The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1888-01-07
,istio to each other as Maitland and earn.

Clementina," and before the eyes of the
world posed as great friends and allies.
In appearance, the two ladies contested
well. and each hattered herself that her
friend was an excellent foil to her own
charms. Minua Desmond was tall, hand
some brunette, with fine eyes, and magni-
fcent black hair, while Clementina Somers
was fairy-like blonde, with dazzling
complexion, bright blue eyes and cheve-
lure of the most beautiful-dye; at least
SO her sdear Minna" said. Both were re-
puted to be wealthy and acknowledged to
be charming, and both were bent on secur-
ing the affection of that fortunate indivi--
dual, 'sthe Widows Adonis."
"Pshawl" muttered Carnforth, as he
watched the trio. II suppose his money
is the attraction. ~
ssOf course, it is You don't think any
woman would admire his looks, do you Z"
retorted Maitland, squaring his broad
shoulders and arranging the gardenia in
his botton-hole "Women are always mer-
cenary," he added, with sigh.
He had only couple of hundred year
and his pay. A good matrimonial venture
would have set him firmly on his financial
feet again, for it would have enabled him
to bid defiance to certain jew money
lender who held more of his 'paper" than
he cared to think Of Besides, he really
admired Mrs. Somers, and it enraged him
to see her show this marked preference for
Brandon.
Meanwhile, the latter, in serene uncon-
sciousness of the wrath he was rousing in
two manly bosoms, was thoroughly enjoy
ing himself. The old adage did not hold
good for once; he found three excellent
company. He admired both bis fair COM
panions, and their all but rivalary lent a
delightful piquancy to their conversation.
Each was so anxious to out shine the other
that their talk was almost brilliant, and
little Fitz was kept well amused. Like
MANY men who are not remarkable for wit,
he admired women who could skilfully use
that essentially feminine weapon, the
tongue; nothing charmed him more than
ready retort or a neat epigrami and even
satire. if not leveled against himself, pleas
ed him.
That morning both ladies had hoped to
secure him for an hours chat; it was un-
fortunate that the hopes of both should be
fulfilled, and yet baffied.
Minna wished to have him all to her
self; it was really most provoking that
Clementina's wishes clashed with hers.
care you going to Mrs. Eaton's this
afternoon?" asked the latter, in the soft,
lisping tones her friends stigmatized as
'absurdly affected but which many people
thought charming.
"Yes-that is if you and Mrs. Desmond
will be there replied the little man
promptly.
Mrs. Somers' blue eyes clouded. This
was not at all what she wanted. Minna's
face frightened; evidently Brandon did
not care much for dear Clementina's So
ciety.
Eyes, 1 shall certainly CO." she said,
shedding her brightest smile on Fitz. 81
thought, Clementina, you meant to drive
out to Richmond to call on old Lady Mer-
ryweather," she added, sweetly, at the same
time darting half-de6ant glance across at
Clementina
''To Richmond echoed the other,
arching her delicate eyebrows; "the dust
would be simply intolerable, and the old
Lady Merryweather is my aversion. Be-
sides, | never like to miss one of Mrs.
Eaton's matinees. You know how dote
on music
"What a fb!' thought Minna, II
don't believe she knows Rule Britannia
from the Dead March in SAUL" But
she made no audible remark, and the three
arranged to meet later at Mrs Eatohs.
Clementina had charming little. house
in Park Street, and she prided herself
greatly on the artistic arrangement of her
rooms. Her establishment was small, but
the servants were admirably drilled and
kept up to the mark by young lady-a
cousin-who acted as a sort of satellite or
humble companion to the fair widow. In
| deed. much of the credit Mrs. Somers re-
ceived for perfect. taste, both for personal
and household adornment, should have
been placed to this young lady's account.
On returning from her matutiual airing
in the Row, Clementina was not in the best
of tempers, and Mary Grey had rather
bad time of it. Everything was wrong;
the outlets at luncheon were pronounced
uneatable, the claret corked, the flowers
faded, and the lap-dog's condition was any
thing but what it should be.
Fortunately, Mary had the command of
temper proper to dependant and poor
relation; she listened to all the complaints
in silence and with eyes meekly downcast,
and afterward went through her customary
duty of dressing her patroness, for Mrs.
Somers kept no maid; Mary was more skill
| full and SO much cheaper than the ordinary
run of Abigalls without evipcing scin-
tilla of the wrath that was smouldering in
her bosom.
But when the lady had departed, arrayed
in full war paint and feathers, as the irrev-
erent Miss Grey put it, the humble COM
panion performed sort of pas dextase
round the room, looking at herself in the
glass-she was very pretty, for her gray
eyes were wonderfully bright and express