The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-04-26
SHOOGY-SHOO-
(copywright. 1910. by Associated Presa)
BY EDITH GRAY.

(Copywright 1910 by Associated Presa)
John O'Neill erstwhiie newspaper man and dram
attst to be- was one of the younger celebrities OF
those Thursday evening gatherings Tor when his
strathfed de witt was widely and Justly famed
Mrs strathfeId de witt iauded from one end OF
town to other, extoled for unstinted hospitality
admired gracious and sought out for radiant
beauty Yet far more than the magnificent social
affairs in which she always figured SO eonspicuousiy
the balls and opera night trumphs, which invariably
received a lions share of mornings social col
umn did she reve in her artistic triumphs ana her
reputation ability in gathering about her
local talent and even visiting prodigies from far
waters. Even her detractors dared not deny that
Mrs. de Witt a woman Of power and no mean
personality, and under the It was safe to Wills
per this: None knew 1t better than herself
Tonight she stood usual at the far END OF the
great reception hail. velvet gowned and regal in the
famous strathhed Jewels. giving forth TO her guests
from Won Kreuzer, the world-faned celhsf to young
Stair at elbows and Ill at ease the
same benehcent smile the customary word OF en-
John O'Neili one Of her most Wanted fnvorltes.
having just paid his compliments. was passing on
into the crowded music room, free to carry out his
own devices. follow whittier inclination might
chance to lead. Cordial greetings encompaased him
as he wandered. unsettled and restless from group
but in spite Of the aiiurements of flashing
eyes and the encouragng mods from men OF estae-
and Indifference of mien. passed through the mag
nfcently furnished rooms out into the conservatory
beyond
1t was solitude, after all. that he wanted. He
could settle down here for space and puzzle out
hsm. For many days he had put away the facing OF
this problem the impartial judging ewiht heart ano
high and honorable ideals. and he knew that ne
could again accept the natterng Kindness OF his
hostess the overwhelming cordially of her friends.
without coming to true knowledge OF his inmoU
SELF and, in subtle way. giving her to realize
the final outcome of the problem which. at last.
amid the twingng roses and orchids he must bravely
face and settle for all time
John oNeir, fresh from the old country. with
great dreams within his eyes, different person
save for the frown pickering his straight drawn
brows, seemed amid the surfeit OF elegance OF this
master of his own For though oNeill was a gentle
man at heart. lover Of the right and good he was
in the common acceptance of the term, seif-made
man.
He had fought his way. the beginning. through
reporter step by step along the positions
OF large newspaper, till now he had reached the
zine. And still his best powers must the
ing of bread. and the dreams of drama and novel
another. too, held sway-an old longing, softer
vision which the onizing of and foolish
ing out and RELOCATING to the past of dusky memo
ries served only to enfame and raise him.
For there some things which may never
of youth. And that why John o'Nein had drawn
fane laden court the healing of his doubt
But with the facing OF his problem ne must, OF
with himself There should be delicacy nor false
modesty in his dealing with this question. he
was a pauper He knew that the reaiiEation Of his
best efforts could take place but for certain things
These things Mrs. Strathiefd de Witt In
position to offer him. She had not IN many words
told him but he knew from covert hint and glance
and from the more open revelation of friends,
Natalie the youngest daughter, along with the nnan
cial and social gifts which she would undeniably
bring his for the asking.
His for the asking! And Natalie was hne-looking
girls, well formed, with head crowned with
upon coil of heavy auburn hair. dozen artists
painted Natalie in ball gown In street gown, with
her spaniel, In masquerade costume. Without ques-
ton Natalie de Witt a beautiful girl but--and
the man condemned himself though he knew
his analysis justiied-she O great, beau
tful -petted overfed piece OF animal femininty
She had spark OF her mothers cleverneas. gim-
mer Of her wit Her life had been thought out for
beginning he "A
thing to dream now OF rebellion too lazy TO do other
than drift onward with the current. IL he asked
her. she would consent and she at least too
inanimae creature TO interfere In later life with
of his dfSarhs Why Ark more IT she brought no
inspiration, at least she would bring disturbing
element. There would be leisure and some
Why ask for more2
O'Neili stood upon hts feet, determined and
quite done with argument 1t all simple
easy and quite inevitable. II he brought the Wit