The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-06-09
Copyright, 1907. By Thomas H. Mckee.

Ties during the season at their house in
Portchester Gate They had enor-
NOUS number of rich friends, a sprink-
ling of rising friends, and a careful list
OF artistic creatures whom many persons of weight
were often pleased to recognize in an informal way
Mrs DaIIas-Brooke had secured several priceless
ecqJaintances by inviting them to meet new Calve,
or a coming Caruso second Thackeray, or
Shelley of the future. accomplished lady
who had danced acted painted for Their Males
ties. But if Mrs. Dallas-Brooke was adroit. she
was also generous; in her heart, she found artistic
creatures interesting and she rescued number
yearly from iandladies, dressmakers and suicide.
There was, among her favorites young man
named Rendel Paget. On certain evening in June
he brought to one of Mrs Dallas Brooke's parties
a youth and the youths sister. The youth could
initiate Coquelin, Duse and Sarah Bernhard; the
as is understood. but with peculiar grace
She was thin, nineteen, dark-eyed and pale.
When Paget, the youth (who was called Cecil
Monmouth). and the sister (who was called Wv
ienl, up in their four-wheeler to Portchester
Gate many guests had already arrived. In the
morning-room, which had been reserved for the
ladies' coak-room five six alter
natey staring with malevolence, at each other and
making unconsciously strange grimaces at them
selves in the lookingglass
viven noticed that each person, she gazed at
her reflection knitted her brows screwed up her
Inns or half shut her eyes. Not of them spoke.
and there seemed kind of acquaintanceshp
possible between them; yet, as they passed out on
their way the staircase they all surveyed Vivien
as though she were intruder and their common
enemy.
The girl. who had before been in house
where she was utterly unknown to it's hostess and
circle, felt suddenly respondent. She wished
she had not come, and she had the notifying
of being already. at her first appearance in what
she took for society, a failure. She could never
be able to bear the GOODNESS the unfriendly,
picious, critcizng glances. Sinking into chair
she wondered how she could away.
The sound of her brothers voice gave her little
confidence but although she stood up at his call.
it was tn, magic of Paget's flashing eyes which
couraged her to the hall and mount the stair
Otherwise she must have fed out into the street
away from the women with bare necks and arms
the copper lamps shaded in amethyst silk, and thu
overpowering scent of powder. perfumes and burn
Ing pastilles.
The butler announced;
''Mr. Rendel Paget.
Mr. and Miss Monmouth"
vivien. terrified almost to Inconsistencies,
found herself shaking hands with fresh-looking
woman about forty-fve who she smiled and
showed her fine teeth, seemed to be saying to each
fresh arrival:
My husband is not very we'll. The doctor
would allow him to down. 1t is happily
nothing serious. although it is the greatest BORE
please, enjoy yourselves or he will blame me
for being bad hostess
She looked at vivien, who felt that she being
admired. Her lost self seemed to rush back into
her possession; the color returned to her
cheeks and lips: she held up her head and entered
the crowded room with all the assurance of child
who has money in her pocket, entering toy-shop
The floors polished and one had to walk
fully fo- fear of slipping: there the walls
fine pictures Illuminated from beneath by strong
electric lights; at least seventy people stand
ing about the in groups sitting side by side
chairs and sofas and settees
II a small important party. especially invited
hear a distinguished Hungarian composer play
his own sonata. Paget pointed out the richest
stockholders, the bankers, many well-known en-
gncers, a few ladies of title, two peers who were
interested in commercial undertakings. several
eminent members of the legal profession and
retired officials of minor rank.
BY this time the Hungarian composer had taken
his place at the piano. Audible comments were
passed. on his appearance, which was found at once
disappointing, theatrical. dowdy and fascinating
Silence was maintained while he played and at the
end OF each movement the applause was general if
1angud- When the was finished Paget. in
obedience a rapid signal from Mrs Brooke
walked toward the platform. and the guests at the
sight of the handsome young man. kept their seats
4 murmur went round the assembly: eRendsl
faget' One can always hear what he SAYS
He enchanted the company BY his delivery Of
: did but sec her passing by. Yet will love her
till die and he gave them as an encore Cupid
{ nd my Campaspe played At cards for kisses: Gu
Iid paid" 1t now vivien's turn Mrs
Dallas Brooke herself led the girl to the piano and
took close beside the instrument Once at the
keyboard Vivien could forget the crowd She
PLAYED as Paget sang-wfth simplicity which
created excitement because It was uncommon
so restfult"
$50 soothing