Marion Marlowe in Society, or, A Race for a Title — page 7: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Es “but Jennie gave me no opportunity to re- gard appearances. She was determined to reach Charlotte, and, of course, I was forced to prevent her, if possible.” , “But how could you do it?’ mitrmured Mrs, Wurtemburg, her lips still white with fright. “Dear me! Why, I could not have held her for so much as a minute.” “Not saw some one’s life in danger?” asked the young girl, quickly. “One never knows what one can do until con- if you fronted by such an emergency.” “But I wouldn't have the strength, even if I had the courage,” chimed in Mrs. Van Twiller. nificent muscles, my dear Miss Marlowe.” “You must be blessed with mag- Marion smiled at her sweetly and a mis- chievous light crept into her lovely, gray eyes. “It is climbing trees, milking and driving cows and raking hay that has it, “Vou see, I done madam,” she said, demurely. was a country girl up to a few months ago, and I was blessed with the best health that pure air and hard work could give me.” A faint trace of horror showed itself on the faces of the two callers; but Mrs. Stet- son’s smile was a little wider, if possible, and she made no comment. “How perfectly lovely,” murmured Mrs. Wurtemburg, raising her lorgnette to her eyes and gazing through it at Marion, much as though she were a curiosity. “Do you think so?” asked Marion, inno- cently. “Why, I did not like it a bit. When l was at home ‘on the farm I was always sighing for the city, and I fairly loathed the labor that gave me my good muscles. I suppose that is always the way: one is never satisfied.” f “Put you are to be envied now,” chimed in Mrs Van Twiller, who had at last recov- ered from the fright the dog had given her. sy free from the farm and all its en- You are MY QUEEN. as * vironments, and safe under the wing of our dear Mrs. Stetson. Of course, you feel the change, my dear! Few young country girls could ever expect to be so fortunate.” “I trust I am duly grateful,” said Marion, soitly, as she gave a sly glance at Mrs. Stet-_ son, and then let her lids fall modestly. Both ladies rose to take their leave now, and Mrs. Stetson’s adieus were made with | unusual fervor. | | 4 “So glad that you came, dear Mrs. Wur- | temburg! Delighted to have been at home, _ my dear Mrs. Van Twiller! I shall return your call at my earliest opportunity ; but, meanwhile, [ may as well tell you a secret. — IT am planning a little party for Miss Mar- lowe, in place of the wearisome coming-out reception. How very wearisome receptions Oh, it will be a — very select one, I assure you—just to give are, Mrs. Van Twiller! her a glimpse of our gayety before entering into the full swing of it.” | | “How sweet of you!” “And so like you!” ‘Soon, I hope, dear Mrs, Stetson! Don’t keep us waiting, for, of course, we are sim- ply longing to see more of Miss Marlowe.” “Yes, indeed! She is so candid and so original, you know! Really, you have given “us another of your surprises, dear Mrs. Stet- 9? at," *: . The ladies vied with each other in their words of appreciation. Mrs. Stetson smiled broadly and her eyes twinkled a little. “Delighted that you are pleased with my plan, ladies,” she said, promptly ; “and, while I am telling secrets, I may as well divulge another. Lord Curry arrives to-morrow morning; you know, he is to be my guest till d Christmas.” For once both of her callers had hard | work to control their emotions. Mrs. Stet-— son had stolen a march on them by this in-_ vitation to Lord Curry. . (Xo) 900 Cc Ss 5 de . y 1 as i= “S a oe | al 7 4 ' 1 | 7 { ed 3 | ) 3 es al ¢ , + ah tent™, ‘ - _ alt ra _ a ee | ; " — “4 er d com