Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-09-11
WE'D MET BEFORE.
BY ELIzABETH FRY PAGE.

AT garden party at the country
home of Mrs. Alton Aston raet very
striking woman. There was something
strangely familiar to me about her
eyes, but all else was so strange that
/ decided that they only reminded me
of the sparkling orbs of some one
whom had known, for pride myself
upon my memory of faces, figures,
walks, voices, etc, and though l had
not yet heard her speak was convinc-
ed that she was total stranger. as l
never could have forgotten that superb
creature-never in the world.
Then l turned to my companion and,
indicating my charmer, asked: "Who Is
that magnificent looking woman? She
is decidedly the beauty of this gather
ing of beautiful women"
"Why, that is Mrs. Phillips" she
said, raising her lorgnette and looking
toward her. You must meet her by all
means. She is undoubtedly looking her
best this afternoon, but, my dear-ah,
she is coming toward u.s." And SO she
was. My heart beat a little faster at
the prospect of meeting the object Of
my admiration.
Introductions over, she seated her
self comfortably for a little chat, and
my elderly friend, seeing me in good
hands, left us. We were chatting away
in the most delightful fashion when
suddenly she paused and, looking crit
ically at me, said in her refined and
agreeable tones: do you know, l be-
lieve have met you before. There is
something very familiar about your
face, your voice and your laughter. 1t
worries me. / never fail to remember
any one"
/ told her that I felt the same way
with regard to her, but was positive
we hadn't met~and had decided that
she only reminded me forcibly of some
one else. Perhaps that is it." she said,
though I'm not quite satisfied. Per-
haps we have met in some other state
of existence"
The afternoon passed pleasantly, and
as we went bowling home in the twi-
light the face. voice. figure and name of
Mrs. Phillips haunted me. That night
l dreamed that we had been children
together and had waded ankle deep in
clear, running water, and awoke more
puzzled than ever.
Several days passed. and one hot aft
ernoon l made myself comfortable, as
to apparel. for siesta, but went wan
Gering about the house. pillow in hand,
looking for a cool spot, and finally
landed on cot In my sisters room.
warm, isn't it?" she said.
"Well, should say So" / replied.
"My room is like the hot room in
Russian bathhouse." At these words
dian ghost dance about the room.
chanting gleefully. 81 know now. l
know now. Who would have thought
tip then going off into shrieks OF
laughter.
My sister looked almost frightened
and Called out: Nell. for mercy's sake,
what's the matter? Stop that nonsense
and let me into the fun"
do you remember my beautiful Mrs.
Phillips whom / met at Alston's gar
den party? Well had met her before
and I've Just remembered where. You
know last winter when | had grip so
badly and some one advised me to go 10
the Russian bath and sweat the cold
out? Ha, hal It's too ridiculous. / was
lying In my steamer chair, with my
feet In bucket of hot water, my sheet
wrapped gracefully around me and
cold compress on my head. when in
walked figure that made me smile.
even under those circumstances. She
stood In the door and viewed the land
scape DER, and took her In. Thin
brown hair, straight as a yardstick
and drawn up on top of her head in a
little knot about the size of hickory
nut, sallow complexion, long, bony
frame, fat chest and the ugliest feet l
ever saw. The only redeeming thing
about her was her fine brown eyes, and
when she spoke her voice was melodi-
Gus. refined and magnetic.
'The chair next me was the only va
cent one, SO she took possession of it
and then called to the attendant,
Sarah, bring me cup Of hot water to
drink Here you are. Mrs. Phillips
she replied as she returned with 1t.
AS we lay there trying in every
way to induce a perspiration we ex-
changed views ON many subjects, from
the efficacy of the Russian bath to lit
erature, music and art found her
charming and thought what a shame
it was that she was not more attractive
physically and looked with some par
donable vanity at my white. smooth
skin and plump proportions. She. be-
ing accustomed to the baths, progress
ed rapidly from room to room, and
never saw her again until we met
clothed and in our right minds at the
garden party, where l was the unat-
tractive chrysalis. she the gorgeous
butterfly.
''Talk about artists! / shall take off
my hat to every milliners sign l see
herafter. and when | pass the counters