Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-01-31
Copyright, 1895, by G. P. Putnam's Sons.
CHAPTER V.
THE SEVENTH BUTTON


On the second floor of the apartment
house in East Thirtieth street lived Mrs.
Mortimer Remsen and her two daugh-
ters, Emily and Dora.
Mrs Remsen's husband had been dead
more than ten years, but he had amasted
a handsome fortune, which left his fam
ily able to maintain the position in New
York society to which they were heirs
by birth and breeding. They lived in
the most commodious apartment in the
magnificent building in Thirtieth street
and were surrounded by an elegant lux
ury which results from a combination
of wealth and refined taste. They enter
tained frequently, and Mrs. Remsen,
still handsome woman, was always a
conspicuous figure at the most notable
social and charitable events OF the
season.
Emily, the eldest daughter, was
woman Of &c, who commanded rather
than attracted admiration. She was OF
admirable proportions, easy and regal
carriage, with a fine head well poised
on magnificent shoulders. As to her
face-well, I cannot describe it better
than did the eminent artist, CASTOR de
Castillo, who was requested to paint her
portrait.
"Madam," said he to her mother, II
do not like to undertake your commits
sion. Your daughter has one of those
marvellous faces which defy art. Every
feature is departure from recognized
standards, and yet the result is nobility
and beauty of the highest type. Only
nature herself can produce such effects
Through an imperfect countenance she
sheds the rays of an illumined soul, till
all faults are obliterated, forgotten. We
poor artists cannot hope to supply on
our cold canvas what so singular face
must have to make it beautiful. New
ertheless he did paint the portrait, the
one which the detective had seen in Mr.
Mitchel's room, and he had succeeded at
least in suggesting the marvellous eff.
fects Of character, revealing itself
through the features Other painters had
faifed, perhaps because they appreciated
less than he what they attempted.
This description also gives hint of
the woman herself. A combination OF
all the softer emotional elements, she
dominated self and others by supreme
will. She was rarely disobeyed by suitor
or by servant That she had engaged
herself to marry Mr.. Mitchell had sur
prised the entire circle within which she
moved, and yet perhaps the secret of his
success lay in the simple fact that he
had had the courage to ask for her, and
to do so in a loving but masterful way
which plainly showed that he antici-
pated no refusal or coy hesitancy. His
wooing had been of an impetuous whirl-
wind kind, and he was affianced to her
within a month of their acquaintance.
1t was this fact which had caused the
most comment. Mr.. Mitchell moved in
good society, but he was newcomer,
and now that he had captured the'prlze
of the matrimonial market all were
asking "Who is he?" question which
none seemed able to answer. He was a
southerner, and that single fact had
shed about him halo of attractive light
which had blinded the eyes of those who
feebly attempted to look deeper.
Mrs. Remsen had protested when
Emily announced her engagement, but
Emily had replied, "Mother, I have
given my word" and the discussion
was ended. A few moments later she
had affectionately seated herself at her
mothers feet, and, after tenderly kiss
ing her, whispered: 81 love him. He is
my king" and then buried her head in
her parents lap. Few women argue
against an appeal Of that nature. Thus
Emily and Mr. Mitchell became engaged,
after which he came and went much as
though he were the master Of the house.
Why not, since he had become the mas
ter of it's mistress?
Dora was her sisters antithesis, save
that both ware brunettes. She was sim
ply lovable, docile, impressionable,
pretty girl She adored her mother and
worshiped her sister, whom she called
"The Queen" Dora was only II. There
had been three boys born between the
sisters, but they had died in infancy.
The two girls were in the sumptuous
parlor of their apartment, Emily lying
on the soft lounge, while Dora sat near
her in cozy armchair, which made her
look almost little girl.
"Queen, did you enjoy the opera last
night?" asked Dora.
"Oh, yes" replied Emily, "but you
know, my dear, comic opera is comic
opera, and all is said"
"It's all very fine for you to talk in
that patronizing way, Queen, about
amusement, but it is different with me.
have not outerown the theater yet. I'll
tell you what I have been thinking of
seriously
Seriously" laughed Emily, pinch
ing her pretty sisters cheek. "Why,
you sly little rogue, you couldn't be
serious if you tried"
"Oh, couldn't I! But listen. am
going to ask Bob
"Bob?"
"Mr. Mitchell, you know. I told him
last night that 1 mean to call him Bob
after this, and he kissed me and said it
was bargain.
uRic.od von did hep Well. Miss I'm.