The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-19

lasted so long-or else, if the luncheon was
bad, the company made up for 1t. Though
with curiously unkind little laugh here,
that is hurtful to the owner of it, that, too,
was bad.
Here in this room the light is delightful.
And so are all the appointments. There is
no pretense about it, no clinging to the
skirts of those richer than ourselves; the
shading. the tints, everything is perfect
The falling curtains that hide the room
beyond are as much in unison with the
surroundings as the bizarre tables and the
delicate porcelain jars. The stands of
flowers in the windows emit the most deli
cate perfumes. The scented blossoms in
the quaint vases here and there dispersed
about the room gave it a brilliance that the
falling blinds have almost forbidden.
The surroundings are full of life and ioy
and sensuous delight, but the central fig-
ure OF them Is hardly thing to be envied
She is sitting on low chair, her hands
lightly clasped over her knees, her body
leaning forward. A paper, the Standard,
lies at her feet. She is talking in low
tone to the man opposite to her, who in
truth looks most honestly sorry for her, as
we'll he might be, seeing he is a good friend
of hers. and that he sees her now come to
her last penny.
She is woman difficult of description,
because her charm lies totally outside and
beyond her features. 1t would indeed be
impossible to say where the charm does
lie, but if put to it. one might be forgiven
In suggesting that there is some subtle
beauty in the mouth; that, at least, Is a
perfect adjunct to the kindly and half sat-
irical, half merry face to which it belongs.
A face, that alas! has ceased for long
time TO be either satirical or gay.
Il hav 90 = -
tether," says she, leaning towards her
companion. Il shall have to put nv
shoulder to the wheel from this day
forward"
1T seems iniquitous," says Mr.. Blount
warmly. He is tall, spare man, very
young in appearance for his IS years, and
very good TO look at. Good in more senses
than one; integrity of very high order is
stamped upon his brow. Just now his face
| is indicative of an honest concern that
might well be called grief.
'Ah, well, says Mrs. Dalton, .'there is
| no use in going into that. What I wished
| to see you for today was to show you this. +"
| you of the resolution 70 which I have at
| last come"
She lays a finger on q paragraph and
| hands the paper TO Mr.. Blount.
Good Heavensl" says he. when he has
read what is pointed out to him. You
l il.
| there must be other ways, other means to
! -n
| "Well, name Them" she says with her
| light, sweet smile.
| Mr.. Blount sits silent, presumably run
| ming over the huge list of ways and means
| open to woman of refinement who may
| have to earn her living.
| This woman of refinement helps him out
| OF his difficulty.
You see," says she. with ghost of the
| old laugh that used TO so endear her to her
| people, there is nothing. And it seems
an easy thing, and much better surely
than measuring out ribbons by the yard "
Have you finally made up your mind
TO this, striking the paragraph in the pa.
per with wrathful hand.
| Finally" with another smile, that Is
now bereft of all mirth.
You are the bravest woman / ever
met" says Godfrey Blount. holding out
10 her his hand. But you should think,
Cecil. We may be able TO show you an
other way out OF yoar difficulties"
My wife and I; you have not met Ma
| bel yet-but--"
II have been so longing TO see her. You
| know, Godfrey, have always thought of
| you as an ideal brother"
| well, I'm not much use To you now.
am IL Though, nv dear girl, if YOU
| would come home TO US and stay until
! things looked little brighter for YOU III
! can't still believe but that those shares in
| the 'Etruscan researches must look up
| after a bit) il would be 50 much better for
| you.i
''You are the kinsiest friend | have -
says Mrs. Dalton, with tears in her ewes.
"and your wife, am convinced, from ali
| You have told me of her. must be all your
| wife should be. butt want 10 be indie
| pendent, and this is such CHANGER
/ But rather going down in the world -
But such a kind man as he seems. Did
/ show Won his letter. And | shan's care
al all about being in a-menial position