The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-08-09

recover from the depressing effects ofin-
somnia. To Saul Johnson's delight, Mrs.
Triton, prevented by her literary engage
ments, declared herself unable to accom-
pany her husband.
by the time Ireturn the novel will
probably be finished remarked Mr.
Triton, the day ofhis departure. eau
revoir, johnson! Take care that my wife
doesn't overwork herself in my absence" Z"
It was probably the anxiety 10 assure
himselfof Mrs Tfistons health that dur
ing the next month necessitated the fre-
quent visits Of her collaboration. Doubt
less, also, It was the sSme consideration
which led him to purchase tickets for the
forthcoming fancy dress ball at Covent
Garden, in which his collabofator had
expressed much interest. At first Nrs.
Triton Was horrifed 1t The idea Of going
to the ball with only slurs escort, but
10y degrees her objections relaxed under
his vehement entreaties-
you ought to go as Mephistopheles,
the temp;er," she said, when she at last
gave 4 reluctant consent. And shall /
pose as Marguerite % accompanying her
question with an arch look at the young
men.
~No," replied the prospective Meph-
isto; Marguerite's dress is far too simple.
like you better IN a more gorgeous COS
tune"
Al this Mrs. Triton professed herself
deeply wounded. Simplicity Of attire she
supposed in her collaboTator's opinion,
accorded only with those women whose
own beauty needed.nO exraneous adorn-
ment. His inference was cruel and
Lillian, Ms. Triton, interrupted the
young man, in any agony Of despair At
the sight OF tears in the hazel eyes, you
misunderstood me completely. You
known think you lovely enough to dis
pense with any adyenttious aid. But in
our novel you wrote such splendid de-
scTiption Of the heroine's fancy dress that
wanted you to appear in the same i'm
personation.
Somewhat appeased by this reference
to her literary powers, Mrs. Triton 1t
length allowed herself to be comfortsd; /;
and, after some flrthes debate, acceded
10 her colleagues wish that she should
impersonate the glitteriug Spirit of Gol-
conda.
One adornmentonly was necessary 10
complete tue impersonahon, and what
more natural than that saul should sup
ply it? Ga the night OF the ball, as he
hurried into the drawing-room at Princes
mansions, he found AIrs. Triton in a
gown OF cream satin, veiied in tulle,
sprinkled with glit.eang crystal, pacing
the apartment in feverish expectation Of
his arrival
How do look - demanded his col
Iaborator, anxiously surveying herself in
the ebony-framed mirror, Il seem TO be
a mass Of glitter. Does my tout ensem-
bic satisfy your fasndious taste? %
With haf nervous laugh Mephisto
moved across the room, and suddenly
holding out before the eyes Of the aston
ished Spirit Of Golconda magnificent
diamond necklace, said in deprecating
tone:
"Oae thing alone is lacking to satisfy
my taste. VIII you do me the honor to
were my necklace tonight"
As he spoke he slipped the ornament
round Mrs. Tritton's white throat, and,
swapping the catch firmly, bent down
soflly 10 DestoW furtive kiss on the tiny
curls at the Hape Of her neck
40, no" said Mrs. Triton, turning
hastily round, edo not ask me. cannot
u Will not wear the necklace, Ny hus-
band would never forgive me"
As though 10 unfasten the orr ament,
she stretched out one hand in vain en-
6eayor TO find the catch Of the necklace.
But with hasty movement Saul John
son imprisoned her fingers within his
own.
For my sake" he said in an in pas
stoned tone, looking straight into her
eyes. Lillian, grant me this favor, L i'm
plore you"
Beneath his ardent glance Mrs. Trit-
tons hazel eyes sank beneath an embar-
rassed look to the ground.
There, the matter Is decided" exciaim
ed Mephisto, seizing Mrs. Tritton.s cloak
and throwing it around her shoulders.
Come, Lillian, it is time We started"
In vain Mrs. Triton protested. With
an air of fauthority, Mephisto silenced the
fair spirit, and conducted her u the car
riage.
As the broughsm drove oiT-IMy hus-
band must never, never know" whisper
ed Mrs. Triton, in trembling tone.
"Neyer," replied saul pas Eonately,
pressing the gioved hand 70 mis- lips.
Four hours later Mrs. Triton, flushed
with excitement and leaning on her col
arm, emerged from the bril-
liantly-lighted building, which, at A.
NJ, still resounded with the strains of
music. The line of carris yes extended
down the street, a crowd of loafers
anxious 10 earn an odd copper, blocked
the path and criticised the dresses Ofth
with an unlicensed free
dom Of speech.
"As with some difficulty, Mrs. Triton,
her cloak left carelessly unfastened at
the neck, made her way through the
throng, the glitter Of the necklace in the
aroused murmurs Of admning
comment. In their eagerness TO obtain
: better view, the crowd jostled against
the Spirit Of Golconda in a manner that
annoyed and alarmed her escort, and it
was with feeling of relief that bot.i
gained the brougham,
which drove rapidly of to Princes man
sions.
The close proximity Of his companion,
whose fair face looked more than usually
lovely in its setting ofwhite fur, fired
Saul Johnson's blood 10 fever heat of
passion. Words Of ardent love trembled
On his lips he bent toward MIS-. Triton,
who at that moment complaining Of the