The evening times., 1896-02-18


Sccne-A boudoir In the dusk; on an inlaid
table in Il corner letters and parcels.
Gladys to hcrselrl-Let me see, what's The
time? Five O'Clock, and don't dress till Z.
What long Time! wonder il my guardian
will come. SO funny of himl Never word
all these weeks but the bareSt tcongratulatory
note, followed with letter all about my
stupid Argentines. Two weeks toniorro W.
II Is drradfuiIy near. l wonder how that
tiara will look on the day. tGoes to the table
and unras,cns jewel case, puts on tiara,
and stands on tip-toe on the edge OF the Ten
der gazing into the mirror.)
ENTER Ma jor Garforlh. who stands waiting.)
Gladys turning suddenly how
you frightened me! Why did you?
Major Gariortli-It was an interesting
study.
Gladys-so unn ccessary. Did no one
announce you?
Major Garrorth-Your seneschal had a
Hurried air. l announced myself Arch
yuu going to offer me some tea, Gladys?
u. dy.--I hog yuur pardon. What do
you think Uf this?
Major Garrcrtlr-Not half bad for the
futare Lady Rayuciere.
Gladys Net half bad! Look at iiiem'
Goes down on her knees by the fire-l See
the light pla yiug in the big stone. Charlie
rcd aud blue and green, like fairy tale.
Aad Then did yoI ever behold such opals?
Major Garforih-The fetters seem well
giidcd. Second hand, l suppose?
GRdys-What do you mean?
Major Garforih- -Heirlooms-pardcn my
baIut ways.
GLADYS (s;iffly, walking away and olsen
,angling the tiara, which catches IN her
brown hairD-Thc diamonds belonged TO
the family in Edward the Thirds time.
They were brought as dover by French
Psiacess.
Mayor Garfurih-And they have escaped
the family pawubroker? Wonderful!
G.adys-Chariic, you are simply deicsia-
bic This is one If the days when | like
you less than other days. Can Gerald or l
help his mothers and his grandmother's
gambling pr"pcnsiiies?
Major Garfor,h- My dear girl, heaven ior-
bid you should attempt anything so hope
less | have the very highest opinion OF
Lord Raynclcrc; he is worthy fellow.
Gndys-Worihy of me?
Major Garforih-V'la une autre paire de
matches.
Gadys-Oh, thank you'll Come, that's an
Improvement.
Major Garrorth- Some cream, please. 1t
was quite unintcntional.
Ghdys-But you have never congratulated
mc.
Major Garfor,h-Is it usual TO con-
Er,,ulate the lady?
Giadys-Thcn you do not think, like
my aunt Euphasia, that l am VERY
lucky grip The heir 10 the marquisaic,
too, ard su ch an elegant youth!' 1wonder
how many times she has told her cronics
that.
Major Garforth-Irepeat that Raynclereis
aworthy fellow.
Giadys-And 1 that am sick OF the ex-
preston. Come and see this bracelet. II
has Just come. Diamonds, tool Gerald's
last gift. He gave me my choice between
this and Il necklace; but thought the family
were going to give me that, so chose this.
Aud now l have no necklace. 1t really is
very annoying. Who ever heard Of a bride
without diamond necklace? 1t would be
like being married in an ulster. Pity me!
Major Garrorth- Indeed 1 do.
G!adysAll the same, these stones do not
suit me; they are too hard.
Major Gar!nrlh-Still Badysfote expects
It's " omen to do their
Giadys-You mean the lords of Badysfote
have been wont to wear their wives in like
fashion. o, Charlie, i think / see myself
sparkling in The front. The Badysfote hunt
has green lapcls, by the way. Look AT me;
can YOU hear him? Behold, this is my
wife, my many y-facctted Kohinoor. She be-
cuues me well maryelously WELL" Ha, ha,
hat tDances Historically across tie room
swinging The tiara, which whisSs into the
fender.) o, poor Gerald! What am / say
ing: Charlie, please help me to be good.
tDrops intu a clair.)
Major Garfurih-To return to the earlier
topic. You say these stones are hard. You
know, woman don't know how to wear
Jewels; you forget that the wearer Ia the
chief thing.
Gladys Go on; am resigned.
Major Garfortii-A jewel should be n point
OF light in the whole, touch OF shoulder
ing fire-smouldering observe-half-hidden
by fine lace. Nowadays women wear their
gew-gaws like poster men, blatant wise.
DO they ever remember the cost OF their
glitter?
Gladys-Charlie, you are positively sordid
-Yulgar.
Major Garforth-Allow the. Examines
bracelet.) Thirteen large stones. Thirteen
ayes. Gladys-a mans lIfs-baood 10 the