The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-06-13

bration in honor Of my birthday, and
1t had lasted we'll into the morning
hours BarroIl had been one OF my
guests, and, in the course of the even
ingE lie had found en- opportunity to
Introduce the subject Of Allan Quin-
tard2s devotion to me. Oh, remem-
Der what led up to it. Among my
gifts, exhibited upon a large table,
was a very beautiful and costly neck
lace of diamonds and turquoises. AL
lans present. It so happened that
had had a scene with the boy about it
earlier in the day, when he had brought
it to NE, for it was far more valuable
than anything / had ever accepted.
from him. and I did not wish to take
It, 1 had finally yielded to his en-.
treaties only upon the understanding
that 1 was to return it to his wife upon
her wedding day.
y hen Barroll's eyes fell upon it, and
he read the accompanying card his
eyebrows went UP.
Spelling the Egyptians, hey?" he re-
MARKED. By the way, [ don't sup
pose you feel incliped to let up on that
lad, do you, madame? His mother is
in an awful way about him. She has
some pet scheme for marrying him to
old Metfluen's girl, and you are play
ing havoc with her plans
No I said, Il do not. I like the,
lad about me. Compared with that of
you men of the world. his society is as
refreshing as a draught of ice water
after . champagne supper
changed the subject, and did not
think Of it again until, as 1 YEARLY
entered my drawing room the next af-
ternO0n, I encountered Mrs. Quintard
conversing with Jean. Stone had neg
lected telling me there was a visitor,
and 1 found myself unable to avoid an
interview.
ne saIutations we exchanged were
stiff and cold, and almost Immediately
upCn my advent Jean excused herself
and retired, leaving me alone with
Richard Quintard's wife and Allan's
mother 1 thought the consciousness
o. both her dignities was more than
ordinarily manifest in my guest, upon
whose face there rested an expression
Of superciljcus disdain which quite de-
prived her personality of the charm it
he'd hitherto exercised over me. Her
had seen fit to adopt upon the occasion
OF her former visit to me. Whereas it
had been persuasive and conciliatory,
Is was now aggressive, naughty, al
most insolent. She at once preached
her errand, without employing the
superfiuity of an Introduction. She
made it plainly apparent from the first
moment that she placed me on the low
level Of a mere scheming adventures
and addressed ne as from an altitude
Of unreasonable superiority Her very
look set my teeth on edge, it was sc
tceming with insulting innuendo.
L have come to speak to you about
my son, madame" she began, as ]
loosened my wraps and sank into q
low seat facing her.
I raised my arms and withdrew the
5eweIIed pins from my hat, which
removed very deliberately and placed
in my lap, before replying. AS l RAJ
my fingers c2reicssly through the hal
that encroached unduly upon my fore
head pushing ii back from my brow
I am sure that no one in the world
certainly not this woman who knew S,
little Of me, would have dreamt tina
my apparent Indifference covered
very tempest Of outraged feeling. How
dared she presume to condescend t,
me? Which of US twain was NOR
worthy the respect and honor of tn
verdi, hireling of the public, Blu
careful custodian Of my own woman
hood, or she, social queen, but corrup
and faithless wife and mother?
When I had taken what time I need
ed in relieving my physical discomfort
responded to her remark, languidIy
as if it had not much interest or i'm
portance for me.
"Yes?" 1 said. with raised brows q
polite but distant attention.
YES" repeated she, catching up tn
word quickly and frowning. for it wa
obvious that my manner nettled hel
'You are aware, I suppose, that hi
intimacy with you is becoming a ma;
ter Of public scandal?"
/ looked her calmly and steadfastl
81 ~ NecO. as no guilty woman eoGl