Daily tobacco leaf-chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1890-1895, 1890-06-21
MISS SHORTS STRATAGEM.

Lady Bagshot often remarked of herself
that she never formed hastY friendship
Her sudden intimacy with EyangelineS. Short
may therefore be taken as the exception
which proves the rule. The acquaintance be-
tween these two ladies was highly beneficial
to both of them; for Miss Short got by Lady
Bagshot's means an introduction to the very
cream and flower of London society, and
Lady Bagshot had the pleasure Of chaperon-
ing young lady who was very good looking
aud vivacious, and was reported to be enor-
mously rich, and this difficult aud delicate
duty was intensely agreeable to her ladyship
Miss Short was, in fact, SO very attractive
that Lady Bagshot's own importance in So
ciety was immensely increased. Heiresses
are run after in these days, and Lady Bag
shots drawing rooni-where the furniture
was rather dingy and tarnished-could now
be filed whenever she pleased with the choic-
est specimens Of our Gilded youth. This was
highly agreeable to her ladyship, who used
mentally to run over n list of distinguished
names with the greatest satisfaction. There
were the men whose acquaintance with Miss
Short had deepened into an admiration pro-
phetic of serious consequences. First, there
was Sir Engelleld Green, prominent mem
Der Of the Four-inHand club and the best
dressed man in London. Nobody could be
run after more than he was, aIRl yet he
found time to accept all Lady Bagshot's in
vitations. Again. there was the Marquis of
Hammersmith, who had recently succeeded
TO tho title and who was the possessor Of the
famous Hammersmith diamonds. There
were great many others. Miss Short was
the success Of the season, and Lady Bagshot
was not a little proud Of it, and her satisfac-
tion reached its highest pitch when she had
to chaperon her fair charge at certain gar
den party, where the fair guest was distin-
guished by the special regard of a parsonage.
II suppose" she reflected, tits partly be
cause she is an American. For don't think
ever saw 50 many nice looking girls out as
there are this season."
Lady Bagshot had made Miss Shorts az
qunintance in this way; There had been IN
the early part Of the spring party of Amer
lean ladies staying at the Hotel CosmopUi-
tan, and one of them had letter Of intro
duction. On her second visit she brought
with her two other mcmhers Of the party,
one OF whom she introduced as Miss Evango-
line s. Short of Gettysburgville.
"Gettysburgville is one of our western
Cities" said tho young lady from Boston, as
IL to apologize for any defects which might
be discernible in her friend.
But Lady Bagshot took a fancy to the
young lady from Gettysburgvillo, and this
on further acquaintance developed into I'm
affectionate admiration.
"She is extremely nice" her ladyship re-
marked to the baronet, her husband "voyy
good looking, and then she dresses we'll And
she is so unsophisticated, so unconventional
am really very fond of her indeed"
Then came day near the end of April
when Miss Short camo to say good-by.
II am very much obliged TO you, Lady
Bagshot," said tho girl Pm real sorry that
I've got to go, suppose you're not likely to
be in the Statesp
Lady Bagshot expressed tho greatest dis
may at this news
"You are going away" she said, "just
whom the season il about to begin. 1t is quite
ridiculous. You ought to stop--you must
stop--till Ascot at least"
"Well," replied the young lady, 81 guess
I'd as soon stay. But don't see how can.
The rest of our party is going to Italy to look
ut pictures. Going TO study tho early Italian
masters, l believe. ! guess | don't want to
study much. want to have a good time,
and not to go fooling round lot of gal
leries."
"Then why do you gol" asked her lady
ship.
"rm not going" Evaugelne replied. "I'vo
seen as many pictures in London as | want
to see. don't feel like pictures every day.
I'm going back to the States, Maybe III
come over again in the fab.
"But then the season will be ovcr,n said
Lady Bagshot, her voice mounting almost to
a scream "London will DO empty; there
won't be a soul in tawn.'
as that soln replied Miss Short "Well,
I'm real sorry, But l suppose can't stop
over here by myself, not even with a maid.
They don't do that sort of thing in this
country, I'm told. / might ask mamma to
come out, and maybe she would. But she
don't often care 90 voyage much.'
Lady Bagshot took a great resolution
"Stop with me- she said. "Why shouldn't
youl shall be delighted to have you, and
there's lots of room in the house,
Miss Short jumped up and kissed Lady
Bagshot ON both checks.
''This is so kind Of you, Lady Bagshot," she
said 'I'd just love TO stop, butt might be
In your way, you know"
Lady Bagshot protested vehemently against
this superstition.
"Well, then" said Che fair Eyangeline, II
guess III stop. I'm just dying TO see "A Lon
don season, that's the fact And | don't
think III want much room; I've only four
trunks."
Now II was Lady Bagshot's turn 10 admins
lister q salute TO her young friend. She did
50 with the appropriate enthusiasm, and then
begged her to commence her stay Mt once.
"rll come tomorrow" Eyangcine said
simply. I'm just cable over to mamma and
tell her what I'm going to do, I've taken my
berth in the Tuscany. but ! suppose / can let
that slide"
And 50 it happened that Miss Short came
70 live with Lady Bagshot and under her
protection made her debut on the stage Of
society
During the first day or two Of her stay
Lady BaEshot asked herself with little un-
easiness whether she he'd not been little
rash In taking M SO very decidedly sirl Of
whom she really knew SO little, hut these mis-
givings did not last long. She never doubted
that Miss Short was very rich, ami that was
"A great thing. And then she ik5i ',ar, which
was perhaps nearly as much
One morning. however, during the carly
days Of Miss Shorts residence, hcr lady ship
did undergo certain amount Of alarm.
About II O'Clock it occurred to her that
she hadn't seen her young charge for some
fine. and WAS iold That Miss Short had gone
out
with Sir 1IcnryT she inquired, in the
tone Of one who was suro Of the answer.
mo, my lady" replied the footman who
bad ven the Information; Mis- Short went