Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 8 November 1891 — Page 19

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL. SUNDAY? NOVEMBER- 8, 1801.

19

AMBITIOUS MRS. W1LLATTS. "Well, it's what I consider a very reasonable ambition." Baitl Mrs. Underwood, Douring out a second cup of tea for herself. "More than that, it 'a the sort of ambition that every woman would Lave to own up o, if 6he was honest. Men can rise abwtre ihe rest of their species in a hundred waye; they can be statesmen; they can co to the "wars and cover themselves with honorable Bears; they can mount up to the top of their professions; a few of them can even make big fortunes. But 1 should like to know what triumphs are open to us, except conqnering hearts and dressing exquisitely, and getting the most exclusive society to acknowledge us. With your face yon can conquer as many hearts as yoQ please, with your money you can employ the best dressmaker in the world, but to persuade these English aristocrats to come to your house isn't so easy, and I Bay that a success of that kind is worth taking some trouble to win." Pretty little Mrs. Willatts jerked up her thoulders. "I don't know; seems to me there's more trouble than success about it anyway," she remarked. "You and I have taken trouble enouch over this ball, and it's going to be a failure after all. because that dowdy old dolly of a duchess won't come." "How do yon know that, my dear? Now, I have it on the best authority that sho will come. Lord George has been moving heaven and earth for you, and he told me this morning that the old lady had given in." "Von don't nay!' exclaimed Mrs. Willatts excitedly. "Well, Maggie, you're a real friend; and Lord George :s worth what 1'vo he's worth more than I thought he was, anyway. Why, this is perfectly splendid!" The two trannatlantic ladies were eatcd In the drawing-room of the spacious mansion in Font street which the younger of them had hired for the season, and which, as she fondly hoped, was destined to be the scene of some magnificent aocial festivities. London aid not know much abnnt Mrs. IVillatts. except that tbe appeared to have 'plenty of money; but, on the other baud, it was lairly well acquainted with that lively window, Mrs. Underwood, ana was willing enough to accept her word for the fact that the new protege with whom 6ho lied taken up her abode this year was "all right." The money, at all events, seemed to be all right, and in these lntterdays high society has learnt to consider wealth as a Butlicient passport especially if tbe possessor thereof be pretty, amusing, and h citizeuess of the United States. The Duchess of Stratford, however, was exceptional. Ihe Duchess had remained faithful to worn-out traditions; she was exclusive, and would have been exclusive even if she had not happened to marry a duke; she wnted to know who people were, and where they came from, and what they had done with their husbands, and put a good many other incouvenient questions before ebe would consent to shed the light of her counteuance upon them: and thl was why Mrs. Willatts was bo desperately eager to extend her hospitality to one whom she Lad described truthfully, if notovur-polite-ly, as a dowdy old dolly. "Well, I preaumo she won't do more than 'walk in ana walk out again," tbe expectant hostess observed, retleclivel.v; "bnt if she'll do that it will answer the purpose. Once I've been recognized by the Duchess of htratford, I don't eo wbat there'll be to Btop me. I should like to sea barn's face when he reads about it in the newspapers! The only trouble is that he won't know the difference between theDnchessof Stratford and the otherduehe?ses." Ho don't know anything at all," returned Mrs. Underwood, contemptuously, "lie don't even know enough to keep from quarreling with a wife who conld havo tthown him how to get some value for his dollar, as well as her own. Let him stay at homo and slave at piling up wealth.

Bince uiai a uis nnuoxi ui enjoyment, iucklly. you're independent of him." Mrs. Willatts sighed. "Why, it stands to reason I am independent of him." aid she; "it wasn't any fault of mine that he was too stupid nnd obstinate to allow what is a fact in law, and I'm suro 1 didn't want to quarrel 1 oulv insisted upon my rights." If there had not been an actual quarrel between Mr. and Mrs. Willatts, there had been a pretty tioou imitation of one. . The young couple had married under circumstances of comparative poverty; but, shortly after their wedainr. the bride's father, old Senator Kendrick, had, by a happy combination of lack nl astuteness, acquired an immense fortune, which, on his decease, had been divided equally between her and her brother. It was on account of the perhaps unreasonable claim of Mr. Willatts to have a voice in the investing and expending of his wife's riches that diderences had arisen which had resnlted in the departure of Mrs. Willatts for Europe ana her subsequent partnership with the experienced Mrs. Underwood. Mr. Willatts had professed himself quite contented to eay in America, where he was engaged in business transactions of considerable magnitude, while his wifo was fain to enjoy such happiness as may be obtained from tbe storming and conquest of asocial citadel of which tho fortitications have admittedly fallen somewhat out of repair. "I'd like him to be here, though," she remarked, ingenuously, "so ho might see for himself that 1 don't need any man to show me my way." Her wish was fulfilled with a dramatic promptitude which may not have been entirely welcome to her. for hardly were the words out of her mouth when the butler came in and handed her a card, inscribed in bold capitals with the name of "Samuel T. Willats," and respectfully intimated that the gentleman, who had declined to come upstairs, was watting in the library. Mercy!" exclaimed the little lady, tossing the card over to her companion; "what is to be done now!" "jend him away," answered Mrs. Under?ood. without a moment's hesitation. But Mrs. Willatts demurred to the adoption of such drastic measures. "If Samuel means seeing me, I guess he'll see me." said she. "llesides. I don't want he should think I'm afraid of him. Only he shall not come to my ball unless he gives me his solemn promise that he won't wear a white waistcoat or a diamond shirt-stud." Mrs. Underwood intimated her opinion that the very least Mr. Willatts could do would be to assent to that modest stipulation, and after her friend had left she awaited results with some anxiety. Mrs. Underwood was clover, but . she was not rich. She appreciated aristocratic society and was appreciated by it; but. unhappily, her private means were inadequate to the entertainment of dukes and duchesses. Since, therefore, she had the present prospect of free and comfortable quarters for several months to come, she could not feel any very ardent desire for a healing overof the breach which existed in the Willatts household, and she was afraid that poor Sally Willatts was rather wanting in backbone. Her apprehensions, howler, were apparently groundless; for at IXe expiration of twenty minutes Mrs. w'illatts re-entered the room, flushed and excited, and. throwing herself down upon a sofa, exclaimed: "I do hate that man! It may be wrong, audi shouldn't wonder if it was; but it's true. I abso lntely hate him!" "r-oor ltilow!" said tho relieved Mrs. Underwood, with a laugh; "what has he been doing now?" "Oh. I don't know as he did much it's his way of talking to mo and looking at me that makes me to mad! 'Well, Sally he drawled out, when I offered him my hand, 'having a good time over hereT' I told him I was having a perfectly lovely time, and he said he was glad to hear it. He had found out all about tbe ball; but he was afraid he should have to ask me to excuse him that evening, as he should probably have another engagement. He wouldn't for the world put ir e to any incouveuience, he said, and as it was uncertain how long he iu'.Rkt stay in Loudon, he concluded hn had better remain ut the Hotel Metropole." "Why. Sally, yoa didn't surely otter to take him into your bonsef "No. I didn'; ami X thonaht he might have waited for tho invitation before declining it. Then be wanifd to know whether I continued to intrust mv brother with the entire management oi my aiiairs. and whether 1 still hnd full confidence in Henry's discretion. A great ileal more than 1 should have in yours.' I nniwrrrd; at which he grintu d and looked as M Le could a.v all manner of things if he chose. Oh, he was just as tn'Mii i;h ho could be!" "Well." observed Mrs. Underwood philosophically, "to Ion;: as bo doesn't interfere with you. yen needn't trouble about what he saye or thinks of your brother." "liut, my dear, 1 believe ho will interfere with me; Lo wouldn't have been to cool

