Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-01-14
Clever Scheners
BY ARLINGTON d. LANE

(@. 1890. Western New.papcr Un,onl
"They seem to be very superior
people"
"Yes, on the surface but w,,, +bev
wear?"
Thus Mrs. Wells in assertion and
her neighbor, Mrs. Deane, In chal-
ienge. They had referred to Mr.. and
Mrs. Alger Mortimer, who had rented
mousse In the best part Of town. had
moved In new and resplendent furnish
inss' dressed we'll, kept couple Of
servants. an automobile and a chauf-
feur, ana seemed destined to set the
pace socially.
Antecedents were not forthcoming.
"lr. Mortimer had been something In
large city brokerage firm. Mrs.
91ortimer was the granddaughter Of q
leader Of fashion in the South. At
least this they gave out. They opened
up their house to company at once,
me man oil Suavity and his better
haif smiling. dmpled, very pretty
and attractive woman, indeed.
Something, however, she could not
exactly tell what, Jared on Mrs
Deane's SenSbilities. There was a
certain "shoppiness" ut times about
Mr. Mortimer that made her think of
- cheap dry goods clerk. There was
an artificiality about Mrs. Mortimer
that betokened inSincerity.
They act to me like people play
ing part for some purpose or other"
spoke Mrs. Deane
"Rut why2 THAN l;ttla scotia, f,,n,
lions are perfect, they feed us well,
they have the latest In furniture,
crockery and dress. They seem
pleased with the town and it's people.
They must have money, for Mr.. Nor
timer does not seem to have any reg
MAR business. All they ask Is recog-
milton, which they have been given.
Oh. yes. they will do indeed. They
nave quite stirred up the town.
Nearly hnlf dozen people have fol-
lowed their lead rs to an automobile.
Just think Of the new rugs that have
come into fashion. copying their selcc-
lions. AS to talking machines. there
- a persistent rivalry as to who can
afford to buy the most expensive one"
Yes, Mrs. Wells. but this Keeping
up with the Mortimers Is going to
cost this formerly sensible, slow
going community something" asserted
AIRS. Deane with force and flnality.
1t was May when the Mortimers set
tied down. as they called It, in their
home. 1t was about the middle Of
September when Mrs. Deane began
to make discoveries, to patch out the
Mortimer mystery.
II have some news for you" she
said to Mrs. Wells. II understand
that the Mortimers are negotiating to
purchase the old Dallemont lot and
build twenty-five thousand dollar
mansion between now and spring.
They are going to break up house
keeping and sell Off what they have in
the way Of furnishings, to replace
them In their new home on grand
scale that will fairly dazzle the COM
munity.'
"They must be made Of money !"
nurmurcd credulous Mrs. Wells.
According to his talk at the mems
club Mr.. Mortimer has fallen heir to
a large fortune.
TO buy some Of their old house fur.
nishings when the sale comes Off. Our
own are so shabby they don't pass
muster for the most commonplace af-
fair"
Then the auction sale by the Morti-
Ders began to fill the public mind
completely. Little else was discussed
buf tho ouporfunifips afforded IN 60
cure some of those wonderfuls articles
selected originally with such care
md taste.
Don't buy thing" Mrs. Deane
told Mrs. Wells. There Is something
know that can't tell just yet. Mrs.
Mortimer has talked to you so much
about that statuette set of hers that
you are just foolish enough to pay out
two hundred dollars you cannot afford.
Do not run into any such foolish ex-
ravagance and you will be glad later
on"
How strangely you talk" COIN
mented tho wondering Mrs. Wells.
"Well, you will believe me to be
q true, useful friend when the Nor
timer bubble blows up
rs 1t going tor questioned Mrs.
Wells.
wait and see"
The catastrophe, or rather the cri.
sis in the career Of the Mortimers,
came 10 final showing within the
nonth. There had been perfect
rush to buy tho furnishings auct!oned