Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1899-03-30
~. 4 - - COPYRIGHT 1898. BY THE AUTHOR

offer it t. my readers She was sup
piled with the opportunity of dis
covering it for herself which is denied
YOU ! am not eCCtiStical in thus ac-
i,nowlcdging my gifts and attainments;
they were simply the Stock-in-trade by
means of which hoped TO secure n
wing ana l. seems necessary TO the
Hing Of my sale hat | should make
I.eutiou without mock. modesty of the
extent TO which was equipped for my
career.
The manner of Aladam's interroga-
tory revealed to me her possession Of
great tact and cleverness. SO adroitly
she led me on TO disclose my abilities
that | am sure | revealed my whole
scope and character within fifteen min
utes of entering her boudoir, while at
the time | had almost no suspicion OF
the probe she was skilfully inserting
1t was not until afterwards, when
was alone in my chamber. that | real
lied how much personal information
she had extracted from me.
My dear" she said finally, you are
very tired. Your voice betrays GER
tain strain and weariness that will oe
followed by an eXhausting reaction II
you do not get immediate rest. If you
are satisfied with my terms they
We're very liberal Ones-"let Franklin
dismiss your carriage. and let us try
for week, by practical experience. the
question Of our mutual suitability.
VIII you do sof
Ny vanity whispered that beneath
the outward calmIiesS of her manner
it could detect strain of suppressed
eagcrrcSs as to my decision. which
fa;tered me beyond words. / gladly
asscHtcd to her proposal. and IN obedl-
cLce TO her request rang the bell ana
gaze the old butler the order to send
of the waiting carriage. Madam fur
ther desired him to tell the houSrAceper
t. Ur, pare my room. and rs she de
pa. ed she EXTENDED to me her right
hand with the g,s tUre of one asking
a charity.
"Will YOU allow mc a more personal
induiSition uly childt' she asked with
some hesitation "Win you mind il
very mitch if l toIch your face and
read your expression by the only
meihsd that remains TO me? Perhaps
Won viii cyea be good enough TO color
for me the crude sketch which is au
my rude fingers are able TO form
knclt at her side. and she passed
her slender fingers deity. shrewdiy,
over my features | thrilled bCrcath
her gentle touch almost as might
maiden beneath the carcSs OF her lover
a gcodly growth" she remarked, as
her hand dwclt upon the thick masses
of my hair. Its colorT
chestnut. my mother calls 1t, Mad
am" | replied.
with golden lights threading 1t!
she asked little eagerly.
"It is indeed Of changeable shades,
| returned modestly for | well knew
that my only patent OF beauty was
coluDospd of the sun-ticcktd hair tnaf
was my mothers pride together with
the white and perfect teeth that were
my own delight.
Madam drew Il tiny chain from itS
seclusion beneath the bosom OF her
gown. and opened a massive loc&tt'
rs large as a mans watch, that de-
pended from it. | could tell by its con
struction that 1t was divided into four
COMPARTMENTS, but only one of these
was revealed to my curious gaze.
That held the miniature of radiant
blooming girl, upon whose exquisite
brow rested the suggestion OF dawn
ing matronhood which, when 1t as
sumes natural and graceful possession
of womans face, enhances th0us-
andfold the beauty of immaturity.
1t was Madam. No one could FOR an
instant doubt that. But Oh,-Madam
with hope and JOY and anticipation ir-
radiating the features whereon havoc
had since marked its course.
"Is II such as this wasT she asked
holding the case towards me.
"Much the same, | think" | replied.
"Only yours was doubtless more beau-
tiful Madam"
She sighed and closed the case.
Probably for the sake of one who had
admired and loved it's beauty, she
mourned the fading of her locks
And so together we painted for her
enlightenment sufficient likeness of
my outward aspect
Hazel eyes, chestnut hair, perfect
health. which implies Il fair complex
ion. good features. and a noDly-shaped
and well set head-you should he some
thing of a beauty, my dear my ap
praiser concluded with a humorous
little smile
"And yet. Madam. | am not" ] an
swered truthfully. My mouth is far
too large. my face IS too thin. my skin
too colorless. and with all | am too
tall and lanky to be attractive to lovers
of beauty