Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-08-14
CHAPTER I.

convenient distance from London for
weekend parties. 1t was far enough to
town to make the transit by train or
motor car an additional pleasure instead
of a WEAKNESS.
In the entertainment of their guests
at these popular gatherings Sir Trevor
and Lady Beauchamp laid themselves
eut to excel, and all through the season
sbev kept open house for the fashion
able beauties tired for the molae4it by
fast and furious pursuit of pleasure; for
the faded member of Parliament, WELL
nigh asphyxiated by the vitiated atmos-
phere OF the House; for the overworked
iuminaries of the law, of medicine, of
science; for the young and ardent wor
shippers of the MUSES., whose wild en-
tbusiasm ever rises superior to adverse
criticism and even to financial difficulties.
The rurally disposed could find amuse-
ment in Sir Ireyors white farm" on
which all the animals We're spotless as
the driven snow, and also in his model
dairy where many a court beauty had
geefully spoiled the mornings butter,
thus driving the neat, trim dairy maids
10 the verge of despair. The athlete
could revel in the capital golf links and
tennis courts; the lotus eater in the
tropical conservatory, where he could
indulge in the dolce far niente while
reclining in hammock under a giant
tree-fern, song birds fluttering overhead,
cigars and iced drinks lying ready to his
languid hand.
For the delight of the painter there
was the long picture gallery, adorned
with specimens of the Dutch, Flemish
and Italian schools, interspersed with
family portraits by our own unapproach-
able masters of the noble art of por-
traiture. To entrance the soul of the
musician there was the concert room
with its grand organ, its up-to-date
pianos, and its antique harpsichord, at
whose discolored keyboard the enthu-
siast could mentally transport himself
back to the days of Haydn and Mozart.
A well-lghted billiard room and a cosy
nook set apart for bridge provided for
the numerous deYotees of games of
chance and skill.
1t was over afternoon tea that Lady
Beauchamp announced the expected ar
rival of her brother Franklin Cover.
st is nearly three years since | have
seen him." she went on to explain to
her languidly interested hearers.
Three years! Why, that is a life
time!" exclaimed lovely bride who
had married millionaire in her first
season.
Il hope not, for the sake of us hum
bier mortals,' said naval lieutenant.
1--WE cannot all achieve fame and for
tune as rapidly as Mrs. Fazakerly.
Not in the navy, certainly" said a
county member, laughing. Promotion
in these peaceful times is measured by
decades rather than by years"
But where has Mr.. 6 5wer sprung
from this timer" asked Irene, Duchess
of Staffa. Upon the last occasion that
he condescended to appear among us |
think he had just escaped being devoured
on some eannibal island''
who can tell, DEAR" remarked Lady
Beauchamp. Il have just received a
telegram from Southampton. 1t says,
will dine with you tonight.-Frankliu
Nothing more''
well, that is all you want to know
said Sir Trevor. He has given you
plenty of time to tell Jennings to put
another knife and fork on the table"
Il should have liked some more no
tice," replied his wife by the way,
Trevor, are you not going 20 meet the
5:4S train? Dear old Frank is sure to
arrive by that"
no, thanks-not T." returned Sir
Trevor. ITO please you the motor
brougham has been gaily careering to
and from the station all day long. If
dear old Frank win not condescend to
tell us what train to meet he can't ex-
pect me to dance attendance on him at
Rbstone station"
Lady Beauchamp looked appealingly
round the circle of her guests.
friendship between men appears to
be one of the lost arts" she said eve
positively have to go all the way back
to the Greeks and Romans for samples
of it,"
and friendship between women ?" in
quired rising poet. DO you consider
that lost art too?''
Lost! Rather not" cried Sir Trevor
As every one looked surprised at his
unexpected championship of the sex. he
added suavely-
For the excellent reason that it was
never known to exist"
Oh what libel, Sir Trevor!' said
Mrs. Fazakerly laughingly why, /
had eight bridesmaids who had all been
bosom friends of mine ever since my
school days!a
And those happy, happy school days
We're but as yester- morn," sighed the
poet, wishing to be polite
lhanksl" said the bride resentfully.
did not know that was still bread
and butter schoolgirl"
Lady Beauehamp fastened to the as
sistanee Of the crestfallen poet
Mr.. Montmorency Potter merely
meant" she explained, that you are too
young to set up as a type of lifelong
friendship. How many OF US, alas, wish
mat be could utter the same soft i'm
parchment as far as we are concerned.
DO not despise youth. dear Mrs. Faza-
kerry When it has fled from you. you
VIII lind that its loss is little less than
disastrous"
Lady Beauchamp cannot sreak from
experience" said the county member.
She is quoting, am sure, from some
venerable sage