighted 1sS5-An Rights of Reproduc-
ton and DramatiZation Reserved.l
SPECULATION.

LI0Ah. AShOS 90
followed by a maid.
"Goodness!" said Mrs. Whipple; here comes
Philip Stevenson; and he has actually brought
his wife to Gibsonis.'
sch? All! yes, yes" answered Mr.. Belts,
cranine his neck after the three persons as they
passed and entered the hotel; that must be the
wife-the heroine of the mysterious marriage
mot a word known about it at the nb-no
a word beyond the bare printed announcement"
Mrs. Whipple was a stout widow of ffty-hve,
pasty as to complexion, juvenile as to the nut
brown curls OF a dainty front" and given to a
little scrutinizing, peeriDg action of the head and
eyes, which not even the dazzle of a perennial
smile could render quite agreeable. She was
popular in New York society, partly through
traditions regarding the importance OF the de-
ceased Whipple, but mainly through an indomi-
table energy in attending dinners, balls, theaters
and races, whereby she became a valuable
trumpeter for those who made and loved a dis
play, and a gazette of fashion fer social strug-
giles. She was the sort of person that cloves
company" and must be ION the CO." but she had
many amiable traits, was fond Of her friends,
busy in charities, familiar with many excellent
preeepts. often consulted a genteeity educated
conscience, and believed in its Instability.
'Why," she exclaimed, "a month ago | opened
o newspaper and there I read: Stevenson
Barnwell-On June 10 Philip Stevenson to Edith
Barnwell.' No notice to his friends, not a call
paid since he came home from Europe IN April,
not O whisper of an engagement, no reference to
the brides family or parentage. BarnweL!
Eumph! Now, who on earth was Edith Barn
Woll?"
Nobody, I suspect" said Mr.. Belts solemnly.
Nobody, or worse-too much of a somebody"
returned Mrs. Whipple. IA man in Phil Ste
vensorEs position owes it to society to give an
account of the woman he marries. Edith Barn
we'll, indeed! She's one of those gambling
women picked up at Monte Carlo, Tattleton
Prime says"
'.HeyY what7 Beg pardon; didn't somebody
take my name in vain?" asked a brisk, natty,
light built young man who was just passing and
stopped short, bringing his heels together with a
click. Whats up? what's the row? who called
so loud9 ehY Hello! come or, let's have it" and
through his rapid, jerking speech he kept tossing
up and catching a tennis bali.
'You reported that Stevenson married a woman
whom he met at the tables at Monte Carlo" said
Mrs. Whipple.
"Did IY' answered the rapid young man, with
\ lurch after the bali which had come down out
If reach. Ibid I? Shouldn't wonder if
mother urch-'if he had. l knew a fellow,
lust as rich and just as good looking as Phil,
who made such a Notwithstanding woman
ber-u-tifu' ber-londe. Saw her with him at the
Derby"
''You certainly told the story of Phil Steven
Ion?7 Mrs. Whipple insisted.
"Maybe l did. Very likely. Whoop! come
back" as the ball went askew again. Have to
keep up conversation-keep the ball rolling-eh?
See2 The ball, ehl Pretty good" And Mr..
Prime, who was considered by his friends very
lively and amusing, laughed at the aptness of
his illustration, and made another skillful catch.
"Why, everybody asks me about Stevenson's
marriage, and [ must say something, eh! Of
eourse, I must. Can't refuse an answer to the
ladies'. OH dear Mr.. Prime, do tell US all about
I'll" This last was given in a comical ~falsetto.
'Philip has just arrived here, Mrs. Whipple
Informed him, "and with his wife"
"WhatY Phew! Don't say so! Where are
they? Bound to see berr-ride. Wonder if she's
aber-londe. Ow revower. Ia ta!' and off shot
Fatty Prime.
"Ah!" sighed Mrs. Whiprie, ''how should one
act IN a case like this2 Tatty certainly did speak
Of Monte Carlo in connection with Philips wife,
and yet, with my little income, l can't afford,
you know, t~o-to-to-be uncharitable.' Mrs.
Whipple had her own delicate phrases for moral
problems. 'Oh, Mr.. Belts" and she shook her
head impressively, I'VE must never, never forget
'believeth all things, hopeth all things and then.
again, 'thinketh no evilr Dear, dear! the Stew
enson estate was appraised at ten millions and
Philip inherited the whole of it."
Cant we" suggested Mr.. Belts, emphasizing
his words by pointing at Mrs. Whipple with his
delicate middle finger, s:'cant we observe the
-ahem! the--lady carefully, and then act &C
eording to q prudent judgment"
'Oh, / suppose We car" the widow returned
peevishly; 'but, dear me, we all went to that
horrid French Countess receptions, we didn't
!. stick at the moralities then, and she was, as it
proved-well, no matter what. Come, Mr.. Belts,
you were dangling after that Countess, you can't
deny it."
"Ahem" began Mr.. Belts e~vasively, there
were circumstances ~that-ahem!'
bah! Nonsense! She was the fashion. and
you like to be in the swim. Don't counterfeit To
me-" For these two, having Weaknesses in com
mon, loved to stab at each other now and then.
Being savage against certain faults when we see
them in other people seems almost like an atone
ment for having them ourselves.
"Ah! what q world this is!' Mrs. Nhipple ejacu-
lated. Sometimes l wish myself already over
the dark river, and in that happier land where
social complications are unknown" Then cast
ing up her eyes, to indicate that she referred
allegorically to a heavenly region, she sighed and
ambled away.
Mr.. Belts sneered mildly at her broad expanse
Of pndgy back, then c~lasping his hands behind
him, began a quiet constitutional walk up and
down the piazza, his long, slender, neatly
dressed feet coming down toe first at every step