The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-07-08

doubt their having arrived at that dis
tinction yet, as they were only just mar
ried when they moved in, four months
| ago. The furniture man comes prob
ably every week and collects two dol
lars. You see, l know all about such
people, and feel sorry for them, and
l do all can to help them, but one
doesn't want them living right under
ones own nose" finished Mrs. Darling
ton, pathetically, If a little vulgar.
"That is the trouble with a city house.
The best street of to-day is eitherin the
slums or full of shops Tomorrow" said
Mrs. Mason, who only rented her own
town house. "Are they quiet, well-be-
| haved people?"
"Quiet? Well-behaved? ?" echoed Mrs
Darlington. in high treble. "Why. the
man is actually trying to learn the
violin. Where he got the money to buy
it is mystery"
| THAT must be very annoying. Isn't
| there something you can do about it o
| said the ether, vaguely, in polite ac,
quiescence.
81 asked James to speak to him. but
he says the man has perfect right to
| play on his own violin, and that he is not
disturbing the peace as long as he
doesn't play in the middle of the night,
or something of the sort. But my mind
| is made up. AS James will do nothing
l shall take the matter in my own hands
| and speak to that mans wife. I shall
| tell her the noise must be stopped, and
l will take her a package of tea and an
other of sugar, which will have the eff
feet of making her shut her husband in
| the attic when he wants to play. So
| shall speak to her at the first oppor-
| tunity," ended Mrs. Darlington, ard
| then the conversation turned to other
matters.
The opportunity presented itself on
the following afternoon. Upon consult
| ing her watch, as she was being driven
home after making round of calls.
Mrs. Darlington discovered that it was
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 curious.y. 1t was
small and square, with a porch across
the front and bow window at one side,
and the paint was a light yellow, wit
white trimmings. At each window n
tiny awning tapped lazily in the breeze,
and on the porch stood some small
chairs, and several palms and rubber
| plants in jardinieres.
'Tell John not to wait, | will! 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 a house dress which showed
itself at glance to be irreproachable.
1t 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.
SIS Mrs. Madison at home?" asked
Mrs. Darlington, coldly.
~ am Mrs. Madison. Won't you come
IMP" 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. Ter face was pretty, but there
was an intellectual quality about it that
made the beauty secondary consdera-
ton.
Mrs. Dar,ington's face was a study
us she followed the other woman
through the hall, with its square stair
case of polished wood, Its oak hatrack
and umbrella jar, 10 the parior 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.
won't you sit down." Mrs. Madison
said, gently.
The elder woman sank into n seat,
but still she could think of nothing to
say. She who had generations of cul-
ture and wealth behind her, and who
had, since her marriage, been an ac-
knowledged social leader, was at loss.
ut is charming day, is 1t not?" said
Mrs. Madison. 81 intended making some
calls myself this afternoon, but am
glad now that did not, because then
should have missed YOU"
"How 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 social affair, and
it became harder each moment for the
other to undeceive her.
After a short time, Mrs. Madison en-
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 a piano. a 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 writers, 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,