Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-10-27

tcy
rondness Tor books ana art finer ann
deeper than a mere mania for pur-
chasing rare editions and unique mas
terpieces. He was a member OF the
Citizens Union and contributed freely
10 every effort to suppress political
graft and corruption. He was vice
chairman Of the University Settlement
society and belonged 20 many other
politicO-evangelical organizations. He
had built two or three model tenements
after that voyage OF discovery among
the slums OF London. which had also
resulted. as we have seen, I'm his meet
ing the woman who became his wife.
IL was 10 Richard Delroy that Ire
maine had applied for assistance In
promoting the Martinique railroad.
How he gained an Introduction I do not
know. Perhaps from some uncriticar
man I'm the street But gain IL he dld.
and lac used the opportunity to good adj
vantage can easily imagine the ner-
lection OF wizardry he brought 10 bear
upon Delroy. the persuasive eloquence.
the Irresistible fascination. In the end
he succeeded not only in persuadlng
Delroy OF the perfect feasibility Of tn
scheme. but In gaining admission 10
Delroy's family
II had been achieved In this SvIso.
They were discussing the railroad en-.
serprise one afternoon. and finally the
talk wandered 20 art and then music.
Delroy was delighted TO find his com
panion counoisscur OF delicate per-
ceruon AMI apparently wide expert
ence.
4 suppose you've been attending
the opera =" he inquired finally.
"Oh. certainly; always when there is
something care especially 20 hear"
DE Reszke and AIelba are on to-
night"
Il intend to be there" said Tremaine
Instantly, no doubt guessing ut what
would follow.
Then come NJ TO our box" said
Delroy. Wen be glad 10 have you"
Il shall be very glad 20 come"
The words were spoken evenly
quietly. without any Indication OF that
deep burst OF triumph which glowed
within him; FOR IL was triumph-a
veritable one-one for which many
men and most women would have
made any sacrifice. lie controlled him
self admirably. too. at the opera. and
IL was not until the end OF the second
act that he sought the box He en-
tered quietly. and the Introductions
were accomplished In Il moment. Be
sides Delroy and his wife. Miss Crov-
don ana Drysdale were present. Their
reception OF him. II must be added. was
somewhat Icy. but this he did not seem
10 notice.
IL was not TO be denied that he added
greatly 10 the life OF the party: his
comment was SO apt. SO brilliant. SO
Illuminating. yet not Ia the least self
assured. Drysdale fell under the spell
at once. and even the women. who
naturally looked somewhat askance az
the intruder-who. indeed. had greeted
him with glances almost OF repugnance,
In the end yielded 10 IL.
During "A pause in the conversation
Delroy's glance happened 10 fall upon
the superb necklace OF pearls which
encircled his wife's throat.
why, see there, Edith" he cried
how those pearls have changed They
seem absolutely llfeless."
Mrs. Delroy picked up a strand with
trembling fingers and looked at IL.
SO they do" she agreed, little
hoarsely. That's queer. They've
changed since put them on"
Fortunately" said Tremalne suave-
~, 1.-THE defect is one which is very
easily remedied. A few days bath in
salt water viii restore their brflliancv.
IL might be worth asking some jeweIer
about Mrs. Delroy's necklace rs worth
saving" and he examined IL with the
glance OF cOnnolSseur
II invited examination. for n vrss
almost unique in its perfection. 1t had
been Delroy's one great extravaganza.
lie had spent many years collecting
me stones. which were of beautiful
lridescence and perfectly matched. and
they had formed his wedding gift to his
wife. The value OF the separate stones
was not less than 100000; their value
combined In the necklace could be only
a matter OF conjecture.
Yes" agreed DrysdaIe, with a little
laugh, 1T certainly Is. You'd better
take IL down TO Tiffany, Dickie."
Il will" said Delroy. and don't
think anything more about IL. Edith"
won t. she answered, still smil-
ing her eyes unnaturally bright. "But
It's very close in here. 1 should like
glass OF water"
IL appeared that the press OF social
duties and the trying spring weather
We're proving too much for Mrs. Del
roy's strength. which was never great.
ana which had been especially taxed
this season by the introduction OF her
sister to New York society. Even the
comparative quiet OF the Lenten sea
son failed to restore her. and the re
sumption OF the social whlrl after
Easter moved Deiroy TO protest
You're going IL too hard. Edith he
remarked lyon nqpf n rest and