Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-28

name beside Vauqueres de Clugny, at least its re-
spectaby vouched for by the deep reverence the
Captain of this great ship showed to the lady who
offered the name to me. | thought of my poor little
purse with its less than five hundred francs inside then
thought of the diamonds the automobiles, the Doucet
frocks, and the way Aunt Elizabeth and the girls
would stare. Yet somehow there triumph in
the thought. l sad sad almost the day / left
Fontainebeau and stood today the brink of the
unknown.
q don't know fatered "Thank you so much,
Madame for the honor you pay me; but
But what? Are you already engaged?"
"But my family isn't good enough for yor perhaps"
snapped Mrs Cobb in sudden anger, though can
sure you that was McNabb Of Missouri and that
Mr.. Cobbs grandfather
@Pease don't be offended" | cried anxiolslv: for,
although did not want to accept her offer immediately,
still filled with terror at the idea of its being with
drawn. Don't you see, important affair this,
1 can't decide all at all by myself There's my
Mrs Cobb was notified. "Your aunt of course"
she said. well have to have the Duchess consent,
of course. And, my dear, you see am frank with you
That is my MOTTO always frankness, frankness, But
do you think your would be inclined toto notice
her niece upon her marrage?'
All, l understood Mrs. Cobb's motives, which
had taken to be simply those of a mother wishing to
manage rather wild and difficult son, stared at
straight and plain. The proposed marriage to
benefit not only dear Victor but also his dear mama
and the Duchess of Porhaven to swing her nieces
mother in law full into the enchanted circle of the
society that she craved.
II
being dealist like dear Papa, and expecting every
body to be high minded angels. philosopher takes
people he finds them and when he that they
selfish and sharp he just does his best to be selfish and
sharp back again And after ALL wasn't it a comfort
consider that had capital card to play against
the Cobb millions as the social influence of Aunt Eliza
beth?
put on, therefore, reserved and distant
ner, something in the style of the Duchess own, while
Mrs. Cobb explained her dea
well just stay in New York city long enough to
get few clothes, then go directly to the cottage
at Bar Harbora sweet little place, my dear so excu
sive you Il feel yourself at home right at once Victor
will join there Dear boy, he's upset by this
cent affair I'm afraid sha mt see him the pier to
meet However a bit ater-wel, as was saying,
wei announce the engagement at once. Then in Au-
gust just in the crush of the well have the we'd
ding
ooh" cried, startled at this suddenness.
"Yes my dear, in August. Then the honeymoon
on our yacht the Brunhilda. Then-let me see, what
would be the most stylish thing?-Scotland probably
for couple of months. I'll take shooting box in the
Highlands and you shall ask your uncle and aunt and
their friends to join us.
"Ah" l cried again. But, after all, why not? 1t
only poor relation and matrimonial rival of her
girls that Aunt Elizabeth disiked me, and for Uncle
Porhaven he would go anywhere for the sake of killing
things with gun. "Yes,' said, "they probably would
come
Mrs. Cobb's eyes glistened as she went on weaving
her plans. Then your aunt at New Years will send
in your name for next years drawing room. Surely,
your aunt will present you at court on your MARRIAGE
Yes? How splendid it will look! Mrs. Ethelbert Victor
Cobb, Jr., of New York, presented by her aunt the
Duchess of Porthaven and then Mrs Cobb of New
York presented by her daughter in law Ah!' and she
closed her with that kind of volupuouS expression
that the dogs Brent took when you tickled their
stomachs, Aunt Elizabeth when she spoke of money
much money!" Yes, how nicely they ought to get
together, Mrs Cobb and Aunt Elizabeth!
"Then Paris and your stylish relations there went
my wouldbe mother in law, weaving her plans with
the swiftness of lightning then back to London for the
season, then another summer at Bar Harbor then
finally, year after next, open the house Fifthave.
for grand campagn!