New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-07-01
CHAPTER NXXVU

Whenever Evelyn went +, the Webbs' she felt
like apologzlng to Mrs COIN 5, far az she
knew, her friend had not discovered Mrs Wcbl's
antipathy for her; but she surely must SUSPECT
that there was some reason why she had never
been invited there since that memorable first
call. To-day she explained that Mrs webb was
very III and had sent for her; she would prob
ably stay only few moments: perhaps the IN
valid would be unable 70 see her at all Mrs
Cohn sent her love- which Evelyn didn't promise
10 deliver.
1t WAC an August dog-day. sultry and enerva-
ting, and Evelyn dreaded the walk up the steep
hill She resolved TO 60 slowly. As she was
starting out Roscoe offered 20 accompany her and
help her to make the climb; but she said she pre-
ferred TO go alone. Ned cried out that he hoped
she'd get back alive and Gerald said he'd wheel
her up In the wheebarrow if she'd let him
These remarks gratifed her for they showed she
being treated a normal being again. For
few days after Seymour's death, all the board
ers had assumed toward her the Difference paid
to a martyr.
While picking her way along the narrow path
that used a short cut 10 the top Of the
HILL Evelyn saw before her the sprightly figure u
Il making the descent. There was no
mstaklng her; It was Miss Finley. Evelyn
none. Beside Miss Ernley's keen eyes had
probably discovered her and 1t would not do TO
allow the journalist to see that she was trying
to avoid her; that would be an uncomplimentary
concession to power Miss Fnley's attitude as
she approached was distinctly unpleasant; the
meeting, Evelyn perceived was dsagreeable 10
her too Her face seemed 10 indicate that a
struggle was going on IN her mind whether to
pass on with naughty nod 10 pause agree
ably Policy. the prospect Of possible copy. con-
quered.
Il am delighted" she cried. giving Evelyn a
gloved finger. How do you do?" She was as
cool a spring breeze.
Evelyn responded quietly. It was impossible
for her 10 work up any enthusiasm over Miss
Finley.
Don't you just love this weather? No? I
do II couldn't be too hot for me. Going up 10
the Webbs'? It's no use. You can't see her.
She's awfully sick. just asked for her at the
door"
Evelyn said that she would go to the door.
too. and at least. leave card.
Leave a cardr' cried Miss Finley. "a lot Of
good lt'll do her. Leave a card on a dying
woman'
rs she dying?" cried Evelyn In surprise
"Of she is. She's got a kind Of COM
plfcation OF diseases-all sorts OF things I've
heard all about It, / used to know the nurse
/ at the Charity Hospital. She's a protegee Of
Doctor Grffths, and Doctor Grifths IL great
friend of mine. SO she'd tell me anything. Mrs.
Webb's out OF her head half the time, Mrs.
Bell says. and she abuses her husband SOL Poor
man. pity him. He's just sacrificed himself to
her"
Il had no idea 1t 50 bad that"
Bad? Pooh. / guess II | published all
know about the Webbs IT would create sensa-
ton. Such life she's led him. The SER
wants have told Mrs. Bell. / think II ought 10
be written up. Such women should BE- exposed
But she isn't responsible. Miss Finley"
Il don't know about that. It's hard to tell
who's responsible and who isn't these days. But
| guess she's responsible enough, though / DO
think she's been kind Of cracked for years.
wish you could have seen how she acted once
when l went there. You know she's wildly
jealous OF him"
WAS she Jealous Of your Evelyn couldn't
help saying.
Miss Finley did not appreciate the irony. Il
dare say that may have been the cause Of II.
I'd been to dine there and then called-of