The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-03-10

Rising, she moved step examine
small picture hanging the wall.
oh, its only old saint, I thought it
Sothern Romeo of course she rrlur1lured in a
disappointed tone and was about to explore further
when the sound of silk whispering the polished
stairs sent her flying back her just in time
to rise from expectant pose $ Miss Fletcher
entered and advanced smiling with outstretched
hand
She was tall woman, overlapping her visitor
by head, and her deeper colorng we'll the
rich mellow tones which made her conventional
greeting almost caressing seemed add to her air
of gentle authority.
Il am very happy to see you. Mrs Witherby."
she said.
"You might say at last nurmured that lady
deprecatingy; Il wouldn't blame you. I meant
have called you the very first of the season. but
| don't know how it is, there's always much
do what with the ousekeeping-evcryone knows
what that Is IN the country. where servants simply
laugh you scorn-and the Clio Club-weve taken
up Russia this year, and the alone enough
to drive you distracted And there's the Babies
Hospital: we've got raise thousand dollars this
month if don't 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 Rivergrove
long as the town exists. And-and thought per
haps-"
"You thought perhaps l might help you QUIZ
broke in Miss Fletcher, filling the breathless pause
and smiling genially.
at would be perfectly lovely of you" declared
Mrs. Witherby in soft lutter. clasping her hands
her lightly crossed knees. You sec, we'v never
had any one living here before who really dis
tinguished. There have been actors and
who it appeared very we'll known in Australia
and Colorado, and 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, land if be good to the
babies l shall be very glad. | suppose you 4
benefit. Let me know your plans and l will arrange
to meet them"
How sweet of you.' murmured Mrs. Witherby
you don't know what load you've taken off our
minds. she Il saying yesterday, I
simply would not play bridge again for charity this
summer-not if l another card. And
that's good deal to say; for what should do
without bridge in winter I'm | can't imagine.
But know I'm taking up your time, though you
haven't told me you're "a very busy woman
the way some horrd women do who haven't accom-
plished half what you have. But know you must
be very busy every minute working up your
roles. So interesting-' she murmured lifting her
candid eyes a chdlike burst OF admiration
"Oh. no." Miss Fletcher fastened to disclam. I'm
not working now. 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 Witherby, rising and pausing to glance
around the room as she adjusted her veil
Don't go yet urged her hostess. Wont you
have look my pictures? have some rather nice
ones" AS she spoke frown contracted her level
brows and she swept the with rapid glance
until her rested bowl OF lilies OF the valley
half hidden by an intervening How
less of Jane! Excuse moment" she nlurrnured,
and lifting the bowl she opened window and placed
it outside on the ledge. Il perceived the
perfume; can't endure it-just foolish trick of
mine she explained, returning to her visitor who
had remained motonless, watching her with only
half-veiled curiosity.
Miss Fletcher loved her books and pictures, and
If evidently pleasure her show them. but
her volube acquaintance had fallen suddenly
silent and found little say until she stopped in
front of small painting which her hostess had
passed.
How many Bottcellis you have" she exclaimed.
That's very good copy isn't it? You be
very fond OF him." she ventured
Il am said Miss Fletcher. "He means spring TO
me-
Il don't suppose l should recognize them ALL" the
younger woman went on, mot knowing anything
about art, really; only that my husband is fonder OF
Bottcell than of anyone and is always rurnraaging
at sales for old prints copies"
MI. Witherby has excellent taste, l know said
Miss Fletcher, politely.
SO people say" sighed his wife. at me
that he is rather whimsical times, Ny husband
used to know you little, believe she continued
Long ago, in Canada wasn't it: He mentioned il
when told him / going to call and ask you &c
help US out"
Yes, in Canada long ago" Miss Fietcher's deep
sweet tones echoed the words
How beautiful your voice isr' said the othe
woman. pausing and staring moment. "You nlad
that sound quite different. 1t seemed to rnean-al
sorts of things
, The next moment she exclaning TIT
treasures which the bookcase contained.
&S Ta5 ~