The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-09-07
Srlrf Shr,V.
HER COMPANION,


armed for conquest, that's certain, y
laughed Lou Harding, a rich young
widow, tossing a pile of dainty laces
into the lap of her maid companion
with the information. to 'hurry, up
and get those flounces made as soon
as possible"
'I'ye learned that Hugh Mansfield
is to spend part of the summer
there" she went on, turning again
to, the friend who had run in to dis
cuss with her their plans for the
season, 'and you know, Fannie,
what a magnificent catch he is. So
I warn you in time that we shall be
deadly rivals, for of course you will
try as hard as any of us to land the
Zig fish"
"Oh. l yield to the inevitable at
the very outset" returned Fanny
Remington, banteringly; ''for what
earthly chance will my poor beauty
have against your goldg But what
will Miss Weir be doing in the mean
time while all the rest eff us arc
quarreling over the great price
she added, turning with one of hel
charming smiles to Mrs. Harding's
companion.
"Oh, l shall be happy enough, new,
er fear," said the latter returning the
smile with one equally as bright
over her lapful of laces. Il shall
not be burdened with society cares
and conquests, you know. SO when
Mrs. Harding doesn't need me shall
be out gathering wild flowers and
exploring natures beauties"
"B1avon' cried Miss Remington
gaily, while Mrs. Harding merely
arched her black brows and shrug-
ged her elegant shoulders, as if the
likes or dislikcs of her paid eompan-
ion were several degrees beneath hcr
notice.
When athc season. was fairly in
augurated it found the young widow
and her party delightfully."- establish
ed in one of the quietcst Of the fash
ionablc watering places.
1t is doubtful il Mrs. Harding
would have chosen it as the favored
spot wherein to display her ravish
ing new toilettes had itnot been fol
Hugh Mapsfcld's presence there
For beneath her light jasts upon ths
sujeet there was firm determined
purpose to win the handsome young
millionaire in the face of all possible
rivalry. 3''
And it soon began to look as i
she had not made vain boast. Lot
Harding, if not beauty, was quite
pretty enough to turn young mans
head, and her black eyes, fine figure
and coquctish airs were really be
wildering in the arrsy Of charming
gowns and exquisite ball dresse.
that displayed them to the best ad
vantage. 'i -
And SO Hugh Mansfield evidentl,
thought: at least he paid her man,
attentions, and the pretty widow
heart beat high with hope.
.'Didn't l tell you'll meant to wiz
the great prize?" she retorted viii
triumphant snap in her blacl
eyes.as Fannie, in mock Indignation
bsntered her upon getting the lion'
share of the young millionaire's at
tentions, 3't'H
I'D advise you not to 'count you
chickens etc, Lou, You know tn
old proyerb," retorted Fannie,a wick
ed sparkle In her pleasant browl
eyes. Now, Miss Leslie has neye
Ia word to say on the subject, yet /
wouldn't surprise me at all If th
big fish were to land himself in he
modest net, despite all the rich wild
ows and marrieageable girls who ar
just dying to capture him."
Miss Remingtonr'
There was thrill of indignan
surprise in the clear, sweet tones, a
| Leslie Weir with an abrupt, startlc'
movement, lifted her head from fh
book she had been reading, payin
little attention to the confidcntia
chat that had been going on, as us
usual. regardless of her presence.
For 1t seemed to be a cardina
point in the rich young widow
creed to treat her hired dependent
as if they were sticks or stones.
Fanny laughed mcrrily in answer
while Mrs. Harding shot a look a
the lovely companion from her brigh
I black eyes-an insolent look of mir
gled amusement and disdain.
i T"What an idea! You do take u
with such ridiculous notlons, Far
N.Y. she remarked with her evel
ready shrng and short, derisiy
laugh that was meant to crush i
the bud any similar motions" tina