Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-11-21

or wild jealousy.
Mrs. Duane lived in an artistic little
villa on the outskirts of the town, and
her : o'clock tea table usually
thronged with her young admirers.
1t was pet trick Of hers 10 suggest
to some favored individual that he
should come early. and then to be At
home to no one else. Now these lit
tie tete-a-teteS We're dangerous to
more hardened men than the gay
SuhalternS. for Beatrice Duane. in a
perfect tea gown. lying back in deep
chair. covered with white fur, was a
beautiful picture of luxury, and her
manner of coryersing on such occa-
sionS was undoubtedly fascinating.
Philip had found himself party 10
these tete-a-teteS on several occasions.
but had not yet been brought u the
point of sending her flowers, books or
verses, or paying her any Of those
pronounced attentions with which the
young officers overwhelmed her
Lent was approaching rapidly. and
the whirl Of feStivity, like 4 whtrl-
pool. became faster and faster lis it
ncared the vortex down which it
must plunge.
1t was Ash "Wednesday morning,
and Phil Reddington loungcd against
the mautel Of his sisters houdoir in
his most attractive attitude. How
handsome he looks; not day older
than when he graduated" His sister
was standing before him drawing on
her gloves, and as she looked At him
there was a smile of genuine ap-
prevail in her eyes. She had not
looked ut him with that smile for
some time. He smiled back almost
shyly and then said slowly: "Minrhen,
am not sch oolgirl, and therefore
do not pretend to read character ny
handwriting, but yet, there is some
thing about that note Of Mrs. DuaneS
that interests me strangely, and
should like to see the writer"
1t seems to me that YOU have been
devoting a considerable amount Of
time to seeing the person who wrote
it," She drew herself up and spoke
with some asperity.
Phil surveyed her with evident
amusement u don't like YOU in that
attitude. it's not becoming, and, be
sides more gravely--"l am con-
WINGED that Mrs Duane didn't write
that note" "rhen may | aSll'-the
objectionable pose was more intense
/ IN
tercSted, do YOU cultivate her society
to such an cNtcnt?" "'rhat note
came from her, and if she did not
write it herself, and | am sure she
didn't, she knows who did. I've tried
several times 10 make her write a few
wrote with 4 fountain pen, and all
the people who use those things write
alike. Yes, | am quite certain that 4
woman Of her calihcr would not write
like this, and am anxious to see if
this fanciful theory Of mine works
out"
The unhecomng pose was laid aside
and Mrs. Raymond's face frightened
visibly. She read the note over her
brothers shoulder The letters were
long and slender, firm and delicate
and gave the impression that they
had been formed quickly and easily.
ITS a very pretty hand. but | can't
imagine who wrote 1t unless she did,
and it's scented with that peculiar
oriental perfume she always uses
and. Phil, dear. she's very danger.
Gus woman, so do be careful"
one morning during the second
week in lent Phil accompanied his
sister to market. His artistic nature
was greatly gratifed by the quaint
pictures he found. and he was max
ing sketch of an old flower woman
when his sister cried out: 80, Phil,
do look! There are those lovely noun
tain primrOSeS. the first I've seen
this year" Phil looked, but he saw
something besides the great bunch of
pale yellow flowers a slender, black
clad figure ana a pale, delicate face.
Most persons would not have called
her striking girl but he stood look
ing at her rapidly disappearing figure
until it vanished around the corner.
aren't they perfect? DO YOU think
my copy that hangs in the boudoir IS
goodE
To which her brother irreleyantly re
replied That girl might have writ
ten it,"
II didn't notice the girl, but, now
that know those flowers are In
town. shan't rest until have some"
At luncheon Mrs. Raymond an
nounced that her search had been
fruitleSs. In a remote corner she had
found flower woman, who haa
brought some primroses to market
that very morning. but her young lady
a young lady who came very often
had bought them every one.
That afternoon when Phil came into
Mrs. Duane's parlor he felt a glow Of
artistic admiration. The dark panel
ing. lit mp by the flames from the
burning logs, threw into bold vet deli
ra'e relief the figure Of woman.
half reclinin, in a low chair Her
head, crowned with soft, Black coils