Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-02-25

had done ali that she had promised,
and more too, for young Mrs. Mon
ette. She had brought her back to
New York city dignifed. polished
lady, prepared to take a leading posi-
ton in society. and here she was-that
re-created little Colorado widow
showing the most exasperating indif-
ference to society. All the more exas-
perating because society was on tip
toe with curiosity about the beautiful
and wealthy westerner. That is, as
much on its toes tips as New York
society ever permitted itself to get
about anybody.
Plainly Nine. LIE Due had a griev-
ance. To whom she had made all
those promises touching her rich pat
roness she could not have said. But
her ego was pricked. She wanted
those who had known Mrs. Monette
out west to pass judgment on her
now, and yet. UP to the present mo-
ment, what had come of it all?
Those who had known her out
west" numbered two, exclusive of her
self-the Fieldings! She had fancied
herself being congratulated warmly
by brother and sister upon her
achievements in the line OF making a
perfect society lady out OF crude
young woman.
But the Fieldings! Bah! They as
sumed an attitude of Difference toward
young Mrs. Monette-that is, Fielding
did, while Miss Fielding was simply
anxious to retain her friendship, as
if she had always been just what she
was now.
The carriage was at the door and
madame was waiting for Mrs. Mon
cite. They would take drive through
Central park, when she would appear.
People would glance at the beautiful
and wels-dressed woman as she passed
them by, but no one would bow. Then
they would return to the big house to
drag through the evening by them
selves.
Two months already established at
the head of her own superbly appoint
ed house and not single bait thrown
out for society to nibble at! Nine. lie
Due had already got beyond the point
of ecstatic enjoyment which Mrs. Mon
cites creature comforts alone HAD
been able to supply in the meager days
now gone by more than two years.
She wanted to put the work OF her
hands on public exhibition. 1t was
the privilege of every artistic to do so.
She was being defrauded Of her rights.
Into this downcast mind Mrs. Monette
flung ray. of hope.
81 think" she said, as they settled
themselves among the cushions of the
carriage, 1--WE will call and take Miss
Fielding for a turn in the park. She
was looking SO pale yesterday"
you have then seen her this week? ?"
Eyes. And she upholds you in your
denunciation of me-
Delightful! At last, then, have an
ally"
"At last. then, you are, between you,
about to make life difficult for me-"
''Cherie, you talk like the lovely
simpleton that you are" madame
chirped with recovered vivacity.
You who might have men at your
feet by the score!"
Harriet made no answer to this
taunt. The only one that occurred
to her was that the world held but one
man she cared to have at her feet and
he had assumed an attitude Of strange
aloofness since her return.
In spite of all the soft finish" and
high polish" which Nine. LIE Due had
superimposed upon an excellent foun-
dation of natural good sense and
sweetness, young Mrs. Monette re-
tanned a certain amount of girlish
diffidence that offended the French
woman's sense of fitness.
She had not the key to the situation.
1t was nervous shrinkage from the
past.
When the carriage stopped in front
of Miss Fielding's hotel Nine. De Luc
threw back the laprobe with an air Of
decision. Il will myself go up for our
dear friend, Miss Mildred"