The Elbert County tribune., 1911-03-24
CHAPTER III.

The handsome townhouse of How
ard Jeffries, the well-known banker. on
Riverside drive, was one of the most
striking among the many imposing
millionaire homes that line the city's
splendid water front Houses there
were In the Immediate proximity
which were more snowy and had cost
more money. but none as completely
satisfying from the art lovers stand
point. 1t was the home of man who
studied and loved the beautiful for It's
own sake and not because he wanted
to astonish people with what miracles
his money could work. Occupying a
large plot on slightly elevated ground,
the house commanded a fine view of
the broad Hudson. Directly opposite,
across the river, busy with steam and
sailing craft. smiled the green slopes
Of New Jersey; in the purplish north
frowned the jagged cliffs OF the precip-
itous Palisades.
The elder Jeffries. aristocratlc de-
scendant of an old Knickerbocker
family. was proud OF his home and
had spent large sums of money in
identifying it. Built in colonial style
of pure white marble with long
French windows and lofty columns
supporting n fat rounded roof. sur
rounded by broad lawns, widespread
ing shade trees and splashing foun-
tains. 1t was conspicuous landmark
for miles. The interior was full of
architectural beauty. The stately en-
trance hall, hung with ancestral por-
traits, was of noble proportions, and
a superb staircase, decorated with
statuary, led OF to tastefully decorated
reception rooms above. Tonight the
house was brilliantly illuminated and
there was considerable activity at the
front entrance. where footman In
smart livery stood opening the doors
of the carriages as they drove UP in
quick succession.
Mrs Jeffries' musicales were always
largely attended because she knew
the secret of making them interesting.
Her husbands wealth and her fine
house enabled her to entertain on
liberal scale, and she was a tactful
and diplomatic hostess as well. She
not only cultivated the right kind of
people who were congenial to each
other. hut she aIwave manaqed tn
have some ruest of snecial distinction
whom every one was eaper tn meet
Her own wide acquaintance among
the prominent operate artists and her
husbands influential nosition in the
world of finance made this policy an
easy way of furthering her social am
billions. She wouId always invite
some one whom she could present as
the lion of the evening One week Il
would be a tenor from the opera house
another time a famous yiolipist. In
this way she managed to create a lit.
tie artistic salon on the lines of the
famous political salons In which the
brilliant women of the eighteenth CEN
fury nodded public opinion in France.
Alicia knew she was clever and as
she stood admirinp herself in front of
a full length mirror while awaiting
the arrival Of her guests she conprat.
ulated herself that she had made a
success of her life. She had won those
things which most women hold dear
wealth and social position. She had
married a man she did not love. It
was true. but other women had done
that before her. If she had not
brought her husband love she at least
was not a wife he need be ashamed
of. In her Paouin gown of gold cloth.
with sweeping train and a jeweled
tiara in her hair. she considered her
self handsome enough to grace any
mans home. II was indeed a beauty