and malicious unless ho had had some nasty scheme or other in his head. He has pros pered extraordinarily of late, he tells me, and now he has come over to Europe to see London, and Paris, and Home, and Constantinople, and all the other great cities, lint he wouldn't fix any date for his departure on bis continental trip, and I know just as well as if he had said so that he won't set out until be has done bis best to spoil my fun. ' Oh, Maggie, do you think he could be wicked enough to go around telling all these people that father began life us a factory-hand?" "1 don't see how he is to get the chance," replied Mrs. Underwood, "and it wouldn't matter a cent if he did. These people don't want to know who your father was. or how he made his money; they wouldn't care much if you were an Englishwoman, and they care far less iu the case of an American. A few of them, such as the Duchess of Stratford, might disapprove of your living apart from your husband; but it is about as certain as anything can be that Mr. Willatts won't tee tne Duchess of Stratford. Don't you be uneasy; with all tbe will in the world, he can't shake your position. There isn't time." She would have been less confident of that had she known a little more about the energetic and enterprising gentleman- of whom she spoke. Mr, Willatts was capable, when put to it, of accomplishing a great deal in a very short space ot time, and it so happened that he was saving to himself at that moment, as he strolled back towards his hotel, that between then and the date fixed for his wife's ball he ought, by taking prompt action, to ne able to "put through" a certain nefarious design which had just suggested itself to him. To do him justice, he did not look like a mau who was in the habit of entertaining nefarious designs. His blue eyes, though keen and a tritle hard, conveyed an impression of honesty, while the set of his lips, which were scarcely concealed by his short, red-brown beard and mustache, seemed to indicate a philosophical and easy-going disposition. His present situation, however, was of a nature to disturb tbe serenity of the calmest philosopher, and he had quite made ur his mind to effect a radical change it it. Now, when Mr. Willatts made up his mind to do a thing, that thing was very apt to be done. His first step, after consulting al directory, was to have himself driven to a certain club, much frequented by the jeunesse doree of tbe day. and to inquire lor Lord George Curtis, who, he was informed presently, was iu the card-room, but would be with him in a few minntes. Indeed, he was not made to wait iong before Lord (Jeorge. a tall, well-dressed, well-preserved man of between thirty and forty, came down the staircase, holding his visitor's card and smiling affably. 1 Mr. Willatts advanced and said: "How do you do, Lord George Curtis! If convenient, 1 should be glad to have a word or two with you upon a matter of business." "Certainly," answered the other, leading the way into small, unoccupied room ou the ground floor. "Won't you sit dowuf Perhaps yon are related to my friend, Mrs. Willatts. of Pont street." "More or less so. sir. I have the honor to be the lady's husband, although, as you are probably aware, we are running separate establishments for the present. I understand you have been of great service to Mrs. Willatts, taking her around and presenting her to your aristocracy in short, generally dry-nursing her." "Only too delighted,! am suro, to have been of any use." "And." continued Mr. Willatts impertnrbably, "it has come to my knowledge that your services have received fairly liberal remuneration from her in the form of cheques." The smile faded from Lord George's face and was replaced by an angry frown. "I am surprised." said he. "that a third person should have been told of what I wasjassured would remain a purely confidential transaction between Mrs. Willatts and myself; but, since that promise seems to have been broken, I had better, perhaps, mention to you that tbe sums to which you allude represented a loan, not a remuneration. A short while ago I happened, unluckily for myself, to be in financial difticulties, and Mrs. Willatts very kindly oflsrcd me temporary assistance. Of course, I couldn't possibly have acoepted "Excuse me," interrupted Mr. Willatts; "this is irrevelant. In the course of business Mrs. Wallatts' drafts had to pass through my hands: otherwise I should not have known that she had drawn any in your favor. I have no remarks to make npon tbe question of loan or payment, nor yet upon your personal behavior; it don't concern me, anyway, lint I presume I may say without offense that, from what 1 have heard, your financial dificulties are not yet entirely at an end, and "You may say nothing of the sort, sir," interrupted Lord George in his turn; "I decline to entor upon any discussion of my private affairs with a stranger. I owe no account of my actions to you; nor, to the best of my belief, does Mrs. Willatts. whom I have always understood to be a lady of independent means. If your object in requesting this interview was to cross-examine me, I am afraid yon will gain nothing by protracting it." Mr. Willatts remained seated. "My object," said he calmly and deliberately, "was not to be offensivequite the roverse. I am not here to sit in judgment upon your Untish aristocrats or npon your methods of dealing with us who come over from the other side to make acquaintance with the cradle of our race. Iam a simple business man. Lord George, and I have simple business proposals to make to you, if you will be so good as to hear me out. Mrs. Willitts. I believe, intends to givo a ball on the 26th of this month." Lord Gough stared and nodded. "Well, I myself have it in contemplation to give a ball on the same date that is. if I can hire a house or rooms large enough to give it in. The ball, if it takes place, is going to be a big thing; it's going to cost more money than any ball that has been given in this city for the last ten years, and it's goiug. I hope, to be graced by the presence of their royal highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, aud all the most prominent members of your London society. But before I can start the thing along I must have some guarantee that these people will accept my invite; and, from what I have heard and read about yon. I believe you are the man to assist me. For your assistance I am willing to pay you a much larger sum than you have had irom lira. Willatts double tho sum. in fact and I may add that, if you are successful. I shall consider the mouny well spent and well earned. Excuse my blnntness; as you know, I am only au American and Quite unaccustomed to civilized ways of doing things. Now, sir, what do you say!" Lord George hardly knew what to say. He was a gambler, he was deeply in debt, and he had before this had recourse to divers expedients for raising the wind which had been at least as discreditable as that now suggested to him. Moreover, he was so well-known and so popular that he had little doubt of his ability to earn Mr. Willatt's check. At the same time he felt somo natural compunction about betraying the lady whose cause he had hitherto devoted all his energies to espousing. "It is very short notice," he said at length. "There is an empty house in Grosvenor Place which you mignt take for the nieht. and, assuming money to be no object." I daresay 1 could manage to secure every body for you, except the Royalties, who are out of the question, hut couldn't you fix a rather later date!" Mr. Willatts made a gesture of dissent. VMoney is no object." he replied, "and. as my wife hasn't contrived to get the royalties, I can do without them, though I should be glad if you could engage some sort of a serenity for me. But I need not point out to you that there would bo no sense in my giving a ball unless I gave it on the same night as hers." After some further discussion Lord George agreed to accept the part assigned to him. He knew, if his interlocutor did not, that in London the clashing of two entertainments does not necessarily imply the fiasco of one of them. Besides, be had really done all that he possibly could do for Mrs. Willatts, and there was something in the notion of impartially befrieudingberadversary which tickled his sense of humor. The whole thing, too. was such a joke, that his task was likely to be an easy one. People who accepted the wife's hospitality would assuredly wish to compare it with that of her husband; and. although the latter would probably havo to forego tho patrouugeof the Duchess of Stratford, he would scarcely grieve over an abstention, tho significance of which he would be protected from realizing by his ignorance. Mr. Willatts, it may be, did not realize the social importance of the Duchess of Stratford, except in ho far s that he conceived all duchesses to be socially important; still she was ono of the ladies whom he hoped to see at' his ball, and indeed she was tho only one in all London whom he believed himself capable of inducing to attend it withont extraneous aid. For the Duke who had recently visited the United States and had

