The Cairo bulletin., 1904-06-03
CHAPTER V.
THE SEVENTH BUTTON.

more than ten years, but he had amassed
q handsome fortune, which left his fam
lily able to maintain the position in New
York society to which they were heirs
by birth and breeding They lived in
th6 most commodious apartment in the
magnificent building in Thirtieth street
and were surrounded by an elegant lux
ury which results from a combination
of wealth and refined taste They enter
tanned frequently, and Mrs, Remsen,
still a handsome woman, was always n
conspicuous figure at the most notable
social aud charitable events Of the
season.
Emily. the eldest daughter, was a
woman Of 60, who commanded rather
than attracted admiration, She was Of
admirable proportions, easy and regal
carriage, with fine head well poised
on magnificent shoulders AS TO her
face-well, | cannot describe it better
than did the eminent artist, Castor de
Castillo, who was requested TO paint her
portrait.
Madam, said he to her mother, 81
do not like TO undertake your commits
sion Your daughter has one Of those
marvellous faces which defy art Every
feature is a departure from recognized
standards, and yet the result is nobility
and beauty Of the highest type. Only
nature herself can produce such effects,
Through an imperfect countenanco she
sheds the rays of an illumined soul, till
all faults are obliteratod, forgotten, We
poor artists cannot hope to supply on
our cold canvas what so singular face
must have to make it beautiful " New
crthcless he did paint the portrait, the
one which the detective had seen in Mr.
Mitchell room, and he Had succeeded at
least in suggesting the marvellous IF
fects Of character, revealing itself
through tho features. Other painters had
failed, perhaps because they appreciated
less than he what they attempted.
This description also gives a hint ot
the woman herself 4 combination Of
all the softer emotional elements, She
dominated self and others by supreme
will. She was rarely disohoyed by suitor
or by servant That shu had engaged
herself ia marry MI Mitchell had sur
priscd tho entire circle within which she
moved, and yet perhaps the secret Of his
success lny in the simple fact that he
had had the courage To ask fer her, and
60 do SO in q loving but mastcriul way
which plainly showed that he untici.
pated no refusal or coy hesitancy. His
woOing had been of an impetuous whirl
wind kind, and he was ailianccd to her
within a month Of their acquaintance.
II was this fact which had caused the
most comment Mr.. Mitchell moved in
good society, but he was a newcomer,
and now that he had captured the prize
Of the matrimonial market all were
asking "Who is he?" question which
mono seemed able to answer He was a
southeruer, and that single fact had
shed about him a halo Of attractive light
which had blinded the eyes Of those who
feebly attempted to look deeper
Mrs. Romscn had protested when
Emily announced her engagement, but
Emily had replied. Mother, | have
given my word, and the discussion
was ended. A few moments later she
had affectionately seated herself at her
mother's feet and. after tenderly kiss
ing her, whispered: II love him. He is
my king" and then buried her head in
her parents lap Few women argue
against an appeal Of that nature. Thus
Emily and Mr.. Mitchell became engaged
after which he came and went much as
though he were tho master of the house
Why not, since he had become tho mas
ter Of its mistress?
Dora was her sisters antitheSis, save
that both were brunettes. She was sim
ply loyable, docilc, impressionahle,
pretty girl. She adorcd her mother and
worshiped her sister, whom She called
"The Queen" Dora was only II. There
had been three boys born between the
sisters, but they had died in infancy.
THO two girls were in the snmpluous
parlor Of their apartment, Emily lying
on the softlounce, while Dora sat near
her in coy armchair, which made her
look almost little girl.
Queen, did you enjoy the opera last
night asked Dora.
"Oh, yes, replied Emily, "but you
know. my dear, comic opera Is comic
opera. and all is said. "
cts all very fine for you To talk in
that patroni7ing way, Quccn, about
amusement. but it is different with me
/ have not outprcmu the tbeator yet Ill
tell yen what have been thinking OF
seriously
seriously laughed Emily, pinch
ing her petty sisters check Why,
you sly little rogue, you couldn't be
serious If you tried.
"Oh. couldn't But listen. AIN
going to ask Bob
"Bcb!"
"Mr. Mitchell, you know. told him
last night that mean 70 call him Bob
after this. and he kissed me and said it
was bargain.
Kissed you. did he: Well, Miss I'm
pudence | like that ~
$50 did l. But you need not soUld he
cause you know what Bob says Is law
You are as much afraid If him as-well,
as all ,he rest If the men are Of you
But | haven't told you what am going
to do. | want Bob to take me with you
both whenever you go to the theater.
"Olo! So that is yOur little plot, is
it,"
"Yest What do Won think If it,"