Connecticut western news., 1921-08-04

ihoAi oAOuSui DdCh WOrC LII. SIC Wat Mrs. Ernest Vane. A ,,eadi> we;.pnl was thus placed in Sir Charl'S' hands. but he refrained from making public his information until the proper mo- ment. A banquet had teen arranged by MT. Vane in honor of Peg Woffing- ton and Sir Charles managed to have Mrs. Vane appear when the festivities were at their height.
 His scheme was successful and the effect of Mrs. Vane's advent was cleo trical. MT. Vane, not knowing that his wife was in town, was filled with consternation, but Pegs tact did not desert her even in this trying moment and she introduced those present as members of the nobility. Mrs. Vane was not suspicious, and accepted the situation in good faith, but Triplet. who had brought verses in honor of Miss Wellington, and being unaware of Mrs. Vane's identity. revealed the true facts and the wife was heartbroken. AS for Peg, she was furious at the deception placed upon her. She fully believed that MT. Vane was free to woo her and then in a moment, her dreams were rudely shattered and her faith in mankind destroyed. She de termined to take desperate revenge. She wouldyjkeep rVane at her side in spite of the. wife and then, when he was firmly in her tolls, she would pub- licly discard him. AFilled with these thoughts she went to- Triplet's studio where the portrait he had painted was to be exhibited.
 The first glance showed the picture to be a wretched failure, and even Triplet acknowledged his defeat. But there was no time to lose, for the critics were already approaching the studio. Peg, with a sudden inspira- tiOn, cut the face from the portrait and, having arranged the draperies so that her body would be concealed, she placed her own features in the aper- ture. The comments of the connois- seurs were ludicrous, some declaring there was not the slightest reSem- blance to the original, others that the flesh tints were imperfect, and still others that the drawing was out of all proportions. When the opinions had been expressed, Peg came from behind the easel and expressed her views in true Milesian manner.
 Peg remained after the others had departed and told Triplet of her in- tentions toward MT. Vane. Unexpect- edly Mrs. Vane knocked at the door of the studio. She had been followed by Sir Charles Pomander and had sought refuge from his attentions. Peg had no desire to meet Mrs. Vane, but there was not sufficient time to es- cape so once more she went behind the easel and placed her face in the portrait. Mrs. Vane, after explain ing her presence, noticed the picture and exclaimed:
 "You are a great artist, MT. Triplet the likeness actually breathes. Oh that she were here, instead of this wonderful image of her. I would speak to her. I am not wise or learned, but orators never pleaded as I would plead to her for my Ernest's heart"
 She paused for a moment and then addressing the picture, continued:
 "Oh, yes, you are beautiful, you are gifted and the eyes of thousands wait on your every word and look. What wonder that he, ardent, refined and genial, should lay his heart at your l feet? I cannot take him from you but oh be generous 10 the weak and ! give him back to me! Give him back to me, beautiful, terrible woman, and will love you longer than men car love!"
 Suddenly she started back with @ wild scream.
 "It Is alivel" she cried, and run ming to Triplet, hid her face on his shoulder.
 For Peg had been so affected by the piteous appeal of the heart-brokeI woman that with all her self-contro she could not check the tears which coursed down her cheeks. Peg or dered Triplet to leave the room anC when the two women were alone Pei turned to Mrs. Vane and said calmly
 "I trust, madam, you will do ms the justice to believe I did not know MT. Vane was marriedT
 q am sure of it," replied Mrs. Vane "You are as good as you are gifted"
 Peg then promised to so degrade herself in Vane's eyes that he would leave her in disgust, but to this plar Mrs. Vane refused to agree. Finally Peg arrayed herself in Mrs. Vane'' cloak and hood, threw a note from the window to Sir Charles, who was wait ing below, which they knew would bring that worthy into the room, anC then dispatched Triplet to summon MT. Vane to the studio, Mrs. Vane con cealing herself in an adjoining apart ment. Sir Charles responded to thC summons immediately and in a mo ment was making violent love to Peg whom he mistook for Mrs. Vane.
 In the height of most impassioneC scene, Vane entered and made thu same error as did Sir Charles. Swords