purchased large tracts of land in the far West, was extremely desirous of acquiring a certain property which was now iu the possession of bis would-be entertainer. So that the latter, in tbe event of his consenting to part with that Naboth's vineyard at a price slightly below its market value, would be fairly entitled to request some small recognition of his generosity. Two days later, therefore, Mr. Willatts. in fulfillment of an appointment which he had previously arranged by letter, betook himself to Stratford House, where, on giving his name, he was at once admitted. In the meantime, be had not allowed the grass to grow under his feet. Ho had worked hard, and had made Lord George work hard also; the honse in Grosvenor Placo bad been secured; orders on a magnificent scale had been issued to sundry tradesmen, while not a few ladies of exalted rank had graciously intimated their intention of looking in on the evening of the 20th to see what tbe American millionaire could do in the way of eclipsing indigenous plutocrats. Thus Mr. Willatts was fully prepared to transact business: vith the amiable-looking, gray-beard personage into whose presence he was shown. "How do you do. Duke of Stratford!" said he: "I am obliged to you for according me tbe favor of a personal interview." The Duke said: "Not at all, I am sure. Very glad to see yon. Mr. Willats." In tbe course of some subsequent remarks he allowed it to be inferred that he usually left the transaction of business matters to bis agent, but that he had been happy to depart from his general rules in this particular instance. "W ell." observed Mr. Willatts. taking a chair, "I guess there is a saving of time in most instances where principals meet." He. at all events, could not be accused of wasting time. In less than tivo minutes be had explained with a clearness which admitted oi no suspicion as to his sincerity that he was ready to deal with his noble friend in a truly liberal spirit; and the Duke, whilo gladly closing with the proposal held out to him. could not help wondering where this apparently keenwitted American's profit was to come in. But this also was presently explained, without delay or ambiguity. "Now. I think you'll allow, Duke." said Mr. Willatts, "that this bargain is a pretty advantageous one for yon, and if 1 was to ask a small favor of yon at the present moment I conclude you wouldut wish to hurt my feelings by a refusal." "If it is in my power to do anything for yon during your stay in London, Mr. Willatts," replied the Duke, in the tone of whose voice a shade of apprehension might have been detected, "pray command me." "Well, I should think you misht come to my ball on the 2Gth. and bring the Duchess along," Mr. Willatts returned. "I don't believe but what you'd enjoy yourself, for it's going to be done in first-class style, and Lord George Curtis has undertaken that most of your highest-toned people shall be present at it. It's a sort of caprice of mine, vou understand, to say that I have entertained tho pick of British society." "Yes, yes; I see," answered the Duke. "Very natural on your part, no doubt. So George Cnrtis is managing it for you, is he! George Curtis is however, I am sure he is fully competent. 1 will make a point of availing myself of your kind hospitality, Mr. Willatts. As for the Duchess. I hardly know what her engagements are; but 19 "I should be clad if you could go a step further and make a point of it that the Duchess should kindly lend me her supIiort," said Mr. Willatts; and there was a ook in his face which seemed to indicate that tbe transfer which had just been agreed upon had -not yet been formally ratified. The Duke perceived this, and reflected that he was, after all. master in his own house. Besides, what did it signify! It wasn't as if Mr. Willatts contemplated taking np his abode in England. He, therefore, boldly committed himself to a promise that the Duchess should accompany him on the evening of the2Gtb, and his visitor, after gravely thanking him, withdrew. During the interval which elapsed between that day and the 2Cth of tbe month Mrs. Willatts saw no more of her husband; but of course she heard what everybody very soon began to talk about, and deep was her despair on learning tbe nature ot the design by means of which he proposed to put her to confusion. "Didn't I tell you that that man had come over here on purpose to take his revenae upon me!" she exclaimed to her confidant. "I don't believe there's a meaner creature in the world than Samuel Willatts! He's so wealthy that he can easily afford to outshine me, and he would rather spend his last cent than fail to wreck my ball. I'm as certain of that as I am that London isn't big enough to hold him and

