Evening star., 1907-08-18
THE IMPERSONATOR. 57::::,
Mary Inlay Taylor,
,UTHoR OF my LADY cLANcARrY." ETC.

grandfather. a general of revolutionary
fame. In the corner below the scroll OF his
commission.
Frances found her talking to Mrs. Lane,
and both ladies rose at her entrance to 90
into the dining room. for her excursion
with Leonard had made her late. In reply
TO an inquiry from Frances, Molly's mother
explained her daughters absence on the
ground that she had so many engagements
| that she could not be depended upon al
this period of the season.
1t seems to me that you let Molly 60
out too much for her health" Mrs. Ken
| nett commented severely as she took her
seat at the head of the table; "she told
me the other day that she rarely got to
bed until or in the morning"
Mrs. Lane smiled indulgently. I'm
afraid she is doing too much" she con-
fessed. but the child enjoys herself SO
thoroughly that hate to call a halt She
has very happy disposition
But Matilda, you let her go everywhere
and you have always been so select" said
Mrs. Kennett reproachfully.
We'll. Molly has gone to some of the
new houses. Of course she admitted apollo
getcally; but then every one goes now.
and she likes to excursonize.
THAT is just it: can't see why residents
do go to all these new people so freely. -
retorted Mrs. Kennett: at is certainly not
characteristic of us, and we never did IN
old times"
Dear no." replied Mrs Lane thought
fully; Il can remember when one never
thought of calling on the wives of congress
men unless first assured that they were
desirable, and for running to cabinet
receptions, we didn't unless we wanted TO;
1t was amusing sometimes to see the pro-
Vincial women adapt themselves to society
and take to dress like ducks to water. But
now there is a scramble for recognition,
everything is so crowded and the new rich
have built such astonishing houses.
heard-Molly told me-that Mrs. Trastman
gold iOnrknOhG.
getting into society on a doorknob"'
Quite as good as going In on smoked
herrings and hams said Mrs. .Kennett
sharply. Look at that man Schelling a
perfect vulgarian, and every woman here
pulling caps for him and his half-milllon-
dollar palace"
Il thought he was rather Infatuated with
Mary Haddlng: Molly SAYS So" observed
Mrs Lane, helping herself to the jelly the
butler offered at that moment
rs he?' asked Mrs. kennett. turning to
Frances. who. had been discreetly silent in
the presence of her elders
She laughed maliciously and glanced at
the butler Her hostess took the hint and
sent him to the kitchen on an impromptu
errand.
What is It. Frances?" she asked curl
ousy.
Mrs. Lane glanced across at the girl with
doubtful expression.
"Oh. yes, Schelling Is after her." Frances
admitted. "but-'
kennett put down her fork. Il haven't a
doubt that you know enough about her!
have no opinion of that girl myself; she's
a maneuverer, and she's very impertinent."
Molly is fond of her, put In Mrs. Lane
quietly. "and 1 think her very pretty"
so she is. Mrs. Lane" said Frances
amiably, but she's little fast. you know.
l suppose Molly has seen 1t too. You have
'Of course" said Mrs. Kennett promptly,
"Mr. kennett and 1 met him in Paris
year ago. He's an artist: introduced him
to Miss Hadding myself
Did your Frances elevated her brows
incredulously. why fancied he'd known
her for years: 1 rather think he said So
He painted that picture Of her that she
sent to Mrs. Whiting before you ever met
her. Anyway she was watching for him
and went out with him on the sly before he
ever called at the house. OF course
haven't told Mrs. Whiting; 1 wouldn't for
the world
verely, Its just as 1 thought, she's an
underhand little thing To stand up there
and pretend she had never met Bishop
Don't you think you're mistaken
FranceS?' asked Mrs. Lane gently; she had
larger heart and a wider horizon than
her hostess.
I'm afraid I'm not" replied the girl re-
gretfully; ''of course you've all heard about
Syrene is wild"
Mrs. Lane looked up aghast her honest
face deeply flushed; she belonged to that
nearly extinct type of old-fashioned matron
who retained her innocence of the worlds
naughtlness, by some miracle. to extreme
old age. Mrs. Kennett, more sophisticated
rose softly from her seat and closed the
slide of the dumb-waiter and pulled to the
pantry door
Servants listen So" she explained; now,
Frances, what is it?-before Whalley comes
back to serve the salad"
Frances leaned back in her chair; she
comfiture was meat and drink to her; she
knew Of Molly's cigarettes and Mollys
side-street promenades with Jim the i'm
pecunious and forbidden. II was at my
don't call. and you wouldn't see them If
they did, you know" she explained with
aggravating deliberation. land suddenly 1
discovered that big motor-car of F'red's at
under the porte-cochere. Well. looked at
my watch and 1 waited: 1t was there
twenty minutes. half an hour, then three
quarters: Lord I thought. can Fred be
talking to Mrs. Whiting? 1 just laid down
my work and slipped off into the drawing
rooms: l didn't mean to surprise anybody,
but you know those carpets are thick. and
when I pushed aside the porteres of the
library there was Mary: her face as red
as fire. and Fred Cheever was-kissing her
hands,.
Mrs. Kennett drew a long breath. Just
what 1 should expect" she said with
air OF JuStlncatlOn.
Mrs. Lane was blushing uncomfortably,
too shocked to enter plea for mercy.
Frances laughed. There was a perfectly
huge box of volets on the table, she con-
cluded.
Mrs. Kennett leaned forward eagerly.
Now / want you to tell me- she began,
and then her face fell Whalley appeared.
bearing the belated. salad. My dear
Matilda she said with complete change
of tone as she addressed Mrs. Lane Il
want YOU to try this salad: it's sonnet hing
new and I've promised to keep the recipe
secret"
Don't give it to Frances then" re-
torted her guest with grim smile
And Frances had the grace to blush.
XIV.