The Press., 1893-05-18

wicked green eyes, which came flicker ing upward, waving gently from side to side, u1itifa foot or more of glossy, scaly neck was visible Slowly the vicious head came floating up, while at every oscillation fresh burst of shrieks came from the settee.
 What in the name of mischiefp cried ! voice, and there was the mistress of the house standing in the doorway. Her gaze at first had merely taken in the fact that two strangers were standing scream ing upon her red plush sofa. A glance at the fireplace, however, showed her the cause of the terror, and she burst into 8 hearty fit of laughter.
 Charley" she shouted. there's Eliza misbehaving again.
 ssI'll settle her" answered a masculine voice, and the young man dashed into the room Ee had brown horsecloth in his hand, which he threw over the basket, making it fast with a piece of twine so as to effectualfy imprison it's in- mate, while his aunt ran across to reas- sure her visitors. 1.
 "It is only rock snake." she ex- plained.
 "Oh, Berthar ''Oh, Monicav' gasped the poor exhausted gentlewomen.
 ''Shes matching out some eggs. That is why we have the fire. Eliza always does better when she is warm. She is a | sweet, gentle creature. but no doubt she thought that you had designs upon her eggs. I suppose that you did not touch any of them?" .z t'Oh, let us get away, Bertha!" cried Monica, with her thin black gloved hands thrown forward in abhorrence.
 "Not away, but into the next room, :" said Mrs. Westmacott with the air of one whose word was law. ''This way, if you please! It is less warm here." She led the way into very handsomely appoint ed library, with three great cases of books, and upon the fourth side long yellow table filtered over with papers and scientific instruments. 'Sit here, | and you there." she continued. That IS right. Now, let me see, which of you is Miss Williams and which Miss Bertha Williams?''
 .sI am Miss Williams. y said Monica, still palpitating and glancing furtively about in dread of some new horror. I 'And you live, as l understand. over at the pretty little cottage. It is very nice of you to call so early. don't sup pose that we shall get on, but still the intention is equally good" She crossed her legs and leaned her back against the marble mantelpiece.
 "We thought that perhaps we might | be of some assistance" said Bertha tim idly. "If there is anything which we could do to make you feel more at | home"-
 "Oh, thank you; am too old trav- eler to feel anything but at home wher- ever go. I've just come back from 8 few months in the Marquesas islands, where had very pleasant visit. That was where 1 got Eliza. In many re- | spects the Marquesas islands now lead the world"
 "Dear mel" calculated Miss Williams.
 "In what respect?
 "In the relation of the sexes They have worked out the great problem upon their own lines. and their isolated geo. graphical position has helped them to come to conclusion of their own. The woman there is, as she should be. in ev- cry way the absolute equal of the male. Come in, Charles. and sit down. Is Eliza all right9' u"Au right, aunt"
 "These are our neighbors, the Misses Williams Perhaps they will have some stout. You might bring in couple of bottles. Charles"
 "No, no, thank you! None for us!' cried her two visitors earnestly.