me." Mrs. Underwood reassured her. Mrs. Underwood was persuaded that London, and even London society, afforded space enough to accommodate two rivals: and in this view she was warmly backed up by Lord George- Curtis, whose treachery had not transpired. That enterprising individual was iu high spirits; for he saw his way, not only to pocketing a comfortable sum of money, but also to deserving it, which is always a satisfactory state of things to the conscientious laborer. All tbe ladies to whom be had spoken had been struck and diverted by the piquancy of the idea that husband and wifo were bidding against one another for their favor. Not one of them had hesitated to accent the invitation of tbe former, and Lord George, feeling that he had done his duty impartially to both sides, was able to look forward to the issue with all the calmness and legitimate curiosity of a judicious urapiro. As far as he could predict, probabilities pointed to a drawn game as the result of all his lavish expenditure. But no hnman being can predict with confidence the result of any game in which the forces on either side appear to be pretty equally balanced. A trifle usually turns the ecale, and very likely it was a comparative trifle, or two comparative tritles, which turned it it in favor of Mr. Willatts on this occasion. Firstly, almost all of those who intended to put in an appearance at both bouses had chanced to decide that they would go on from Grosvenor place to Pont street, and they found Grosvenor place too attractive to be left in a hurry. Secondly, the Duchess of Stratford was pleased to remain for an hoar and a half in the temporary abode of Mr. Willatts. after which she drove straight home, notwithstanding the half promise which she had caused to be conveyed to that gentleman's wife. The Duchess, on hearing, what her husband wished her to do. had kicked a little, but had finally yielded to his entreaties and to his assurances that the man was a very respectable sort of man in his way, besides being quite phenomenally honest. The Duchess, however, was a strait-laced old lady. It appeared to her that Mr. and Mrs. Willatts could not both of them be respectable, inasmuch as they lived apart, and that if she must needs 6how civility to the one. she could not choose but turn the cold shoulder npon the other. Moreover, she did not lose sight of the fact that the husband was a bird of passage, whereas the wife, as she had been informed, had some idea of taking up a permanent residence in London. For the rest, tbe Duohess, like everybody else, was pleased and amazed by the splendor of Mr. Willatts's hospitality. The hall and staircase of the house in Grosvenor place were simply a magnificent orchid show, such as one might have expected to be charged half a crown for the privilege of admiring; the lloral decorations of tho ball-room must have cost a small fortune; the music was the very best that money could procure; and. in view of all this ungrudging outlay, how could an appreciative guest help remaining to see whether the supper would prove to be in keeping witn its surroundings! The Duchess of Stratford stayed to supper, and, although neither eating nor drinking had much fascination for her personally, she was fain to confess that never in her experience had anything been better done. Had it suited her convenience to wait for the cotillion which took place afterwards she must have admitted that in this also the open-handed American scored an undeniable succees. Perhaps it may not be the best of taste to offer presents of costly jewelry to ladies with whom one is barely acquainted; but when we live in an age which is not precisely distinguished for f;ood taste, and if the ladies like the braceets and one has the means of providing them with what they like why should one not retain the pleasure of their company by that means as well as by another! Mr. Willatts retained his guests so long that a very considerable number of them never fouud their way to Pont street at ail. It was broad dalight when, being left alone in the scene of deserted revelry, he lighted a cigar and remarked placidly: "Well, if this don't mako Sally gnash her teeth and tear her hair uotbing will." Poor Mrs. Willatts did not display her chagrin in so violent a manner; but between 'J and S o'clock in the morning she did sit down aud cry. Her ball the ball upon which aho had expended so much

