The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-08-28

In the drawing-room at Marlborough
Terrace there had been silence for more
than the space of half an hour. Mrs.
Wetherby sat at her Sheraton table, writ
ing invitation cards, while her husband
lay in his armchair with book, which
he presently dropped softly on to his
knee. A sentence in the paragraph he
had reached contained the words. $50
not without lingering glance, he went
back again to the beaten track and to
the fesh-pots of Egypt" and afterwards
he did not turn the page.
For some minutes he sat gazing into
the fire, and then raising his head,
glanced round the room. Everything
that he looked upon was desirable and
pleasant to the sight; his eyes rested last
upon his wife, and he mentally included
her in the category of effects, as not the
least valuable item, for Mrs Wetherby
dressed we'll and had very pleasing
back
A moment later she rose rather sud-
denly and took the seat opposite to him.
What amuses your she asked, some
what sharply, meeting his look.
Il was thinking that fiesh-pot is an
exceedingly ugly word for the charming
Things II SOIO6IIIHcS REPRESENTS, liz iC-
piled. in lazy voice, still smiling.
81 have asked Avice Seagrave for the
18th Mrs. Wetherby continued, con-
versationally, her tone suggesting that
the action had been cornmendable, and
that some remark expressive OF approval
would not be inappropriate. But per-
haps I'd better not send the invitation.
/ dare say she hasn't an evening dress,
she added. after scarcely perceptible
pause. There was just the least shade
of annoyance in her voice.
'sShe was at the Crossfields' the other
evening her husband observed.
.'Was she? You never told me-, said
Mrs. Wetherby, with interest How
ever did she get to know the Crosshelds,
/ wonderi What was her dress hike,
why shouldn't she?" he asked re-
with their friends.
.'Well, she hasn't a penny, you know,
and she lives by herself IN miserable
rooms. and-well-I don't see how she
gets any opportunity to know people
sHow did you know herr!
His wife frowned little impatientiy.
ooh, thar year | took up art; we were
both students at South Kensington we
used to have lunch together. She was
1adylike little thing-and l don't THINK
it's nice to drop people.
Her husband again missed his oppor-
tunity. -
grave, / think" he observed, refectiyely
Really, Ph}ip. Why, she IS perfect
" refined and her father
ooh vesi But so is the country clergy
mans daughter who dispenses broth ane
flannel petticoats.
Il don't know what you're driving at
Pm sure said Mrs. Wetherby, patient
Nv. NAvice's father was in the army.
81 do not doubt it, dear returned me-
husband, leaning forward to STIR thu
@Weil, then, what is your objection
"Obiection?" He raised his eyebrow
a little with half-sigh. My dea
child, did / say anything about oo1ec
tons
like - ::
Mr.. Wetherby stirred little, and HI
hand grasped the arm of the easy chai
with monetary firnness.
He turned TO his wife a second late
with a light laugh THAT frock OF your
is onite success. Gertrude" he said. ap
nrovingly ITS a beautiful color. :.
@Do Won like it," She sfnoothed IT
folds obviously "Alphonsine's cut l
GOOD certainly. but she is not very care
full about the little things. You didn
tell me what Avice wore
"My dear, you know | am only III
terested in one wonan's dress.
.sNonsenset' observed his WIFE; IN nc
most natter-of-fact tone. l can tiliil
how ever Avice manages TO make dsiiS
off
How do YOU know she makes one
aDon,t he so stupid, Philip. She ia
-,,,,,ev of her own. How does sh
nv sAhY he said, with a strug OF hi
shoulders "Cherchez les fetnmes !-Du
first ask to see the menu- -,
".rbe menu? What do you mean
"Ncndav-breakfast, tea and toas'
1r,,c, bread and butter and cocoa; or
mar herbs au naturel. Iuesday-b.,r
there is a sameness about the menu.
"How do you know!
'.NIy dear, | was once poor >'iau
student. o,,,
fort.bIe things" said his wife re
nv own part, when anything, is over an
done with. | make a point OF torgetti,n
Il IT'S the only sensible thing to az
Now come to think of 1t, you an
Avice are very much alike in SON
ways.
81 didn't mean it for fattery at a
because / think Avice exceeding
'0 He laughed go on, most literal !,
women In what respect do | resemD
Miss Seagrave2
Wei you are both 50 unprsstlea
always wanting impossible things, So
I can't explain what | mean but ~
to take an instance: after year 'ie e.
ing in art, Avice gave 1t all up: y