Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1921-06-09

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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 Mr.. 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 would keep Vane at her side In
spite of the wife and then, when he
was firmly in her tolls, she would pub
licly discard him. Filled 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-
ton, 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 Mr.. Vane. Unexpect-
eddy 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 great artist, Mr.. Triplet,
the likeness actually breathes. Oh
that she were here, instead of this
wonderful image of her. would speak
to her. am not wise or learned, but
orators never pleaded as would plead
to her for my Ernests 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
feet? cannot take him from you
but oh, be generous to the weak and
give him back to me! Give him back
to me, beautiful, terrible woman, and 1
will love you longer than men can
love"
Suddenly she started back with
wild scream.
ut is alive" she cried, and rum
ming to Triplet, hid her face on his
shoulder.
For Peg had been so affected by the
piteous appeal of the heart-broken
that with all her self-control
she could not check the tears which
down her cheeks. Peg or
dered Triplet to leave the room and
when the two women were alone Peg
turned to Mrs. vane and said calmly:
II trust, madam, you will do me
the justice to believe / did not know
Mr.. Vane was marriedT''
II am sure Of it." replied Mrs. VanO.
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 plan
Mrs. Vane refused to. agree. Finally
Peg arrayed herself in Mrs. Vane's
cloak and hood, threw a note from the
to Sir Charles, who was wait
ing below, which they knew would
bring that worthy into the room, and
then dispatched Triplet to summon
Mr.. Vane to the studio Mrs. Vane con-
cealing herself in an adjoining apart
ment. Sir Charles responded to the
summons Immediately and in a mo-
ment was making violent love to Peg,
whom he mistook for Mrs. Vane.
In the height of most impassioned |
scene, Vane entered and made the
same error as did Sir Charles. Swords
were drawn, but Peg disclosed herself |
before matters became serious. The |
thought that his wife was beloved by |
another produced such a shock to Mr..
Vane that he realized he still loved
her and the two departed together,
Peg with her unhappy |
thoughts,
Peg Wellington never recovered
from this episode. She plunged once
more into her work. but life had lost
all its interest. She did not remain
long on the stage, but retired to pri' |