The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-05-09
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envying her, JUST as all plain women envy
their handsome sisters
"You are not alone, supposed" contin-
ued Mrs. Reffoldl
"Yes, quite alone" answered Bernar-
dine.
But you are evidently acquainted with
Mr. Allitsen, your neighbor at table, said
Mrs. Reffold. So you will not feel quite
lonely here. 1t is q great advantage to
have n friend at a place like this"
Il never saw him before last night"
said Bernerdine.
us 1t possiblei" said Mrs. Reffold in her
pleasantest voice. Then you have made
q triumph Of the Disagreeable Man. He
very rarely deigns to talk with any Of US.
He does not even appear to see us. He sits
quietly and reads 1t would be interesting
10. his conversation is like. /
should be quite amused TO know what you
did talk about"
Il dare say you would" said Bernar-
dine quietly.
Them Mrs. Reffold, wishing to screen
her inquisitiveness plunged into descrip-
tion of Petershof life, speaking enthusias-
tically about everything except the scenery,
which she did not mention. After time
she ventured to begin once more taking
soundings But somehow or other those
bright eyes Of Bernardine, which looked at
her so scarchingly, made her a little nerv-
Gus and perhaps a little indiscreet.
"Your father will miss you, she said
tentatively.
II should think probably not, )" answer
ed Bcrnardinc. zone Is not easily missed,
yea knew" There was twinkle In Ber-
nardines eye rs she added, He Is proba-
hlx, .,.r,,y,is<l xrif ~ ether fbtnos -
What is your fathers" asked Mrs. Ref
fold in her most coaxing tones.
Il don't know what he is now" an
swercd Bernardine placidly. But he was
q genius. He is dead"
Mrs Reffold gave slight start, for she
began to feel that this insignificant little
person was making fun Of her This
would never do and before witnesses too
SO she gathered together her best resources
and said:
Dear me, how very unfortunatel A
genius tool Death is indeed cruel. And
here one sees SO much of il that unless one
learns to steel ones heart one becomes
melancholy All, IL Is indeed sad TO see
all this sufferingl" MRS. Reffold herself
had quite succeeded In steeling her heart
against her own invalid husband) She
then gave an account of several bad cases of
| consumption, not forgetting to mention
two instances Of suicide which had lately
taken place in Petershof.
lone gentleman was Russian" she
said. Fancy coming all the way from
Russia TO this little out of the world placel
But people come from the uttermost ends
of the earth, though Of course there ars-
many Londoncrs here I suppose you ere
from Londonf"
II am not living In London now, said
Bernardine cautiously.
"But you know IL without doubt, CON
tinued Mrs Reffold. There are several
Kensington people here. You may meet
some friends--indecd in our hotel there
are two or three families from Lexhan
Gardens"
Bernardine smiled n little viciously,
looked first at Mrs. Reffold's two compan-
ions with an amused sort Of indulgence
and then at the lady herself.
She paused moment and then said:
Have you asked all the questions you
wish 10 aski And II 20, may ask one Of
your Where does one get the best teai''
Mrs. Reffold gave an inward gasp, but
pointed gracefully TO small confection-
ery lslop on the other side Of the road
Mrs. Refiold did everything Rracsfully.
lContinuad bxidaS.1