The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1886-11-06

+ "But,' gsspcd tho practical Cnshwiler,
ISimpson had given your husband that con-
tract--a cool fifty thousand in h:s pcc!setl'
Mrs Hopkinson looked rs iigaiaedly nt
Gasn'viler as was consistent with five feet
three, tho extra three inches being pyramidal
structure Of straw-colorcd ha..), q frond OF
faint curls, pair OF laughing blro eyes and
small beted whist. Then s,lo said, with a
casting down of her lids:
"You forget that my husband loves me-
md for once the mink appeared to look peni-
tent twas becoming; but as it had bocn
originally practiced in a simple white dress,
relieved only with palecblue ribbons, it was
not entirely in keeping with bcilouncc! laven-
der and rose-colored trimmings. Yet the
woman who hesitat.s between her moral eS-
preston and the harmony of her dress il lost.
And Mrs. HopIinson was yictrix by her very
audacity,
Nj. Gashwicr was nattercd Tho most dis
soluto man likes the appearance Of virtue.
But graccs and accomplishments like
yours, dear Mrs. Hopkinson." no said
oleaSinously, "belons TO tho whole coun-
try" Which, with something between
n courtesy and strut, he cndeavorod to rep
resent "And shall want to avail myself
of all,7 ho added, ain the matter of tho Castro
claim A little supper at Wolckors, glass
or two of champagne, and n single flash of
those bright eyes, and tho thing Is done"
but" said Mrs lIopkinson, a have prom
l. J,.tnh hut I ,ADItll ,riy II fb,rsa
frivolities, and, although my Conscience is
clear, you know how people tsllkI Josiah
hears it. Why, only last night, ut n rocop-
ton at the PataSonaa minister's, every
woman in tho room goesipod about me be
cause | led tho german with him As if
married woman, whose husband was in
tcrcstcd in the government could not be civil
to the representative of friendly poworF
Mr. Gashwiler did not SEQ how Mr. Hop
kinsonS late contract for supplying salt pork
and canned provisions 10 the army Of the
United States should make his wife susccp-
tible TO the advances Of foreign princes; lut
he prudently kept that 10 himself Still, not
being himself diplomat, he could not help
saying:
"But understood that Mr. HopkinSon did
not object to your interesting yourself in this
claim, aud you know some of the stock --'
The lady started, and said:
"sStoclt! Dear Mr.. Gashwilcr, for heavens
sake don't mention that hideous name t. me.
Stock, ! am sick of it! Have you gentlemen
no other topic for n LADY,
She punctuated hor sentence with a mis-
chcvous look at her intcrlocutor For
second time, regret to say, that Mr.. Cash
wilor succumbcd. The Roman constituency
at Eemus, It is to bc hoped, were happily
ignorant OF this last detection of their great
legislator. Mr. Gashwicr instantly forgot
tain bovine like sallantry, which it is TO be
said To her credit She parrioi with playful,
terricT-liko dcxterity, when the servant sud
denly announced, Mr. Niles.'
Gashwicr started Not so Mrs. HOpllin-
son, who, however, pr7idcntly and quietly re
Gashwilcr'S
"Do you know Mr. Wilcs" she asked pleas
antly.
"No! That is, i-ah-yeS, ! may say l
have had some business relations with him."
responded Gaohwilrr rising
Won't you stay" she added plradinsly.
Do
Mr. Gashwuers prudence always got the
better of his gallantry. Not now" he re-
Bpondcd in some nervousness. perhaps |
had better 20 now in view of what you have
just said about gossip. You need not men,
ton my name to thi>-cr-th ,-Mr WileS
And with one eye ON the door, and an awk
ward dash OF his lip, at the lady, fingers, he
withdrew.
There was 10 Introductory formula to Mr..
Wiles' interview He dashed at once in mo
dias res "Gashwilcr knows woman that,
he says, can help lis against the Spanish girl
who is coming here with proofs, prettlnses,
fascination, and what not! You must find
her out"
Why" asked tie lady iaughiugly.
Because don't trust that Ga-hwilcr A
woman with a pretty face and an ounce of
brains could sell him out; aye, and as with
him"
"Oh, say two ounces Of brains. Mr.. Wiles,
Nh Gashwler is no fool1
Possibly, except wien your sex is con-
cerned, AMI it is very likely that the woman
is his superior
~ should think SO" said Mrs. Hopknson
with u mischievous look.
"Ah. YOU know her, thent'
"Not so well rs | know him. said Mrs II.
quite seriously. Il wish did,
well, you'll find out if she's to lie trusted
You are laushinS-thiS is II serious matter
This woman"
MIS- lloDkinson dropped him charming
courtesy and said,
"C'cst mOi!'
CHAPTER XII.
RAE FOR 1T