Semi-weekly independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1895-1897, 1896-02-22

"Couldn't We get up n subscription
or something for the widow
o course we nus do something: in
ones w hotel it is too dreadful and
Mrs. Wildover shuddcrcd and her COM
panionS did the same; in fact. the whole
Hotel de Flandres had had its witherS
wrung and its nerves shaken in a sin
gularly Shastly fashion. One of 'he
walters. while handing around a dish
at the dejeuner. had suddenly turned
white. reelcd. and then. in sight OF all
the guests. fallen down in a heap upon
the polished floor.
Yes. we must undoubtedly do some
thing" continued Mrs. Wildoyer; but
It's a pity it can't be something mC1e
general than a subscription among our
selves. Couldn't we organize some
kind Of Il bonetit-of entertainments:
a fancy fair exclaimed two or
three ladies in a breath.
IT would be II splendid idea. But
who is - organize it,"
"Oh, you-you, Mrs. Wiidover. Oh,
do
Mrs. WiIdovcr smiled modcstly.
oh. but En- afraid | shouldn't be
able =
Yes, yes. YOU would
But you'll ali help. won't YOU
asked the lady. looking around Il
think We'll keep it strictly among our
selves: only the English ladies Of the
hotel mast be allowed To take an active
part in the bazaar
Her audience gave Il rapid assent.
and Mrs. Wildovcr Immediately plung-
ed into plans and projects. Mrs. Wild
over was fat, 10. and, thanks to True
ftt. also fair: but had there not existed
a meek. timid-ey"d little creature
known : Mrs. WildOvcr'S husband, it
IS certain that she could have had ~
many SuitorS as she wished. for Mrs.
WildOyer was ridiculouSly. fabulously
rich. The fact had comc upon her as
rather 1 surprise ONE half dozen
years earlier. when she had tainted
on her d-rawing-rOom sofa in the little
house at peckham after reading Il law
yer's letter which informed her that an
almost forgotten uncle in America had
died. leaving her not only his whole
fortune, but his share in some petrO-
leum springs down country.
From that moment it had been Mrs.
Wildoycr's not unnatural desire to soar
above the musical evenings and care
parties of Peckham and New Cross.
She went everywhere. was indcfatiga-
BILE IL ali charitable undertakings. her
shrewdnesS telling her that they often
proved the thin edge of the society
wedge. Now. ut the Hotel de Elan
dres, there was staying ut this particu-
lar mcmcnt Il s~ingularly beautiful dow
aser9ountcss. n lady most popular in
London society. and one whose broad
wings could. and they would, help poor
Mrs. Wildoyer in her flight.
do you suppose Lady Lothian would
help us?' she asked. tentatively. No
body seemed quite sure. but everyone
thought that Mrs. Wildovcr would ask
her.
Lady Lothian was cordial and sympa-
thetic, promised to attend the fair. and
even volunteered to allow some of her
photographs to he sold there. In fact.
plump Mrs. Wildover. who was usually
very sure of tl,c ground she trOd on.
scarcely felt her feet as she left Lady
iHthair's room. 1t was the beginning
of her success. She thought. and think
Ing so, she collidcd heavily with IN
one coming in the opposite direction.
Il hcs your pardon"
Indeed. it was my fault"
And both passed on in their several
directions.
The person who had gOnc to the wall
in the collision was Il slight girl dressed
In deep mourning. She turned into a
door to her left. and. closing it behind
her. tossed her hat pctulantly on to the
table.
us that you. NeIl?' called a voice
from the balcony.
yes: come in. / want to talk to you"
The other ona entered. She also
WAS dressed iii deep mourning.
What's The matterY" she asked,
glancing at her companion.
"NothinS more than usual. Why will
you insist OF staying here, and like
Insists awful
You are always so impatient. Nell.
/ tell you that"
A sharp knock ut the door interrupt
Ell her. .'Entrez.' called the girl curt
II, aad then. 10 both women's astoGish-