money, and trouble, and diplomacy bad been a dead failure At no moment had her rooms been full; throughout the evening there bad been a dearth of men; the ladies who had come had remained but a short time, and had. she thought, looked askance at her; worst of all, tho most influential, including the Duches of Stratford, bad pointedly absented themselves. "Maggie," eaid she to Mrs. Underwood in a tragic voice. "I have been fairly and squarely beaten. I shall give up London and go to Pans. Sam don't know a word of French: and. besides. I shouldn't suppose there could be another nation on earth bo brutal and insolent as this. I tell you, Maggie, 1 wouldn't havo anything more to say to these English people if they went down C3 their knees to me!" Mrs. Underwood advised half a bottlo of champagne aud bed. She was too judicious to off er any other counsel under the distressing circumstances, although she was not without hope that this first reverse misht be retrieved by subsequent victories. But Mrs. Willatts was convinced and probably she was riant that, so far as London society was concerned, she hnd shot her bolt and missed her mark. Such sleep as she was able to obtain did not serve to raise her spirits, and, when she went down stairs to breakfast at half-past 10 in the morning, she was neither surprised nor agered at being informed that her husband was waiting to see her in the library. She had felt sure that he would come to glory over her in her discomfiture. "I hope you're satisfied, anyway," was the greetiug with which she accosted him. "Vou have made me ridiculous and you have driven me out of England. Perhaps you'll leave me in peaco now." "Well. I guess I've shown yon that tho British aristocracy don't amount to much," said Mr. Willatts, tranquilly. "As for peace, I'm not sure whether you'll consent to that, though it's what I wish for. Seen the newspapers this morning! If you have, you may havo noticed among the cablegrams from the United States an announcement of the bankruptcy of Henry 11. Kendrick, of New York." Mrs. Willatts's heart stood still, and the floor seemed to rise and fall before her. "You don't tell me," she exclaimed, involuntarily. "Then 1 am ruined!" "Why, no," answered her husband: 'yoa are not ruined, although some folks might Bay that you deserve to be lor having given a free hand to Henry 1'. Kendrick. I bought that gentleman up a while ago. horse, foot and dragoons, and the consequence is that you are my oreditor to-day. instead of being his which is fortunate for you. I shouldn't want to be one of Henry 11. Kendrick's creditors." There was an interval of silence, after whioh Mrs. Willatts said, in a very humble voice: "Samuel, I believe I've acted like a fooL I ought to have listened to you when you told me that Honry wasn't to be trusted " "Well." replied Mr. Willatts. with judicial composure, "it can't be denied that trouble and expense would have been spared if you had." "And, of course, yon aren't speaking seriously when yon talk about my being your creditor. You must know as well as 1 do that I couldn't legally claim a cent from you." "Oh, I guess you could. I should have to see the lawyers before I conld say positively; but, however that may be, yon have a moral claim, which I don't dispute. Your money is safe enough, and I'll hand the whole amount over to your bankers to-morrow, if you say so; ouly it 6eems to me that you misht do worse than consult me before -yon invest it a second time." "I presume you have had losses over this affair. Samuel," said Mrs. Willatts, after another period of silence. "Nothing to hurt me, Sally; nothing but what I should esteem as clear gains, if they enabled you and me to make a fresh atart." "How a fresh start! We fell out becauso you wanted to boss the whole show, and for all your generosity I'm not going to admit that I hadn't a right to do as I pleased with my own." "Well," answered Mr. Willatts, "I've concluded to waive my pretensions. I should like to have the privilege of advising you; but I don't insist upon it. All I wanted to prove to you was that a woman who elects to play her own game wants to bo a strongminded sort of woman like your friend Mrs. Underwood; and I'm free to confess that, if you were another Mrs. Underwood, I shouldn't be here for the purpose of begKins you to let bygones be bygones and sail for New Y'ork with me next week." Mrs. Underwood, as may well be believed, was both distressed and disappointed when her friend informed her somewhat shamefacedly, half an hour later, that the above proposition had been acceded to. She could not resist saying: "I knew from the first how it would be, Sally. All along you have been just crazy to get your husband back; and now it is he who has forced you to go back to him. I only hope you won't be sorry before you are much older, that's all." Mrs. Underwood, however, was not left entirely without consolation; for Mr. Willatts, who never did things by halves, not only granted her the free use of the house in Pont street for tho remainder of the London season, but handed her over a substantial cheque in defrayal of necessary expenses; and she has made such good use of her time and opportunities that she is upon the point of contracting a matrimonial alliance with an Irish viscount. As for Mr. and Mrs. Willatts, they and their bickerings and their entertainments were, of course, completely forgotten many months ago. W. E. Norrls, in Longman's Magazine. The Antiquity of Foot-Ball. November LippincoiL Tbe antiquity of foot-ball goes back to the Romans, who, according to Basil Kennett in his "Roma Antquu) Notitia." "played with a large kind of ball, dividing into two companies and try in to throw it into one another's goals, wfiich was tho conquering, cast." If this be true, the ancient game bears a strong likeness to the more modern game of foot-ball. The antiquity of the sport in Great Britian certainly goes somo centuries further back than cricket, probably because the requisites of the game were much more simple, only two rude posts stuck in the ground, with a bar over the top. The first know distinct mention of foot-ball in England was made by William Fitzstephen in his "History of London." where he speaks of "the young men of tbe city annually going into the fields after dinner to play at the well-known game of ball on the day quu) dicitur carnilevaria." In theRotuli Clausarum." 39 Edward III (13G5), a clear reference is made to it as one of the pastimes to be prohibited on account of the decadence of archery; and the same thing occurs in 13 Richard II (lSbS). For some reason not now quite clear. Shrove Tuesday was chosen as the great festival day for foot-ballers, aud on that day the entire population, young and old, male and female, of tbe villages throughout the length and breath of England, turned out to play tbe game. Windows were boarded up and houses closed to prevent damage. This custom prevails at the present time in a few English villages, the most notable example being that of Dorking in the south of England. So rough did tho game become even in those early days that James I forbade the heir apparent to play it, and in his "Basilikon Doron" describes it as "meeterfor laming than making able the users thereof." Afterthis. foot-ball was played at the great public schools only, and the Rugby game, which bears such a strong resemblance to the Romon borpaetum. was brought into existence at the old Rugby echool from which it takes its name.

