The San Francisco call., 1905-02-19

~ he Vlnolcated has independence Dy
7 his arrogance in the inferior cir
cles which he sometimes deigned
10 re-enter, and where his quotation of
great personages made his conversation
somewhat resemble the columns of the
Court Circular.
Lady Ermyntrude is looking charm
ing tonight" observed Mr.. Chatterley.
Dearest Ermyntrude!" exclaimed
her mamma.
she has just had joust with the
Bishop" said Mr. Chatterley, and do
NOT think had the worst Of it,"
Indeed" murmured Lady Bertram.
with vacant lock. Have you no news
10 give me to-night?' She could not
for a moment suppose that Mr.. Chat
terley had ventured TO stop by her side
merely TO praise her daughter.
~Au the world is talking of young
Mr.. Falconets speech" said Mr.. Chat
terley.
Yes; he seems q considerable person.
He dined here to-day"
Il am told he is a great admirer Of
Lady Bertram," said Mr.. Chatterley.
He knows very little of me-" said
the lady. trying to veil her curiosity.
He knows what all know, and feels
what all feel, who have the honor and
delight of Lady Bertram's acquaintance
only what we feel or know goes for
nothing-we. alas! who are not orators
or poets and statesmen"
What did he say?" said Lady Ber-
tram, in hushed voice.
But before he could answer he was
obliged to retire, for a young man
quickly and unceremoniously approach
ed and addressed Lady Bertram.
He was handsome-the highest order
of English beauty, the Norman tenn
pered by the Saxon; his complexion
bright, his dark blue eye delicately
Brched, regular features, the upper lip
Short, and with hyacinthine locks of
auburn hair.
Il thought I was not to see you to-
night, Gaston," said the lady of the
house.
"Well, do not know whether ought
TO be here. have not been exactly cut
by some Of your friends, but they were
rather queer. 1 suppose being in my
fathers house they could scarcely re-
frain from noticing me-"
Il have made the acquaintance Of
your successor" murmured Lady Ber-
tram. He dined here. have had
much conversation with him.
"Ah." said Lord CASTOR. Then
suppose you are in an orthodox mood"
The English are essentially a reli-
gious people," said Lady Bertram-
You did not think so the last time
We talked about these matters"
Il think might now sit down." said
Lady Bertram, es II his words had not
reached her; and she took his arm even
before It could be offered. and they
were soon seated on a sofa.
This Mr.. Falconet is an extraordi-
nary man." said Lady Bertram. 'I
never knew any one so eloquent He
talks, Of course. too much, but that will
wear OF. am sorry now that you left
Parliament"
Il am not. Parliaments are worn
out"
But you say that OF everything"
said Lady Bertram.
And 1t is true OF everything, but OF
TIE whole affair nothing is so exhaust
ed as the human race itself"
But what then. is to happen?" in
ouired Lady Bertram.
Many things may happen 1 do not
suppose that because MIN is worn out
even this little planet (which we call
ours has not yet some future The mis-
take which our self-conbeit has always
made has been to SUPPOSE that this
planet was made for man There never
was any foundationNf@ such a belief
and now we know IL IS mere folly. The
fact is that man has really never very
much taken to this globe. And no won
der. 1t clearly was never intended for
him 1t consists OF more water than
land, and Of that land great portion
is uninhabitsble desert. Look at the
miserable amount Of population that,
after millions Of years, he has just con-
trived TO procreatei Scarcely equal to
the spawn Of a shoal Of herrings."
Then you think the world was made
for herrings?" sweetly whispered Lady
Bertram
II cannot tell what It was made for,
but 1 think 1 can tell what it was not
made for.''
Then you have no interest in nfe?"
y Yes; have in you"
If you begin talking nonsense I will
go and fetch my lord"
Il suppose it is only Mr.. Falconet who
may talk nonsense"
Mr.. Falconet has none but the most
exalted ideas His life is devoted to the
yindication and the triumph of reli-
gious truth"
Il am also capable of devotion" said
Lord CASTOR. "and that is to the hap
piness of my species. For that reason
wish it to become extinct
Two young ladies with very long
trains bowed to Lady Bertram from a
distance and kissed their hands. aI
must say a word to Them" she said,
as she returned their salute. You do
not mind?"