Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-10-08

toward the opening door, he could not
repress the thrill of exultation.
He had need of the stimulus of this
exultation as he and Unity faced that
roomful of people who-well, were In
longer practice at this sort Of thing
than was he. He limped, with some
thing less than Unity's aplomb, across
the room to meet his hostess, who
murmured graciously something quite
unintelligible, and Henley, who seemed
rather bored. Then he was introduced
to his dinner partner, Mrs. Belloc. who
mistook his set expression for stern
ness, and was in the end led by her
without mishap to their places near
Henley's end of the table.
He had no small talk and Mrs. Bel
loo, after one or two barren essays,
allowed him breathing spell.
Unity was at the very apex Of her
existence She was the prettiest
woman present, with the loveliness of
physical full bloom just before 1t be-
gine to fade. Her hearts desire had
been granted-no longer must she be
content with carelessly tossed crumbs
and crusts Of preferment; she sat,
both literally and figuratively, at the
table of the city's elect.
The salad was being served when
Mrs. Saunders turned to Mark. Mrs.
Saunders was one Of the insecure
ladies who, following Mrs. Henley 8
example, had called upon Unity. She
had just been listening, too long for
patience, to her partners praise of
Mrs. Truitt.
Il should think you'd be Jealous.
Mr.. Hare is more than enthusiastic
over your wife tonight"
How very tactless!"
"Oh, moi" said Mrs. Saunders
sweetly. Il quite agree with him.
think she's adorable. She reminds me
30 much of that portrait by-you know.
the one that hangs in the Louvre"
But don't know. I've never been
in the Louvre"
"oh! thought everybody had been
there"
you see. Mrs. Saunders. I'm not
anybody"
You would say that. of course One
hears"
But it's quite true. To prove 1t,
I've never been east of this city. In
fact, the first time l came to this
house-not SO very long ago-I peeked
through the window at the party. Hen
ley caught me-" He grinned wryly.
THE next day I got job handling
pick and shovel"
How very romantic!"
You wouldn't call It romantic, II
you'd been In Houlahan's gang"
And then. of course" Mrs. Saun-
ders oeamed. you set out to win the
princess?"
THE princess? Oh! my wife. Yes,
l suppose So"
She has always lived in the city.
hasn't she?"
You'd think SO, wouldn't your"
Mark glanced critically at Unity. But
she hasn't. Eight years ago she was
living in Bethel. And Bethel, Mrs.
Saunders, you'll never find on the
map"
"Oh!" Mrs. Saunders said limo
Gently. Il had inferred-but that per.
feet manner! She must have &C.
quired it at her finishing school?"
Mark chuckled. Finishing school!
wish you could see Miss Smiths
seminary for young ladies'. 1t isn't
even a starter"
Mrs. Saunders laughed admiringly
How very clever! I must tell your
wife"
She leaned forward little toward
Unity. "Oh, Mrs. Truitt--"
Unity gave ear.
Il must tell you the clever thing
your husband just said We we're talk
ing about your sehool-Miss Smith
seminary, wasn't 1t? And l called II
finishing school And Mr.. Truitt
said"-Mrs. Saunders voice carried
well-'it isn't even a starter. Awfly
good, ! think" A faint litter ran