The morning times., 1897-02-28
One Way 10 Keep Him
Observation-Disclosures

Nay, SIR cried Mrs. Abingdon, with
such a smile Of infinite witchery as she
wore when Sir Joshua Reynolds painted
her as Miss Prue," II would not have
you make any stronger love to me than
is absolutely necessary to keep yourself
in training for the love scenes in Dr.
Goldsmiths new comedy"
''Ah, you talk giibly OF measuring out the
exact portion OF love as If love were a
physic to be doled out to the precise grain, e"
cri ed Lee Lewis, impatiently turning
away from the fascinating lady who was
still smiling archly at him over the back
of her chair
81 have often wondered If you ever knew
what love MEANS said he.
Indeed, the same thought has frequently
occurred to me, SIR said the actress.
when one has been offered the nostrums
OF quacks SO often one begins To lose faith
in the true prescription
You think that am quack, and. there
fore, have no faith in me?'' said Lewis
Il know that YOU are an excellent actor,
Mr.. Lewis
Lewis flung himself across the room with
an exclamation of impatience.
"Youare the mostcruel lwonanthatlives,
he cried. Il have often left this house vow
ing that will never come nigh it again be-
cause of your cruelty
"What a terrible vengeance cried the
actress, raising her hands, while a mock ex
preston Of terror came over her face You
would fain prove yourself the most cruel OF
men because you account me the most cruel
OF women. Ah, sir, you are ungenerous. |
am but poor, weak creature, while you-''
Il am weak enough to be your slave. but
let me tell you. madam l am quite strong
enough to throw off your bonds should
fail TO be treated with some consideration, !"
said Lewis.
'Oh, so far as | am concerned, you may
take your freedom tomorrow" laughed
Mrs. Abingdon. The fetters that | weave
are of silken thread
why will you not consent to come with
me to VauXhall once more?'
La, sir, think of the scandal Have not
we been seen there together half a dozen
times?"
Pooh! my dear madam. cannot you see
that tongues will wag all the faster il
appear at the gardens with someone else?"
Say, with your wife. Surely, you are not
afraid OF the tongue of slander if you appear
Dy the slue OF your wire, Slf?
'.'Tis for you l fear
What, you fancy that people will SIAN
der meif you appear at VauXha with your
lawfully welded wife?''
Even so; for they will say that you are
not strong enough to keep me faithful to
you
Mrs. Abingdon sprang to her feet.
1.-The wretches!' she cried. Il will show
them that-pshawi Let them say their
worst. What care what they say? III
go or stay away, as the fancy seizes me-"
What fools these men are!' she cried,
when he had left the house, throwing her
self back onher couch with very capacious
yawn. What fools! Oh, if they but
knew all that such woman as am could
tell theml'
Before Mrs. Abingdon had been alone for
half an hour her maid entered to tell her
that q lady was lnquiring for her at the
hall door.
She gave glance at a mirror, and saw
that her hair was in proper condition for
the reception OF visitor who was lady.
and moment afterward there entered
graceful little woman whom she could not
recollect ever having seen before.
Pray, seat yourself, madam, and let me