St. Paul daily globe., 1894-09-10
HER HIRED HUSBAND.
She Won the Confidence of
the General, But Not
of the Canon.
BY HEADGN HILL.


Lionel Montagu was young gentle
man of versatile attainments and some
little standing in his profession, though
he had not reached that position where
chronic engagements are a matter Of
course.
On one of the occasions when l knew
that Lionel MOntagu was "resting" he
turned up one morning at my office in
an obvious state of excitement. My
hand intuitively strayed to my waist
coat pocket. for an early visit from Lal
Montagu when he was out of an en-
gagement usually meant a request for a
loan. To my surprise, however, he
waved me deprecatorily from my inten-
ton and said:
mo. it isn't that. I've got too much
already-far too much for my peace of
mind. It's that Pve come to see you
about. for it's in your llne-a regular
first-class mystery, with lime light and
full stage effects.
| told him to he as confidential as he
could, and having deposited his glossy
hat and cane-Lal Montagu was always
smart--he ensconced himself in my best
arm chair and unbu rdened himself as
follows:
He took from the breast pocket of his
frock coat a sheet of note paper. on
which was pasted cut-Out advertise
ment, and handed it to me. This was
the wording of it:
WANTED-.To take part III private enter
tainment, an actor of ability. used to playing
juvenile and leading roles: exceptional
terms offered Apply to X. Y. C.. at office of
this paper.
"WelI, you answered it, ! SUPPOSED"
I said, returning him the advertise
ment.
Il did-with great promptness." he
proceeded.
"By first delivery on Monday" he
paper, II received this in reply"
read the neat, feminine handwriting
as under:
Buckingham Palace hotel. Oct.2, 1892.
Mrs. Disney Lowell presents her COM
pliments to Mr.. Montagu. and in thank
ing him for lis letter begs to say that
she will be happy to receive him at the
above address at 3 O'clock on Monday
afternoon, when the nature of her
requirements will he fully explained to
him. In the meanwhile it is requested
that Mr.. Montagu will consider this as
quite private and confidential. as Mrs.
LOVeli uOtS Hot Wisii IL ~ NC hIlOWH tildL
she l.; seeking professional assistance"
"On reaching the hotel and asking for
Mrs Disney Lowell [ was shown into
one of the best private sitting rooms on
the first floor. l Ihad hardly had time to
admire the signs of unmistakabe
wealth and luxury about, when
girllsh-l h-looking young lady of not more
than eighteen or nineteen entered and
greeted me with unaffected cordiality.
~ have chosen your letter from ever
so many others. Mr.. .Montagu.' she be-
gan, because have so often seen you
act. and, if you will allow me to say so.
have so greatly admired the ease and
finish of your performances
Il bowed. highly pleased. Flattery. as
l dare say you know, Zambra, is a sure
way to an actors heart, and expressed
my Willingness to be of service to her in
aY way she could name.
1.-THE fact is, Mr.. Montagu, want
you to help me in little harmless mas
querade which l am getting up for the
benefit of my father, Gen. Arnold, who
has lately returned from India. During
the last ten years my father has held
high command in India. When he left
England was only nine years old. and
it was settled that l should remain at
home to be educated at ladies' school
at Hastings.
"'About year ago I made the ac-
student who was staying at Hastings OIL
a holiday. The long and short of it is
that we fell in love with each ather, ana
in the end Disney persuaded me to run
away from school and be married to
him.
"'When my father heard of 1t he was
furious, and wrote home saying that he
would dsown me, that was no longer
his child, and other dreadful things of
the kind. He has retired from the serv-
ice, ana has taken house at Twicken-
ham.
"'The trouble is that poor Disney is
so frightfully awkward and nervous
that If he were to go with me to beg
papa. and probably make the estrange-
ment wider than ever. And yet. Mr..
Montagu, don't like to 20 alone; it is
the regular thing on these occasions-at
any rate OH the stage-for the errlng
ones to present themselves together
"She paused and looked at me shyly.
and began to have an inkling of what
was coming.
$50 Disney and thought" she con-
tinued, "that if we cou Id only get some
nice looking, gentlema My man, whose
address and appearance would be likely
to captivate papa, to accompany me ip
the character Of my husband, he cou Id
hardly retract. and think he Is just the
man to enjoy the joke
II consented toral[ for her on the
following day and escort her to Twick-
enham, where. IN the cha racter OF Mr..
Disney Lowell, was to help her beard
the pa ternal lion in his den. She gave