Arizona republican., 1907-12-09
4 Wedding Contract


 l recall now! They have a fine place at Woodcrest. though they travel al most constantly. You are wonder full woman to remember me"
 "Umph," I said ''I remember that night We dined at Sherry's shortly after our marriage and the next morn ing she telephoned you at your office on some flimsy pretext. and said was not at all the kind of woman she thought you would have married. It's singular that she should invite me so informally after all this silence. She seems fond of the telephone
 T hope you'll go.' he answered ser iously. "an show her the kind of wo- man I've married. If l had married her l dare say I should have settled back on my oars like Dick Spaulidng and the world would have lost bril- liant lawyer and politician" and with a delighted grin he disappeared into his dressing room.
 This was Saturday The luncheon was to be Mdnday-Easter Monday and rather full of curiosity to see my hostess I took the l0:30 train as di- rected I wore Q new gown of pale l and wards of Cluny lace. and embraid- .ered with wistarias-a picture hat with dropping ostrich plulnes shading into all these colors-and I'm sure that I looked perfect dream
 When the train reached Woodcrest it was about II o'clock. There seemed to be dozens of carriages waiting. and was wondering how I should find Mrs. Spaulding's man. when a smart pair came prancing up 10 the side of the platform where l was standing. The man on the box appeared to be on the lookout for some one. and. seeing me, the foOtman jumped down and touched his hat.
 Are you from Mrs. Spaulding's?" I asked.
 Yes. madam" came the unhesitat- ing reply.
 Just as unhesitatingly I allowed him to put me in the carriage. and with a flourish we dashed away. Finally We turned into gateway with huge statutes surrounding each side. and drove up a formal avenue of ever greens. On reaching the open space at the end of the drive I gave a gasp
 
 and charming stately villa sur rounded by a glorious Italian garden that stretched away quite down to the pines which bordered the river.
 The villa was of yellow stone. ter raced high, with imposing flights of marble steps leading up to the porticO. and far handsomer than I had expect ed. from Toms description. As the carriage drew up l was received with almost continental ceremony There were evidences of festivity on all sides but even this did not quite prepare me for the magnificence which greeted me upon entering. I had not dreamed that it was to be such an elaborate iaf- fair. and concluded that my invitation over the telephone must decidedly have been an afterthought.
 The great reception hall and stair case were gorgeOusly decorated. and through the spacious vistas one caught glimpses of the spacious drawing rooms. equally festive. It was all as beautiful as "A Midsummer Nights Dream" and an orchestra added the touch of enchantment.
 Flunkies in the chocolate colored 4lNtig were HuITN HE dDbuL. anu tIlt very air seemed charged with joyous expectancy.
 I thought if this were an informal luncheon" what would formal lunch con be like2
 As passed the gallery where the or chestra was playing I saw my dear old Herr Muhler conducting. I threw him kiss, and he fairly beamed with de- light. Though l see him but rarely, we are the best of friends, and he as- sures me always that the world lost its greatest prima dona when I left the stage to marry Tom,
 Upon reaching the dressing room I found myself the first guest, but soon several others arrived in wonderful creations, and I was inclined to resent not having known that ii was to be such a smart affair They all seemed to know each other and were excitedly discussing some bride" his mother" "her father" the jewels" and the presents" It was quite like fairy tale and deeply interesting.
 I was listening and leisurely wrest- ling with a refractory glove button. hoping that perhaps an acquaintance liliShA diitNf. NItil pllf ti lilt llldiuS whispered: Pardon me. madam. some one wishes to speak to you"
 I supposed. of course. that it was Mrs. SpauIding. but I was mistaken. It was Herr Muhler. who looked as if he were on the verge of apoplexy. and with him a gentleman whom later foud to be very distinguished in ap- pearance, but at that moment he seem ed even more apoplectic than Herr Muhler
 "Mein Herr with German impetu- csity was about to explode into speech. when the gentleman warningly said:
 one moment. please and taking us into a room near by. politely waved to a seat, closed the door. and began lady" But Merr Muhler interrupted excitedly:
 This is my Mademoiselle Du Pre-. the great opera singer. famous on two continentsi"
 The gentleman bowed-I was too be- wildered to say a word 'Mademei- selle.' he continued. we are in great trouble and perplexityl I had engaged Madame Marcella Guerrini to sing to- day at my daughters Weding. I wish ed my daughter to feel that everything had been done that money and affec- tiOn could do, and | have just received