Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-03-01

smile. Her plain black gown and complete alb
sence of ornament contrasted oddly with the
subdued splendor Of her aunt and cousin; but
the melancholy expressed in her face was
hardly more pronounced than Mademoiselle
Quijada's listless WEAKNESS. And Florestan
told himself that the young and lovely woman
was not much happier than the faded spinster,
whose age he was unable to guess. That iron
gray hair was evidently premature, and the
deep lines in the face were those which sorrow
ploughs in young faces, rather than the
wrinkles of advancing years.
tlorestan found his society appreciated by
Dolores, who frightened at his coming and
seemed to enjoy his conversation. She talked
very little herself and she was evidently afraid
OF her mother, but she was not without intelli-
gence. There was something in her look and
manner which suggested the idea of an i'm
prlsoned spirit, nature bound and tram
meled, bird caught in net.
NJ. and Madame Duturque arrived soon after
Fiorestan. and the professor entertained the
small assembly with various reveries suites,
nocturnes and gavottes of his own composition.
which were SO impressed with the stamp of the
composers individuality that to Florestan's I'M
trained ear they sounded all alike. The utmost
he could find to say about them was that
they were strikingy original
1t was very quiet evening Louise Marcel
sat In her favOrite corner and only replied
when she was spoken to. At 10 o'clock Madame
Quljada invited her guests into an adjoining
room, where tea and sorbets and delicate sand
wiches were served with some distinction.
Florestan noted the massive silver and del
icate porcelain and formed his own conclu-
slons. Conversation grew livelier with the
stimulus OF this light refreshment The excel
lent Dubuque devoured foie-gras sandwiches
by the dozen and drank many cups of straw
cOlOred tea, while his worthy wife nibbled
sweet cakes and crunched chocolate creams
talking in gentle strain all the time to
Madame Quijada abou: the delinquencies OF
her latest bonnie a tout fare. This entertain
ment lasted nearly hour and the clock
chimed IL soon after the little party returned
to the salon.
Florestan approached his hostess to take
leave, when the door opened suddenly and
man walked unannounced into the room.
saluted Madam Quijada with careless nod
he passed her, and made straight for the piano.
near which Dolores was seated talking to the
professor. He leant over Dolores and began
to talk to her. without taking the faintest
notice of any one else in the room.
'You are late. Leon" said Madam Quijada
II had given you up for tonight
1--WE no doubt you we're able to amuse your
self without me, replied the late arrival, with
O keen and even resentful glance at Florestan.
May l ask to be introduced to your new
friend?"
''Assuredly, if Monsieur permits" Florestan
bowed. M. Leon Duverdier, Mr.. Florestan."
Madame Quijada's circle is SO small that
sion, said Duverdier. Are you a resident in
Paris, Mr.. Florestan. or a visitor only? Your
face seems familiar to me-
Very likely. Monsieur. since / am resident
and an habitue IN many places where Parisians
ara mostly To he f0un6