Good and Evil Omen, rhlladelplda Ledjrer. If you pay out money on Monday morning you will pay out money all tho rest of the week. It is unlucky to spill salt- at the table, and to rub a hunchback will bring luck to any immediate project you have in view. To leave the house ani then suddenly return to it is considered a bad omen. This is a very old superstition, but a very common one with us. Laodamia refers to it iu her letter to Protesilaus after he hadleltfor the Trojan war. Some years ago I asked a neighbor to haul a dead horse from the premises. Ho declared if he did so one of his own horses would die within a year. I reasoned him out of the superstition, and he removed tho horse. Strange to say. one of the span of horses which be used for the purpose died shortly afterward. Hint to Koix Philadelphia Press. Rosa Bonbeur is at work painting o scene representing American life with the Indians and buffaloes, from Buflalo Bill's Wild West Show as tvpes. If the artist will but refrain from locating the Fcene in the heart of New York, after the conventional Idea abroad, she will do a great deal to educate tbe wild and woolly Europeans as to types of life on this continent

OCT OF T1IE ORDINARY.

We are all wrong as to dates. The Chinese reckon this to bo year 7,910,341. On the average a boy costs a parent about $200 a year until twenty years of aue. Porter got its name from the fact that porters in London drank tho liquid about 17v0. Mead vi lie. Pa., has an oil-well so large that its roaring keeps all tho people awake at night. There are 4S7 schools in Irkutsk. Siberia. The population of Siberia is nearly nine hundred thousand. An Ohio woman has a pair of pink stockings which she says were worn by Queen Elizabeth of England. Thunder and lightning are exceedingly rare on the Pacific coast. A genuine thunder-storm has visited California but twice iu twelve years. . About the year 4T0 the Ionians first introduced the present system of writing from letttorighr. Previous to that time from right to left prevailed. A meteorite, found a few weeks ago in the rotten roots of a willow tree at Lysabild, Denmirk, was seen by the tinder to fall into the tree in August, 134a. 'fex'irkana. Ark., has a woman whose height is eight feet two and three-fourths inches. She has two cousins traveling with circuses who ure taller than she. Gladwin county, Michigan, hosts of having the largest frame barn in the world. It is IjG feet long. 50 feet wide, and in its construction 0), 000 feet of lumber were used. The mother of a Kansas City, Mo., baby is sixteen years old, its grandmother thirty-three, and its great grandmother is but fifty-two years old. All reside in the same house. A runaway locomotive on tho Blairstown (N. J.) railroad beat all previous records last Friday by makinz the twelve miles between Bairdstown and Portland in six minutes. On the eastern frontier of the "Dark Continent" coal is so plentiful that by lifting a shovelful of clay oft any particular spot it may be reached. But there is no means of transporting it to market. In some of the old countries men who toil have almost lost their names, and have become only a number. Every workman in Japan wears on his cap and on his back an inscription giving his business and his employer's name. Ice one and one-half inch thick will support a mau, four inches thick will support cavalry, five inches thick an eighty-four-pound cannon, ten inches thick will support a multitude, and eighteen inches thick will support a railroad train. Over the door of every house in the large village of Gojumura, Japan, is the motto. "Frugal in all things. Liquors prohibited." That town believes in local option, and as evety one has joined the ranks of total abstainers no spirits of any sort can be bought in the place. Corn husks boiled in caustio soda are being utilized for the manufacture of paper. The cooking process results in the formation of a spongy, glntmous paste, which is subjected to heavy pressure po as to eliminate the gluten, the fiber remaining being made into paper in the ordinary way. Berylium is worth about ten times its weight in pure gold, and venadium is five times as costly as tho precious metal. Iridium, also, is more than twice as costly as gold. The text-books used to say that platinum was the only metal more valuable than gold, but it now costs about tho same. William Trice, of Jackson, Mich., was driving a ;bua across the railroad track, last week, when a train crashed into hi3 team. He jumped for the head-light of the locomotive and caught one of the iron brackets supporting the lamp, and his life was saved. The'bns was demolished and one of the horses killed. Coroa has its seven wonders, among which is a hot mineral spring believed to euro all diseases; two springs, one of which is full and tbe other empty and vice versa; a cavern from which a. wintry wind perpetually blows; a forest that cannot be destroyed, and a drop of the sweat of Buddab. No plants grow within thirty paces of this drop. A wealthy Georgia farmer has had bad luck in his matrimonial ventures. About twenty years ago he was engaged to the daughter of a neighbor. The day before the date set for the wedding the giri decided she did not wish to marry and the engagement was broken. Four or live years ago he married the daughter of his old flame, and recently she eloped with the (farmer's hired man. An Indian tomahawk was recently cut from the center of a saw-log thirty-two inches in diameter in Wisconsin, six mohes in length, and has a two and a half inch blade made of roughly-forged iron. There were ten inches of solid timber over the head, showing the indenture of a portion of the handle in the timber, which was a different wood from the tree. It is sunposed to havo been in the tree for nearly two hundred years. A French journal announces a cure for obesity. This is never to eat more than one dish at each meal, no matter what that dish may be, and a person may consume a sufficient quantity to fully satisfy the appetite. No condiments, soups or desserts are to be allowed. A case is cited of a colonel who was almost compelled to retire from the army,' as he was so heavy that it required two men to lift him into the saddle. Ho adopted the single-dish treatment and became quite thin. FASHION'S VAGARIES. Dim blue and a rare tint of old rose is affected by blonde women. A favorite trimming for this winter will be tho double-gathered ruches of velvet, cut on the cross, one standing up. the other turning down and gathered in the center. A pretty idea in the festoon flounce is carried out by turning over the top in a hem and running in it a ribbon that matches some one of the shades in the gown. For ordinary street wear young ladies choose a jacket iu eoroo light cloth, or one of the very fashionable military capes. Both jackets and capes are elaborately trimmed with fur, and have fully as warm an appearance as the all-fur garments. All ilufly effects, no matter how fascinating, should be eschewed by the short, stout woman. This it will be a diffioult matter to do, for skirts are fur-edged, cloaks weighted down with fur and every other hat encircled and banded with feathers. Among the dress models of tbe season the skirt is frequently gathered and fastened at the back of the bodice. The fronts of the bodice and tho skirt are in princes6e form. This makes a graceful dress, and if the form is over-slender, hip draperies are added. The modes of Marie Antoinette are being resuscitated this winter season. Square handkerchiefs of chili'on, in all colors, either simply hemmed to the depth of one and one-half inches, or having a wide, interwoven satin border, are loosely tied about the low bodices. Many of the stylish skirts on both street and house dresses are finished at tbe foot with a deep hem of velvet, cut out in leaf or vine patterns at the top, the edges overcast with silk and then covered with a tiny sillc cord the color of tho velvet. The hem is faced with crinoline. Quilted cloaks will tako the place of furlined ones. That tbey are certain to be adopted is assured from tbe fact that tbey are not so heavy to carry around, can be better litted to the figure and protect the gown from shedding fur. In evening wraps the rarest tints of satin give an artistic finish to the loveliest models. The sudden affection which Paris has conceived for Russia aud all things Russian has, of course aii cted the fashions, and the latest gowns and shades aro modeled after the Russian. Russian blue is already familiar, but Russian red, a deeptoned crimson, is new. It is a warm, clear color, and is generally becoming. The best way to keep the arms warm on a blustery day, when nothig longer than a shoulder cape is worn, is a simulated sl?eve of cloth, kid or velvet, cut to button up the back of the arm or on tho inside to tho elbow, finished at the top and wrists with n band of fur matching the cape and mud' or corresponding with tho cloth and fur toque. It is the poorest sort of a purchase to buy any of tho very low-priced gimps and passementeries whih look like rather temptiug bargains when displayed upon the counters. They are a delusion and a 6nare, and tho surface-gloss they 6how wears oil' in a very.few weeks, leaving only a gray lusterless Japanese jute. 1 hose trimmings attract the eye at once on account of their very delicate and beautiful patterns, which closely copy real silk passementeries. A

