Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1910-12-01

fourth lamp showed me her hands,
small. firm. white: also I could catch
glimpse of her arm. as It lay out
stretched. her fingers clasping a fan.
So knew her arms were round and
taper, hence all her limbs and figure
finely nodded. because nature does
not do such things by halves, and
makes no bungies in her symmetry
OF contour when she plans a noble
specimen OF humanity. Here was a
noble specimen Of what woman
may be.
| was not In such hurry to ask
again how I might be OF service. In
fact. being somewhat surprised and
somewhat pleased. I remained silent
now for time. and let matters adjust
themselves: which is not bad course
for any one similarly engaged.
She turned toward me at last de-
liberately. her fan against her lips,
studying me. And did as much, ta-
king advantage as could of the pass
ing street lamps. Then, all at once,
without warning or apology, she
smiled. showing very even and white
teeth. ~ . ...
She smiled. There came to me from
the purple-colored shadows some sort
OF deep perfume. strange to me- I
frown at the description of such
things and such emotions, but swear
that as I sat there, stranger, I felt
swim up around me some sort of am
Der shadow. edged with purple-the
shadow, as I figured II then, being
this perfume. curious and alluring!
1t was wet, there in the street. Why
should I rebel at this stealing charm
OF color or fragrance-let those name
1t better who can. At least I sat. smi.
ling ." myself In my purple-amber
shade now In no very special hurry.
At asst could not, In politeness,
keep this up further
"How may I serve the baroness?"
said l.
She started back ON the seat as far
as she could go.
How did you know she asked
"And who are your"
I laughed. II did not know. and
did not guess until almost as began
to speak: but II 1t comes to that,
might say I am simply an humble
gentleman of Washington here. I
might be privileged to peep in at am
bassadors' balls-through the win
dows. at least"
"But you were not there-you did
not see me! never saw you in my
life until this very moment--how,
then. do you know me? Speak! At
once!" Her satins rustled. knew
she was tapping foot ON the carriage
floor.
Madam" I answered, laughing at
her; 'by this amber purple shadow,
with f1ecks Of scarlet and pink; by
this perfume which weave1 webs for
me here In this carriage. know YOU
The light Is poor. but It Is good
enough to show one who can be no
one else but the Baroness Won Ritz"
/ was In the mood to spice an adj
venture which had gone thus far. or
| course she thought me crazed. and
drew back again In the shadow; but
when I turned and smiled, she smiled
in answer-herself somewhat puzzled.
"The Baroness Won Ritz cannot be
disguised" l said; mot even II she
wore her domino"
She looked down at the little mask
which hung from the silken cord. and
flung it from her.
ooh. then, very Welt" she said. "If
you know who I am, who are you,
and why do you talk in this absurd
way with me. a strangerr
"And, why, madam, do you take me
up, a stranger. in this absurd way, at
midnight, on the streets of Washing.
toni. who am engaged on business
for my chief"
She tapped again with her foot on
the carriage floor. "Tell me who you
are!" she said.
"Once young planter from Mary.
land yonder; sometime would-be law
yer here in Washington. 1t Is my mis-.
fortune not to be so distinguished
in fame or beauty that my name is
known by all; SO l need not tell you
my name perhaps. only assuring you
that l am at your service IL / may be
useful"