Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-04-10

the mirror in order to have the custom
ary satisfaction of knowing that she was
looking her best.
There were steps outside, and the but
Ter opened the door,, but it was not the
artist who followed him. A thin woilan,
with light fringe worn very low on
her forehead, gray eyes and unsmiling
expression, entered slowly.
Mrs. Maine tried to hide the disap-
pointment that she felt "How good OF
you to come through the fog to see me,
Belle" she said. ''Sit here by the fire.
and will give you some tea
Her friend sat down dreamily and re-
marked, Whom were you expecting,
dear?"
"How could expect nybody on such
day?''
'And it was man. I know that by
your look into the glass. -
Really, Belle, you are too observant.
And suppose it was, what then?''
Belle de Rinski looked at Mrs Maine
critically and continued: "Why, you
are actually blushingl Surely you are
not expecting lover to come to you
through the fog?"
The young widow laughed little un-
easily
''What if l said a future husband?"
"And is he coming?"
cat O'Clock. F."
SIN ten minutes? So you are posi-
lively thinking Of marrying again? How
extraordinary
II scarcely see why. Do you intend
always foreman widow-the richest,
the most independent widow in Lon
don, as heard you called only yester-
day?"
The other waived the question with a
quiet deliberation that was characters
tic of her and put another, "May l not
hear his name?"
Mrs. Maine hesitated for a moment.
Then she answered: 'Well, you are
great friend, and you probably have
guessed it already. Why should 1 not
tell you? It is your old friend, Roger
Slade -
The Comtesse de Rinski put her tea
cup down with sudden movement that
caused a clatter of china.
eyes, little more tea, please" she
said. "And l like it strong Roger
Slade-that is curious choice. So he
proposed to you?''
"Only by letter. He is coming today
for his answer, at 5 O'Clock. If l say
Not at home, he will take it for re-
fusal.''
Really! And you will say
"'At home,' think.
The comtesse looked at the clock
thoughtfully and slipped her strong tea.
"And so in five minutes you mean to
make up your mind to relinquish your
iberty?" she said in even tones. "Well,
why not? We women are the strangest
creatures certainly. There will be an
eruption of pictures presently upon the
walls of the exhibitions. Mrs. Slade az
Venus, as Ariadne, as Psyche; portrait
of the artists wife, by R. Slade, A. R.
A. You will be a pretty model
eyes. 1t is much the same thing.
suppose his earnestness will never bore
you. He is good fellow, but he is ter
ribly in earnest. ?"
81 like that. There is depth in his
gravities, not dullness. Yes; know
like that"
"But severe earnestness at breakfast,
at afternoon tea, in ones opera box,
might not it prove trying?"
Mrs Maine considered. Il don't
know. have hardly thought about it.
He only wrote to me this morning.
"And you will say yes without a
moments consideration? After all, if
you love him, you are quite right
81 think do,'' Mrs Maine said a
little doubtfully. 81 think l shall -
The Comtesse de Rinski took tiny
roll of bread and butter and remarked,
'They say his prices are going down.
Mrs. Maine frowned slightly I'm
possible" she said. "Why, he is at the
very height of fame.'
"Yes; he is very celebrated In the
old days it used to be once celebrity
always a celebrity, but now people can
rise and fall while you can say one
At Lambe's gallery in Old Bond street
they declare that his popularity is on
the wane. If that is true, DO wonder be
stretches out his hands for consolation.
Love is often an excellent crutch for
hobbling ambition.
'But-but''-
"You would rather share his glory
than soothe his dark hour. Ali, Kitty,
that is so like you'll
''No, Belle; you are wrong. But a
waning celebrity is apt to be irritable. -
Zone can always calm irritation with
affection, and he is quite good looking.
Kitty, dear, congratulate you. p"
Mrs Maine got up from her sofa rest
Iessly and walked about the room, put
ting one or two Of the white ornaments
that rested ON the white overmantel
straight, fidgeting with the silk cushion
and stirring the fire that already blazed
brightly enough.
perhaps your congratulations are
premature" she said.
"Why? thought from your manner
that you had decided.
81 mean to decide by tonight" !"
'sBut that is rather hard upon him,
isn't it? If you let him in this after
noon, of course he will believe that yor
intend to accept him.
Gard if don t?''
He will then think he is refused"
''1 can write and explain one way or
the other tonight.
"But meanwhile he will be in mis-
cry"
Mrs. Maine did not look i'll pleased at
the idea. 'Yes, poor fellow" she said.
'But if accept him after all his even
tual joy will be the greater. Besides,
Belle, you are right. must have lit
tie time for consideration. Men always
are in such hurry"
"That is true" said the comtesse,
putting the white cup down carefully.
lust then the clock chimed 5. and