The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-04
THE WITHIN OF A MOMENT.

There is no use trying TO get out OF
it." Mr.. Stanhope cried, II must have a
housekeeper!"
Ralph Stanhope. barrister, was thirty
three. talented and good-looking, the only
unfortunate circumstance in his life be-
ing the possession of a wealthy uncle
who. dying, left him 10000 pounds year.
II he had not, in all probability Stanhope
would have become brilliant legal light,
with a powdered wig. substantial city
lodgings and a good wine cellar; as it
was. with the spur of necessity removed,
he let his pleasure-loving nature have full
swing. and stilled his conscience by pay
ing an exorbitant rent for an office
with his name on the window in gilt
letters. and to which he occasionally
sauntered when there was nothing else
10 do.
OF late the most Of his time had been
spent in the frequenting of a house in
Grosvenor square. tenanted by the Hon.
Darcy F1tz Ingram, wife and niece. Mrs.
Fitz Ingram was much younger than the
Hon. Darcy. In fact, she was scarcely
at her prime and was not utterly averse
70 a little innocent amusement. She was
too clear-sighted, however 10 suppose
that Ralph Stanhope came on her account.
yet she enjoyed his society.
You are a fortunate girl Dora" she
remarked 10 her niece one day as they
sat before a wood fire. She was idly
twirling a hand-screen before her face
and her daintily shod feet were on the
fender, There always seemed an atmos-
phere OF delicate femininity about her.
She had been inteDtIy studying her niece.
who was bending over some embroidery.
Why" that young lady inquired curl
ously. lifting her eyes from her work.
They were large and clear. with fine dark
brows and lashes which effectively shad-
owed their rich blue color. Her fore
head was broad and white. and her mouth,
while sweet, had a stubborn curl TO II
over the rounded chin.
Lots OF things" Mrs. Fitz Ingram said
with a yawn, shaking out her soft silk
thrt. "You are younger than / am in
the first place. you have money. you are
very pretty-and Ralph Stanhope adores
y0ur'
You have no right 10 say that, Agnes"
bhe protested. Mrs. Ingram was too |
youthful 70 bear well the title OF aunt.
Why not ?" was the imperturbable re- |
tponse What II he hasn't said any
hlng1 You have eyes and sense
you know he does"
Dora Fitz Ingram made no answer. |
She was looking into the fire with wide |
eyes and hands clasped over her kree
He is eligible In every way" her aunt
went on land IS a sort OF a model-there |
IL nothing goody-goody about him,
though" she concluded. refectively.
How DO you know he is so perfect?'
Dora asked. suddenly waking up. Now
J imagine he has a bad temper" This
last remark out OF pure contrariness,
Tor the idea had never occurred to her
before II wish i knew" with sigh
half real.
Nrs. Fitz Ingram only elevated her eye !
bro9s
You are perfectly foolish" she finally
baid. "all men have bad tempers; IL you
are 30 anxious 70 find out his particular
temper you might apply for housekeep-
ers position In his new place. Rowley hall;
he told me he needed one. and you'll have
an unlimited opportunity for studying
him"
Dora ala not stir, but her eyes bright
ened ominously. II think 1 shall" she
said.
YES" Mrs. F,tz Ingram went on, ssr-