The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-04-10

with a small package which he hands TO
Mrs. Atherton.)
James-The gentleman says as you was
to have il at once. ma'am.
Mrs. Anterior tmystifed) -Gentleman
James-Yes, ma'arn, the one what was
here this afternoon, na'am.
Mrs. Anterior chastity slipping the
package into her dressl-Ah, yes.
James-He said you would understand,
ma'arn.
Mrs. Anterior Ia triie embarrassed, dis
missing himl--Very we'll. James.
flames retires, also butler. Mrs. Ather-
ton chances across the table. A thunder
cloud would be pale beside Mr.. Atherton's
eountenance.)
Mrs. Atherton with a nervous little
lsugh)-James makes great deal Of mys-
terry out of simple errend.
Mr.. Atherton Cfrigidiyt-Barclay would
have done better, no doubt
Mrs. Anterior (endeavoring TO recover
her composurer Yes; she would not, for
instance, have dubbed the person who
was here this afternoon gentleman.
Mr.. AthertoD (sarcastically}-0h, then,
you had visitor this afternoon besides
Belle.
Mrs. Atherton (coldly|-I had no visitor
this afternoon besides Belle.
Mr. Atherton with an ill-concealed
sneer|-Un de mes intimes, perhaps;
Mrs. AthertOn thaughtily )-Lionell
Mr. Atherton Violently What am to
think2 You have invented q series of
falsehoods TO explain an apparently harm
less condition OF affairs.
Mrs. Atherton-Falsehood sir7
Mr.. Misrepresentation, then,
if you will. unwarrantable bubbles that
/ neither like nor understand.
Mrs. Atherton--It is You who have per-
verted and misconstrued simple state
ments.
Mr.. Atherton-I have done nothing of
(Hostilities suspended by buffers en-
trance.)
Mrs. Atherton tcareIessly}-This is opera
night is il not?
Mr.. Atherton-I believe so. 1 shall
not 20.
Mrs. Atherton-Oh, shall you not? I
must send note then 10 Mrs. Darlington,
asking her TO accompany me.
Mr.. Anterior lcrossiy(-As you please.
Mr.. Atherton (as butler leayes)-Bother
Mrs. Darlington; Elinor, we are quarrel
ing.
Mrs. Atherton-You are.
Mr.. Anterior (softening his toneGl
wish you would contde in me. Are yon
in dilemma of any sort? An importu
nate tradesman, perhaps
Mrs. Anterior Laughing l-Lionel, how
you are disturbing yourself. | am in nc
| sort of financial distress. | have no,
| pawned my diamonds and you are simply
| making yourself miserable over nothing.
| Mr.. Atherton (bluntlyl-What is in that
| packet?
Mrs. Acknowledging that would in
| terest Won in the least.
| Mr. Atherton-Let me be the Judge O.
| that.
Mrs. Atherton-I am telling you tn.
truth.
Mr.. Atherton-You refuse 10 show N,
| the contents
! Mrs. Atherton-I really cannot.
Mr.. Atherton-I insist upon il.
| Mrs. Anterior tstrlving to make light o
| his tragic mannerf-Fie. Lionel yol
ought 10 trust me more fully than this.
Mr.. Atherton-Nou ought TO have moth
Ing to conceal from me.
Mrs Atherton--It is nothing.
Mr.. Anterior Grritablyb-How We argu
in circle (rises with an impatient pusl
and holding the door open for her 10 pas
| through
Can hour later Mrs. Anterior drive
away to the opera and Mr.. Athe-ton ling
ering in his library starts soon after I,
leave the house for his club. In the hal
| the footman is giving Mrs. Anterior
maid letter for her mistress.)
James-The gentleman was very par,ic
| ular. Mrs. Barclay. The letter was mean
TO be left along with the package.
Barclay Slipping the letter into hei
apron All right, James. III give it t,
her myself
tMr. Anterior goes back TO his librar,
| unobServed, takes of his coat and hat an,
| PAGES the door like a Gagged animal. Tw,
/ hours are consumed IN this proLfless occu
| patton when conclusion seems TO b
reached; he leaves the apartment an,
hastens up stairs, surprising Barclay a
she Is drowsily awaiting her MISTRESS re
| turn.l
Mr.. Atherton-Tou may go, Barclay
Mrs. Atherton will not need YOU tonight
Barclay surprised, but docile)-Yes, sir
| Mr.. Atherton--And oh, by the way, JUS
leave the letter on the dressing table
Mrs. Anterior will want il directly sh
returns
| barclay. still more surprised, places III
letter SIS directed and retires. Mr. Athei
ton, scorning 10 even glance in its direC
tion, resumes the menagerie pedestrisnisn
until IS midnight strikes carriage wheel
are heard and a moment later the frou
frou Of silk on the stairs announces Mrs
Atherton's approach.)
SCENE H.
Mrs. Atherton's dressing.room. Erte
| Mrs AfhArtan SuaiRinr radiant