The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-06-23


much earlier than she had supposed.
This was the time to go and speak to
that woman about the violin, and, hav-
ing first stopped at her own door, and
sent the footman into the house to get
the tea and the sugar, she directed the
coachman to drive her to the cottage.
She had never seen the front of the
house, and she eyed it curiously. 1t was
small and square, with porch across
the front and bow window at one side,
and the paint was light yellow, with
white trimmings. At each window
tiny awning tapped lazily in, the breeze,
and on the porch stood some small
chairs, and several palms and rubber
plants in jardinieres.
"TeI John not to wait, viii! walk
home," Mrs. Darlington said to the foot
man as he touched the electric bell for
her.
She was richly and tastefully dressed,
and under her spring cape of silk and
lace she carried the tea and the sugar.
The door was opened by young wom-
an whom Mrs. Darlington had often
seen in the back yard attired in neat
calico dress and gingham apron. She
now wore house dress which showed
itself at glance to be eproachable.
It was not wrapper, nor what is called
(Heaven knows why), tea gown, yet
there was something in its loosely gath
cred folds that suggested the privacy of
home.
us Mrs. Madison at homer" asked
Mrs. Darlington, coldly.
Il am Mrs. Madison. Won't you come
in?" said the young woman. She was
tall and rather slender, with dark blue
eyes, and great masses of light brown
hair that showed care in its arrange
ment. Her face was pretty, but there
was an intellectual quality about it that
made the beauty a secondary considera-
ton.
Mrs. Darlington's face was a study
as she followed the other woman
through the hall, with its square stair
case of polished wood, it's oak hatrack
and umbrella jar, to the par,or which
was larger than one would have sup
posed, judging by the outside of the
house.
Mrs. Darlington paused uncertainty
in the center of the room, and looked
about her helplessly. She did not quite
know how to begin.
wont you sit down." Mrs. Madison
said, gently.
The elder woman sank into a seat.
but still she could think of nothing to
say. She who had generations of Gull
ture and wealth behind her, and who
had, since her marriage, been an ac-
knowledged social leader, was at loss.
1T is charming day, is it not ?" said
Mrs. Madison. II intended making some
calls myself this afternoon, out am
glad now that did not, because then I
should have missed you.''
GLOW fortunate for mel" murmured
Mrs. Darlington, feeling the others
quiet courtesy challenge.
Having broken the ice, Mrs. Madison
soon put her guest at ease. She evident
ly considered the call a social affair, and
it became harder each moment for the
other to undeceive her.
After short time, Mrs. Madison ex-
cused herself and went out of the room.
Left to herself. Mrs. Darlington looked
about her. The room seemed to be par
lor, library and music room combined.
There was piano, music rack, a
perfectly appointed tea table, several
cozy chairs, and at her side was an i'm
mense bookcase.
She glanced at its contents. All the
works of standard writer's, the best
poetry and the latest fiction were there.
The carpet was soft, thick moquette,
with light flowers trailing over a deli
cate ground, the pictures, though few,
showed taste in selection, and the cur
tains at the windows were real lace.
Moreover, the whole arrangement of
the room produced dainty and har-
moniz:ng effect which Mrs. Darlington
had often studied in vain to produce in
her rooms.
Mrs. Madison reappeared in the cur
tanned doorway, holding steaming ket-
tie of FURNISHED copper, which she car
ried to the tea table, where she pro-
ceeded to make tea, which she served
to her guest in a frai! cup and saucer.
You must pardon my leaving you,
but you see, am maid as well as
mistress, and occasionally the two roles
clash,' she said, without trace of en-
barrassment in her manner. @&4
Mrs. Dariington's thoughts were
many and varied as she slowly slipped
her tea and ate a cake. Among other
things, she thought of the packages
which she had so far kept successfully
concealed under her cape. Had she been
forced to earn her own living, she would
no doubt have made an excellent Jug
gler; for it certainly requires dexterity
to drink tea, and still keep spectators
ignorant of the fact that one has a
bundle under each arm. ...ss..
Mrs. Madison talked easily and well.
If she had fault it was that she in
dulged i'll personalities about her hus-
band, but that is to be excused in one
who is still a bride. Z.
''He is a dear fellow" she said, '.and
so ambitious. just now he is studying
the violin. hope his practice does not
annoy you. : III