Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-05-05

The manner OF Madam's interroga.
tory revealed to me her possession Of
great tact and cleverness. So adrojtly
| she led me on to disclose my abilities
that 1 am sure I revealed my whole
scope and character within fifteen MIN
| utes of entering her boudoir, while ut
the time l had almost no suspicion OF
the probe she was skilfully inserting
III was not until afterwards, when I
was alone In my chamber, that / real
fzed how much personal information
she had extracted from me.
MY dear" she said finally, "you are
very tired. Your voice betrays a GER
tain strain and WEAKNESS that will be
followed by an exhausting reaction IL
you do not get immediate rest II YOU
are satisfied with my terms"-they
were very liberal ones--"let Franklin
dismiss your carriage, and let rs try
for week, by practical experience, the
question of our mutual suitability.
VIII you do so?''
My vanity whispered that beneath
the outward calmness of her manner
IL could detect a strain OF suppressed
eagernesS as to my decision, which
f1attered nae beyond words. gladly
assented to her proposal, and In obedi-
enee to her request rang the bell and
gave the old butler the order to send
OFT the waiting carriage. Madam fur
Their desired him to tell the housekeeper
to prepare my room, and as she de-
parted she extended to me her right
hand with the gesture OF one asking
a charity.
"Will you allow me n more personal
lnQuisition my cbild?' she asked with
some hesitation. "WiH you mind it
very much IL touch your face and
read your expression by the only
method that remains to me? Perhaps
you viii be good enough to color
for me the crude sketch which is all
my rude fingers are able to for1n?'
l knelt at her side, and she passed
her slender fingers deftly, shrewdly,
over my features. I thrilled beneath
her gentle touch almost as might
"A goodly growth" she remarked, as
her hand dwelt upon the thick masses
of my hair ''Its colorP'
Chestnut, my mother calls It, Mad
am" l replied.
with golden lights threading itT'
she asked little eagerly.
1T is Indeed of changeable shades"
I returned modestly, for 1 well knew
that my only patent of beauty was
composed OF the sun-fiecked hair that
was my mothers pride, together with
the white and perfect teeth that were
my own delight.
Madam drew n tiny chain from its
seclusion beneath the bosom Of her
gown, and opened n massive locket,
as large as a mans watch, that de-
pended from it. / could tell by its con-
structiou that IL was divided into four
~, -, rl,,% -
was revealed to my curious gaze.
That held the miniature of a radiant,
blooming girl. upon whose exquisite
brow rested the suggestion OF a dawn
ing matronhood which, when 1t as
sumes natural and graceful possession
OF woman's face, enhances a thoue.
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.
lis 1t such as this wasY' she asked,
holding the case towards me.
Much the same, I 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 its beauty, she
mourned the fading OF her locks.
And so together we painted for her
enlightenment a sufficient likeness of
my outward aspect
Hazel eyes, chestnut hair, perfect
health, which implies a fair complex
ion. good features, and noDiy-shaped
and well-set head-you should be some
thing OF beauty, my dear" my APP
DraiSer coQciuded with n h,,morouc
little smile.
And yet, Madam, I am not" I an
swered truthfully. my mouth Is far,
too large, my face is too thin. my skin
too colorless, and with all am too
tail and lanky to be attractive to lovers
Of beauty"
ITO be continued