New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-23
IN THE FIRST PERSON.
"vvuars AN UNDERsTUDY."
BY MARIA LOUISE POOL


Punciman was anyway. and why II was 50 n"iu
N catch her" Evidently these people uiu "o'
know her. but then why did they want 10 see
her?
The woman with the FAM whom her companion
called "Cornelia" sauntered Slowly GOWN III!
v,av apuarently saw me for the nrst tiine' ioohe"
irresolutely at me for an instant theh pa"seu '.-
front OF my chair. She was dressed 100 iic"''
.horgbt and the perfume of "frangipannf was
really quite sitting as che waved heI ian -
and forth: the breeze thus created moved INC
49,, sorS ,o,r IN her forehead and was afraid
tho rice powder visibly deposited on her cheeA'
ana chin would be waited abroad In the room.
"Perhaps you're acquainted with her. she sa'u
o. mo with n little air Of condescenson
A.sbe spoke the man drew near and STOOD star
TING AT q lurid painting of the plains OF heaven
which filed the space on the wall behlnd me- oe-
tween the top Of my head and the ceiling
"I don't know" / answered. somewhat con-
fused for had not supposed she was gong 10
speak to me.
Tho man brough: his eyes down from the paint
ing and tucking his cane under MS ari'' ne u
gan 10 smooth his silk "a: :o1cd ara coma WIN
the palm Of his hand. diamoni on that manu-
nung spark into my vision. 1t seemed very
large diamond, indeed -
Miss Runciman, l mean went y" wi '9'''
"Perhaps you've met her
Eyes" answered. aal felt quite proud /
su.hod -, with still rore pride l added. Il
came by appointment"
"Ohr' lifting UP heavy, white eyeNds with
,,ore animated stare. Ronald" turning 20 the
man "this-this per-i r-ean this young 'iu!'
knows Miss Runcr.aH. Sire Gaze by appoint
ment"
The gentleman-I had dim idea that ne was
n gentleman, Notwithstanding the size OF MS oia-
,nond-elanced at me and then turned away say
ing:
"Well. Cornelia she is more fortunate thah we
are then Perhaps we might better go ana coi"e
some other time.
He made a movement as II to put on MS ha''
recolected, and did not put it on:
He commenced TO walk round the room again.
and I thought he began 10 mum 'u"e' 'N'
stopped Immediately
Tho elevator opposite the wide door OF THIS
nuh,,c narlor had not omitted arriving and de-
parting and people had not ceased from stepping
out of IL and into 1t. Two or three times soiiie
one had come to the door, glanced In ana 'heh
pone away Two women had entered. rustleu
about and gone a black servant came IN with
salver In his hand. but he apparently did not
find the person he wanted
Every time any figure approached the door NY
heart gave a jump There was the eieEa'o.
stopping again this time tall woman s'eppei
from It and walked forward with that decision OF
motion which showed that she came in with d
purpose.
Gu. had narasol In one hand and gloves in the
o.ber and large hat on her head; thought l
had not known hat could be quite so pictur-
esoue though my friend who calls me NlIneim
knows how 10 wear large hat
or course this was Miss Runciman did not
move. for felt if this gentleman and these
two ladies would have the first chance OF an
interview.
Corneia. the woman with the fan and the
frangipanni. did indeed step forward instantly
exclaimng:
ooh do forgive us Miss Runciman. But when
ne knew YOU were here at the Ottawa, We
Miss Runciman. as she walked forward, glanced
over the speaker but her face did not change INTO
,ba very slightest smile as she responded:
Pardon me-
That was all she said as she came toward me
rose She held out her hand and asked:
How do you do. Bly?"
"I'u very well, thank YOU" / answered
"And how's the gray colt?
"Hes all right. Came in at the end OF his
thirtv miles as fine when ne started from
home"
"Ah. That's the kind Of colt to have"
Che began TO draw on one OF her gloves looking
at me as she did so. l grew red and white, but
Ahe aid not withdraw her eyes; she would have
sazed at something inanimate in Just that way
was sure
I'm glad you came" she said at length, o.
Thought. perhaps your mother would forbid 1t
I'm going out Just now. want you TO walt unti
come back"-she walked little ways from mi
and touched a button on the wall. A black mar
came gently forward from somewhere. TAKE
this lady TO my room." She commanded. l fol
lowed the servant. who said was ITO please Il
take the elevator" did so and found mysel
going I'D and instantly stopping The black mai
.,asn't with me and stood in wide hall. a sens
NJ confusion upon me, which was mitisated how
aver by the Immediate appearance Of the servan
syho knocked on door near.
Somebody said Come in" In muffied voice
and I opened the door. nnding myself IN larg
oarlor where a young woman was arranging tn
folds Of a velvet skirt over form II was
..d ve,vet skirt and the train of 1t. lined wit
.,h.a silk was laid out several yards over tn
door
n,h. otrf was kneeling down as entered an
.,o..d the door softly behind me. She had he
,nouth full of pins and couldn't speak yer
clearly. She looked back over her shoulder
me as I stood Just within the room. VIII con
sess that ! was awed somewhat Dy the srea
grandeur OF the gilt and plush chairs. the gi
mirrors and the general sense OF glitter from IN
heavy embossed paper on the walls. WASH
used TO hotels and didn't know that there
usually a great deal Of plush and gilt IN them,
Miss Runcman's gone out said the gu
&hickiy. one pin dropping from her mouth as sh
spoke.
IL know H." said.
She held her hand under her lips and elected
the pins into 1t: but she continued kneehng.
Miss Runcimans gone out" she said again q
II had not heard.
II know It," answered FOR the second time.
was irritated by the way the girl looked a
me- and 80 would not volunteer any explanatio
Of my appearance. ,.,
s'dave you seen herr she asked. now sittin
back on her heels that she might the better gaz
ct me-
ives" answered