Made

only by the MICHIGAN ST0YE COMPANY, Detroit,

ers of fctoves and Ranges in the world. FKENEV little trimming that is genuine is better paid a fair price for than yards of thirdrate garniture. The fashion of narrow pnffs around the armhole is decidedly attractive upon slender women and children, and is far more becoming to even stout figures than the distended leg-o'-mutton model. These puffs are quickly made and adjusted, aud they furnish au easy mode of transforming the plain sleevo of an old-fashioned gown into one of newer style. These puds, pointed at tho ends (which reach under the arms), are pnt on over the close coat 6lceve after it has been sewed iu, covering the armhole seam. Those about half a yard in length and a quarter of a yard wide, before being 6hirred at the edges, aro the most popular. ODD WEDDING RINGS. The Kinds Worn by the Native Women In the Upper Congo Country. New York Recorder. The late Lieutenant Von Francois, the African explorer, described a strange custom among the Bayanzi, who live for many miles along tbe upper Congo. The custom would seem to make life a good deal of a burden to their married women. Brass rods, which are tho favorite currency in the country, are welded into great rings around the necks of the wives. Many of these rings worn by the women, whose husbands are well-to-do, weigh as much as thirty pounds, and this burden must be carried around by tho poor women as long as they live. "Frequently," said Lieutenant Von Francois, "one eecs a poor woman whose neck is raw and sore under the heavy weight, and in places the skin is rubbed oil" by the ring. This is a sure sign that the ring has been recently welded around her neck, for after a time the skin becomes calloused, and then the strange ornament produces no abrasion. y Bnt the weight is an inconvenience, lhey never get used to it. and it is a perpetual tax upon their energies. In every crowd of women may be seen a number who are supporting the ring with their hands, and thus, for a time, relieving their weary shoulders of the heavy burden. It may be said that witn every movement of their bodies the riugs give tbein discomfort. "A. ring is never put around a woman's neck until she is believed to have attained her full physical development. Once on, it is no easy matter to get it off. The natives have no such thjng as a tile, and, though they cau hammer a lot of brass rods into oue. it is very difficult for them to cut the thick mass of metal in two. Women who increase largely in flesh, after the rings have been fastened on their necks, are in danger of strangling to death, and instances of this sort have been known to occur. "Vet these women regard the cumbrous ornament with pride, imagine that it enhances their importance and beauty, and wear the burden with light hearts. Braes is the money of the country, and by putting it around their wives' necks the men are pretty certain that it won't be stolen or foolishly expended. But it is an odd and cruel sort of savings bank." SAI'ESSOMANIA. The Form of Insanity Affected by a Woman Who Ate Soap by the Cake. Medical Record. Dr. R. Ellis, of Danbury, Conn., writes as follows: "I should like to place on record tbe history of the following caso of a mania for eoap-eating, which I believe deserves the coinage of the word 6apussomania, or a mania for eating soap. "Mrs. J , aged twenty-nine, consults me in reference to an irritable stomach of long standing. She gives the following details: When about three years of age she first enjoyed a mouthful 6f bar-soap. So agreeable was the taste that she would eat it 'whenever she could get it.' tWhen aged live years her mother found her, spoon in hand, eating soft soap with a keen relish. As she grew in years so did her yearning for soap. Her playmates ate candy, bu t she preferred soap. Her father brought home to tbe other children sweetmeats, but to equally satisfy her a piece from common bar soap must be given. Until she was eleven her sapessomania continued. When awake nhe loved to handle it, and smell of it, and eat of it "When asleep she dreamed of soap. Often, to pacify her, a piece was given to her to hold in her hand to Booth her to sleep, when she continued in her imagination still to eat soap. At eleven her stomach burned her so that she stopped her habit, but still continued to love to handle and to think of eating the great delicacy. "When twenty-three, or twelve years after her last feast, an advertising agent left at her door a 5-cent bar of bath-room soap, which pleased her 60 much that she ate it all in twenty-four hours. Since then she has eaten none, though there is always the desire to do so. Though she can no longer eat it, she still loves to handle it, she loves to use plenty of it in her housework and in her bath-room. "The smell of it is still sweet to ber nostrils, and the thick suds she delights in remind ber of the days gone by, never to return. Strange to eay, she cares only for the coarse bar soap fancy soaps she never uses. She asserts that her mania is as strong to-day as it was years ago. though she has tasted soap but once in eighteen years." The Conrt Dip. New York Ccmmerclal Advertiser. The "court dip," or courtesy which is given npon the occasion of royal functions will 1 Ice

