The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-22


for her bereavement, however, could no
longer obscure the beauty of the neck
lace. Nature and the,world have their
way
She was on the point of going into her
chamber to prepare for dinner, when
Miss Lesbia Peekslxill was announced.
She had formerly been one of Mrs. Nor
ford's school-teachers, and was now an
apostle of physical culture and hygiene.
She was short and uneven Of figure and
homely of countenance, and carried o
small black bag. AS she entered, Mrs.
Morford closed the morocco case con-
tanning the pearls. She was perhaps
shy of revealing to her friend her aban-
donment of mourning.
, Miss Peekskill hardly waited to ex-
change greetings before producing
from her bag leather receptacle, from
which she drew forth a contrivance of
rubber tubes and bulbs, which she pro-
seeded to interpret, with fanatical en-
tbusiasm, as was her won't.
my spirometer, my dear! My own
Invention! You have no idea! 1t has
Increased the cubic compassof my chest
four inches in three weeks! expect to
sell 100000 of them, at three dol
lars each, the first year! The pat
emit royalties on $15,0o0,0o0 at ten
per cent. will be S1,500,000 steady in
come! j shall be treated as public
penefactor like Morse, Ether, Morton
and Gen. Booth! The lungs are the life;
....t~loll al hoyo ch tc l;la t,c,tfar nj
geons, figures like Phidiases, eyes like
STARS, cheeks like flower petals, diges-
tions like iron mills--practical immor-
tai health and beauty! Why, look at
mel"
ITO be sure!" returned Mrs. Morfeld,
seilng the sparkle in her dark eyes
with her darker lashes. "May / buy
this of you? You will dine with me and
well talk 1t over"
I "You misunderstood me, my deari
This is the only specimen extant, /
have not yet secured the patent. 1
am on my way to Washington to do so.
thought you might like TO advance the
5000 TO cover the expense, receiving
three shares of stock in return, which
will be at least 1000 per cent. premium
in six months. You have done me so
many kindnesses, my dear, that fc,t
called on To make this return for them.
] have to take my train at7:30. Do you
dine soon? What did i do with my
spirometer case? Oh, here IL is-Oh,
my! Your pearl neclSlacel Then you're
going into the world again? Poor, dear
Johnl'
1T is n year and day, you know"
said the widow, blushing a little. "Aren't
they pretty?"
"They are! Pearls are my favorites OF
all precious stones. But what are pearls
compared with my spirometer. either
as regards value and utility y?-what n
nice blacklace mantilla that's, my dear!
You'll be leaving il of now, suppose?
IL reminds me of one i had once"
"You must accept IL as memento
of our friendship" said Mrs. Morford.
VINO could take nint as quickly as any
one. "And now well have dinner.
What is it?"
This question was addressed TO the
servant. who entered with card on a
salyer. IL bore the name Of Rev. Wat
son Glenn, and IN pencil the follow
ing; "Will Mrs. Morford permit her
late husbands old college chum to lay
his homage at her feet?''
After moments reflection Mrs. Nor
ford recollectcd having heard her hus-
band mention former sricnd of this
name, but she had supposed him long
since dead. Should she receive him
The manner Of his request was attrac-
tive--she liked chivalry in q man. "Ask
him 20 come up" she said 10 the serv.
ant; and In a minute he made his ap.
pcarance.
He was n middle-aged man of tall
ard elegant figure, set off by plain
clerical garb and q long black cloak.