The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-04
COSTUMES FOR VISITING.

castically, not noticing her. st would be
so romantic; you'd see his worst side
and probably hate him, and he'd GER
tainly hate you if he found it out"
agnes, l am going TO do it," Dora
broke in on the low sweet monotone
and jumped up.
Mrs. Fitz Ingram frowned and looked
suddenly serious as she got up and walk
ed over TO the window; she involuntarily
bit her tongue as she thought of the I'M
lucky suggestion which Dora had seized
upon so eagerly. She was fully self-will-
ed enough TO follow 1t out If she determin-
ed to: it would cause an endless amount
Of trouble, perhaps scandal, if she We're
discovered. and, besides, with the man
himself on the verge Of a proposal, run
ming away from him now was sheer mad
ness. Mrs. Titz Ingram stamped her
foot in vexation: she knew better than to
argue with the girl, and there was simply
nothing to do but to let her act as she
would and trust to fate for the results
In about an hour she heard Dora's step
on the stairs, and preparing for the worst
fastened into the hall.
How do you like me?" the cause OF
all her trouble asked eagerly; the novelty
and excitement had made her forget all
iiNi NiolltdSuit iOWdtu UtI aunt. 4 tIlnh
I'm fine" with a little ripple Of laughter.
IL 1t had been a masquerade attire Mrs.
f1tz Ingram would have acquiesced heart
lily; as 1t was, she looked sober and said
nothing as she took in the plain gown
and bag, disfguring wig and spectacles
II am more obliged TO you every min
ute" Dora went on, gayly "for suggesting
it, Now. don't fuss. Agnes; I'll come out
all right, and besides" seriously, this
VIII really decide Mr.. stanhope's fate"
Dora Fitz Ingram was the possessor
OF an indomltable will, usually tempered
with good sense, and was accustomed TO
doing as she pleased, recognizing per-
force the restrictions OF society. What
freak had induced her to
start on this wild expedition was a mys-
tery-to herself most of all As she
found herself alone in the cab jolting over
the rough road with night closing in, her
eyes lost their sparkle, and for an instant
she determined 10 turn back; the only
thing that restrained her was a newly
awakened desire TO find out the real
Stanhope; she knew now what he would
have said TO her that evening, and felt
relieved that she would not
be there to answer him; not that she was
insure Of herself. for in the depths OF
her heart she knew what her answer
would Rave been, but there was a strange
reluctance 10 giving in for good-she held
IN 10 her freedom with a desperate grasp
low that che saw IL about TO vanish from
Ter.
She started as the wheels crunched on
he grlyeled carriage drive Of Rowley
Hall, and IL was in q very low voice that
he answering servant was asked for his
master.
This way" was the request. and as
he footman closed the door behind him
Dora Fitz Ingram stood in the cozy H.
rary Of Ralph Stanhope, alone with that
entleman.
AS he turned his chair the full enor-
atty OF her action flashed over her and
he turned deadly pale. half expecting in
hose first few seconds to have him salute
er by her name. She stood helpless
utching a chairback and trying to steady |
he whirling room.
Mr.. Stanhope began to look surprised.
WELL" he asked. what can / do for |
ou?"
The sound of his voice brought relief
nd she sat down.
Il heard you wanted a housekeeper,"
le said, tersely. 80 / came"
"Oh" said Mr.. Stanhope; he was the
one now. Having hereto
sency, he was at sea how to proceed;
: scrambled wildly for an idea.
Have you references?" he asked,
Visibly; that was correct
lyhow-eXceedingly correct.
"Oh-yes." Dora answered family,
hast at this emergency. He did not
ire to ask for them for she sat so
raight and was altogether formidable
oking. He did not know her heart was
ating wildly, and that she was as much
Ightened as himself. He pulled at his
Istache, nervously. and wondered what
me next. Why the deuce couldn't she
Y something and make 1t easier?
Slowly courage came back to Dora as
e felt herself safe and the more so
cause he was so evidently Ill at ease
spark Of mischief cleaned behind her
asses.
My husband died three years ago."
E audaciously began. with a handker-
lef TO her face, and"
'YeS-yes," Stanhope interposed hasti-
he hated tears with all the yigor in
n. they all do"
Ifter which incoherant remark there
S nothing 10 do but engage her on the
IT.. in his most business-like way. He
5 devoutly thankful when the ordeal
8 over and rang for a servant TO show
to her room.
By the way" he suddenly asked. as
) paused at the door. your manner"
Mrs. Fitz" Dora stammered in
prise and hastily withdrew He sat
king at the door after she had gone,
perplexity; her walk and motions were
uely interesting though hardly familiar;
could not describe the effect on him. She Z
tainly was odd and their interview
5 odd. but perhaps that was because
was so awkward.
he rose early the next morning. con- ,
nted with the startling revelation that {
had not the slightest idea what she
, expected TO do In her new role; the 6
Iation looked desperate and she heart I
wished she was out of II. but In the s
st OF her perplexity a summons came
N Mr.. Stanhope and she welcomed II n
erly. In the hasty glance she gave
as she entered the library he looked c