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30 cooties, 1 coffee etke, 1 cocoarnit ca

l appio 12 apple PERFECT COOK B00

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Cht?aro. Buffalo, Now York city. Largest male STO YE & FURMTUUC CO.. Indianapolis, Ind. is one of the funniest things in the world. It is especially taught by experts in the art, and no one who does not take lessons professionally can hope to acquire it. Physiologists cannot explain it, artists cannot reconcile it to their idea of tho human form divine. Yet there it is as plain as life, and one pauses and wonders each time just bow it is done. In the court dip a woman simply shortens herself np like. a telescope and then straightens out again. No matter how tall she may be. after being properly coached, she has only to bend down in tomo pecnliar way and ber stature becomes one-half or a third of what it formerly was without in any way atlecting the grace of her figure. She sinks down and then she draws out again to her full length. Perhaps ootne day the concert hall dansenso will do the court dip in tights, bo that one may see just what is tbb true inwardness and tbe hidden secretness of what is certainly a remarkable performance, HUMOR OF THE DAY, Ills Wife's Relations. New Ytrk Weekly. Friend If yon have eo much trouble with your wife's relations, why do you live with them? Hate work "Cause zny relations won't haye us. A Had Actor. Good Kews. Editor How was that new actort Critic Bad. Bad as can be. Fditor What's the matter with him? Critic I think he must have studied elocution. A Horse of Another Color. The Epoch. Little Johnnie There's a man at the door with a bill. Brown Tell him I'm not at home. Little Johnnie But it's a five-dollar bill he says he owes you. Unant irerable. Smith & Grsy'a Monthly. Unfortunate (meekly) My dear sir, I have seen better days. Matter-of-fact Individual (fiercely) WTell, did yon stop me in this rain to tell me than Who tho devil hasn't seen better aays: Test of Uespectabllltr. Judge. Mrs. Cumso (to six-year-old daughter) But you are sure that this little girl yoa liave been playing with is of a respectable family! Mabel Oh. yes. indeed. Her papa and mamma have only one child. Walking with an Object. Harvard Lampoon. Mr. Beck Hall Good afternoon. Miss An nex. Going for a walk! I hope 1 may accompany you. Miss Annex Yes. Dr. Sargent says we must always walk with some object, and I 'suppose you will answer tho purpose. Au Innoration. The Epoch. Hunker What do you suppose Mi&sFlirp said when I asked her to marry met Spatts I suppose she said: "O George! this is bo 6uddeu!" Hunker No; she said: "I've been expecting you to propose for three months." Journalistic Cycles. Good Nfr-RTS. Mrs. Keider I seo the man who has been exchange editor of tho Daily Xight for twenty years is dead. Mr. Keider My! my! I'm sorry to hear that. Now they'll put some young fellows in his place, and they'll bo printing all tho old jokes over again. Rosalind Spoke Before She Thought. Boston Budget. Kosaland Well. Edgar, what did yoa wish to say to mef Edgar Oh, I wished to tell you that Miss De Smytbe is engaged to be married. Uosalind (coloring) What! that insipid looking, doll-faced creatnre engaged? For mercy's sake, who is going to marry herf Edgar Well cr that is I am. It Was Not IIU Lookout. Texas Flfticgs. Parson Hardshell I hopes, Bre'r Amos, datyou ain't gwino ter do nufliu wid dat polo dis Lawd's day. Amos Oh, no. I hain't gwine ter use bit. I jes' gwine to hold it in mer hand, down byderribber. If any fool fith git cotched on do udder end oh de string, earve dem right furbein' enoopin' 'round on do Lawd's day. Flaw In th 1'edlgree. JuU. Fanning Chadwick says few genealogies are as flawless as his. " Chauning It runs back to tho time of Edward the Confessor with but a singlo liaw. Fanning Some doubt as to a younger or elder branch? C banning Yes; his grandfather was s foundling. After the Theatre. Tex Pif tings. She (thinking about tbe lateness of the hour) Isn't it a little too late for ice cream George? He (supposing that she would rather have fried oysters, which are more expensive than ice cream) No, Clara, it is not a bit too late for ice cream. In fact, this is the only time of the year when it is safe to eat ice cream.

A Feast of Good Things, One rcQod of CleTelasd't Bakler Powder

male trcrjthlag la tbe fulbirlsf lUti

20 tea b! vnt, 1 chocolate cake, 20 batter cakes, 1 or an ire cake.

1 f tra- bTTTehortcake. 15 erol!, 1 boton pnddics; X cMckcn pie, or YaiAce jolpIe, 1 "pice cake, 1 Dutch apt ie pudding 12 corn niut2r.., C baluxl Spplrt 1 fi cak 1 roll id: cake, Scotch rcoots, 1 pound Cike, 25 wjliierf. - creaa ca re

1 loaf singer bread, 1 Minnehaha cake.

puaaic

1 cottage MiJti

fritters,

it crurupeM, 1 act tmdiiinr.

1 Kaioa crcta cake.

12 EnzlUh ruailine.

12 cruilvra.

Housekeepers alwars have "prood lock with C,lcvelacd1,i liakir. i'owvlcr, and find It the i&oal economical. The Cleveland Cook Book, containicg over tZO proved receipts.

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