Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-01-26

Old dame who had served that night
before in Washington!
For an instant the light dazzled my
eyes, but determined now to see this
adventure through, | stepped within.
Then, indeed, / found 1t difficult to
stifle the exclamation of surprise
which came to my lips. Believe IL or
not, as You like, we were again In
Washington.
/ say that l was confronted by the
identical arrangement, the Identical
objects Of furnishing, which had
marked the luxurious boudoir of
Helena Won Ritz in Washington! The
tables were the same, the chairs, the
mirrors, the consoles. On the n antel
stood the same girandoles with gilt
tering crystals. The pictures upon
the walls, so far as / could remember
their themes, did not deviate in any
particular of detail or arrangement.
The oval-backed chairs were dupli-
Gates of those ] had seen that other
night at midnight. Beyond these
same amber satin curtains stood the
tall bed with its canopy, as / could
see; and here at the right was the
same low Napoleon bed with its rolled
ends. The figures Of the carpets were
the same, their deep-piled richness.
soft under foot, the same. The flow
cred cups of the sconces were identi.
cal with those had seen before.
You are good enough to admire
my modest place" said a laughing
voice at my shoulder.
/ turned to her then, pulling myself
together as best could. Yes, she
too was the same, although in this
case costumed somewhat differently
The wide ball gown Of satin was gone,
and in its place was a less pretentious
robing of some darker silk. No pale
blue fires shone at her white throat,
and her hands were ringless. But
the light, firm poise of her figure could
not be changed. the mockery of her
glance remained the same, half laugh.
ing and half wistful.
In some way which ! did not pause
to analyze, / felt perfectly sure that
this strange woman could, II she
cared to do so, tell me some of the
things / ought to know. She might be
here on some errand identical with
my own. Calhoun had sent for her
once before. Whose agent was she
now? / found chairs for US both.
An instant later, summoned in what
way, ! do not know, the old serving
woman again reappeared. Wine
Threlka," said the baroness; service
for two-you may use this little table
monsieur" she added, turning to me-
81 am most happy to make even some
slight return for the very gracious
entertainment offered me that morn
ing by Mr.. Calhoun at his residence
Such droll man! Oh, la! la"
Are you his friend. madam
asked bluntly.
Why should l not be?'
could frame neither offensive mol
defensive art with her. She Knocked
me.
In few moments the weakened old
woman was back with cold fowl, wine
napery, silver.
will monsieur carver" At her nod
the old woman filled my glass, after
my hostess had tasted of her own
We had seated ourselves at the table
as she spoke.
81 did not expect you would come te
Montreal"
Then you know-but of course,
told you"
Have you then no question:" she
went on at last. Her glass stood hall
full; her wrists rested gently on the
table edge, as she leaned back, look
ing at me with that on her face which
he had needed to be wiser than my
self, who could have read.
May ! then?"
"yes. now you may go on"
II thank you, First, Of course. fol-
u,hat rooonu Al vn,, rarrv tho aorrafs