The Washington times., 1911-04-08

staff of house servants who might be
trusted-cooks, maids, laundresses, a
| butler, and a boy to attend the door,
even a coachman and grooms; for had
not horses of the finest and a. landau
been installed in the nearby livery
stable. subject to the pleasure of the
coming mistress?
And then, upon the third day, the
sonora herself had come down the gang
plank of the New Orleans boat, to be
greeted effusively by Dona Inez; the
latter having made the trip from Quay
ana to San Diego for that express pur-
pose. Bystanders gathered, from the old
woman'S incoherent cries of welcome,
4. that the charming sonora was the
duenna' 's-long-lost niece. One of Dona
Inez's most valued assets was her ability
10 impart misinformation by implica-
| ton. The two had Immediately gone TO
doors for time, until the sonora
should be rested from the fatigue of
| her recent journey.
| This, day was the fourth since Dona
| there was action afoot The Sonora de
Casada had ordered her landau to be at
the door by In the afternoon. She
herself was to be awakened not later
| than 2. That denoted a lengthy toilet,
t ana care1ul one, which in turn meant
mat the sonora contemplated a conquest
But OF whom? Dona Inez felt somewhat
injured that she had not been taken
more fully into her mistress confidence,
put consoled herself with the thought
She was to accompany The sonora on her
drive.
The duenna started, suddenly becom-
ing aware that her mistress eyes were
open. and were watching her with
amused condescension.
Why were you watching me- Inez 2"
inquired the sonora.
1T is time for you TO rise, sonora"
Yes, l know. But why"
"One grows old! | have my thoughts,
senora-an old womans Thoughts
"YeS?" interrupted the sonora impa-
tiently. She yawned leisurely. MY
stockings, Inez-no, the silk ones"
careful attention to detail Her color
was a matter of much moment: the
sonora was quite blonde-dazzingly so
in that land of dark-faced people. She
seated herself at little dressing-table
and lit small alcohol lamp.
Rouge" she said thoughtfully,
rouge. my dear Inez. is an unknown
art among your women"
''As 1t should be with you" said the
duenna slYly.
And why?"
You do not need it, sonora"
The sonora held a little stick of dark
pigment above the flame until il sput-
tered with the heat.
so? compliment, eh, Inez?" She
rubbed brush upon the stick and ap-
piled 1t to her eyebrows and lashes.
But you are mistaken. My lashes, for
instance, are too light; observe how
much better the effect" The duenna
was obliged to acqutesce. The sonora
eyes, which were large and hard and
gray, shone with softened luster be-
meath the darkened hair. And as for
paint and powder. lnez, it needs but
Intelligence in application to be flawless.
See-but a touch here and here; rub in
ever so softly. spreading about with
and behold the hlnpn1 nf Youth W
She laughed triumphantly Now, my,
hair Is another matter. A wig is always
difficult to dress"
Sonora. your wig"
Certainly. ] said wig. Don't look
SO horrifed; there's nothing criminal
about wig, especially if II is made of
ones own hair. This is. She lifted 1t
from her head and set II before her on
the table. twisting the long, light, Shin
mering tresses into a chosen coiffure.
1T nearly broke my heart 1neZ, to have
it cut off: but it was unavoidable. |
had to become a man for a while. |
and 1
But were you not detecred?"
.'Oh, yes: but it didn't make any diff
ference. The disguise had served me for
the time being There! Is that all right, !
Inez?" She adjusted the wig and sur
Veyed the result in the mirror.
Sonora" The duenna raised pro-
testing hands. 1T is truly marvellous
Even l would never Suspect it.
Then, considering your. experience
Inez, it must be a perfect wig. 1t should
be; it cost me a pretty penny. II one
fights one must go properly armed. If
extensively. MY dress Inez." She shook !
herself into the siIken folds of a sum |
merry gown, which fitted and became |
her wonderfully well. 1t was not dark. |
neither was it light: not too quiet. nor |
yet showy. And my parasol, lnez-the |
one with the chiffon lining; that shade !
agrees with me. And my gloves ] think |
I am all ready. Am /? Is anything |
wrong" She revolved slowly before 4 |
pier-glass. inspecting herself critically. |
The duenna was no less exacung She |
sonora.
'Tf might suggest
What? Surely-go on"
You have overlooked, sonora. one or
two"
''Wrinkles?"
"Ah, sonora! The ravages Of time"
Dona Inez deprecated.
"Of course l have. You're not fool
enough to think that I'd overdo it, are
you. Inez? | don't pretend to be spring
Anything else?
You are charming. senora. The
tribute was quite sincere.
81 believe I am You see what art will
do for forty-oh, yes, but ] am. almost.
And SO ] have need to be charming.
We'll, come along. And tell the coach
man to drive slowly to-what do you call
1t to Paradise"
''Paradise"' The duenna could have
been no more astonished had her mis-
tress said "Purgatory."
Certainly: is not that the name you
call your Campo Santo?" cemetery.
"Assuredly, sonora, but
tThe Continuation of This story Win
He Found In TOmOrrow's IsSue
of The Times.D