Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-11-25


Sothern as Romeo Of course" she murmured in
disappointed tone and was about to explore further
when the sound OF silk whispering on the polished
stairs sent her flying back to her seat just in time
to rise from expcc:ant pose as Miss Fletcher
entered and advanced smiling. with outstretched
hand
She tall woman overlapping her visitor
by head, and her deeper co!oying as we'll as the
rch mellow tones which made her conventional
greeting almost caressing seemed 20 add to hei air
OF gentle authority.
~ very happy to sec you Mrs. Withcrbv"
she said.
"You might say at last rurnurcd that lady
dcprecatingly; II wouldn't blame you. I meant to
have called you the very first Of the season. but
| don't know low it is, there's always so much 20
do what with tho OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES knows
what that is in the country. where servants simply
laugh you to scorn-and the Clio Club--wcve taken
up Russia this year, and the names alone are enough
to drive YOU distracted And noy. there's the Babies
Hospital: we've got to raise thousand dollars this
month II we don't want to lose another thousand
that's been offered to us-you know that horrid
Carnegie Rockefeller way-and we're about at our
wits end We've had lawn parties until every
is tired Of them that Dick says we'll never need
another Keep off the Grass sign in Rivcrgrove as
long as the town exists. And-and thought per-
haps-"
on tnOuSnt perhaps l might help you Out!'
broke in Miss Fletcher, filing the brcathlcss pause
and smiling gcnially.
ut would be perfectly lovely OF you!' declared
Mrs. Withcrby in soft flutter, claspng her hands
on her lightly crossed knees. "iou see, we've never
had any one living here before who really dis
tinguisicd. There have been actors and actresses
who it appeared very we'll known in Australia
and Colorado, and even in Chicago and places like
that; but seemed to have heard of them in
New York. But now--You.'
New York has been very good to me-" said Miss
Fletcher, smiling still, "and ii be good to the
babies | shall be very glad. I suppose you want
benefit. Let know your plans and l will arrange
to meet them"
"How sweet Of YOU" murnured Mrs. Withcrby
You don't know what load you've taken off
minds. she went on. II was saying yesterday. l
simply would not play bridge again Tor charity this
summer--not ii I never another card And
that's good deal to say; for what should do
without bridge i'll winter I'm sure | can't imagine.
But know I'm taking up your time, though you
haven't told me once you're "a very busy woman
the way horrd do who haven't accom-
plished hall what you have. But know you must
be very busy every minute working up your
roles. SO interesting" she murmurcd lifting her
candid eyes in chldlikc burst of admiration
ooh. no." Miss Fletcher fastened to disclam I'm
rot working I'm just enjoying the lovely
country about Rivergrove; and above all revelling
in my dear garden"
you've got many pretty things here too"
said Mrs. Wtherby, rising and pausing to glance
around the as she adjusted her veil
Don't go yet urged her hostess. won't you
haze look at my pictures? have some rather nice
ones. AS she spoke a frowr contracted her level
brows and she swept the room with a rapid glance
until her eyes rested bowl OF lilies of the valley
half hidden by intervening screen "How
less Of Jane! Excuse a moment" she murmurcd,
and lifting the bowl she opened window and placed
it outside on the ledge. II perceived the
perfume; l can't endure it-just foolish trick of
mine" she explained. returning to her visitor, who
had remained motonless, watching her with only
half-vei!ed curiosity.
Miss Fletcher loved her books and pictures, and
it was evidently pleasure to her to show them, but
her volublc new acquaintance had fallen suddenly
silent and found little to say until she stopped il,
front OF small painting which her hostess had
passed.
How many Botticcllis you have" she exclaimed
THAT'S very good copy isn't it? You must be
very fond of him." she venturcd.
II am" said Miss Fletcher. "Hc means spring 10
me-"
81 doa't suppose I should recognize them al" the
younger woman went on, mot knowing any t.,ins
about art. really only that My husband is fondcr OF
Botticel than of anyone and is always rummacine
at sales for old prints copies"
"Mr. Witlerby has excellent taste, know" said
Miss Fletcher, politely.
80 people say" sighed his wife. ut seems to me
that he is rather whimsical at times My husband
used to knew you little believe" she continued
Long ago, in Canada, wasn't it? He mentioned il
when told him going to call and ask you tc
help us out"
yes in Canada long ago." Miss Fleteher's deep
sweet tones echoed the words.
How beautiful your voice isl" said the Other
woman paus;ng and staring moment. "You mad,
that sound quite different I; seemed to mean--ai
sorts of things"
The next moment she was exclaiming over tn,
treasures which the bookcase contained
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