I went to the Cary reception
last night and met Lulu Chittenden. She has actually grown old,
but was as lively as ever. She created a great stir in Paris when
she was there; but a husband who comes home two o'clock in the
morning with bleared eyes and empty pockets, is not conducive to
the preservation of a woman's beauty. How she manages to retain
her spirits I cannot imagine. You ask me news of cousin Holman. I
meet him occasionally and he looks well, but has grown into the
most sombre man you ever saw. In regard to certain hopes of which
you have sometimes made mention, let me assure you they are no
longer practicable. He has done what--
Here the conversation ceased in the other room, the Countess made a
movement of advance and I closed the book with an inward groan over
my ill-luck.
"It is very pretty," said she with a weary air; "but as I remarked
before, I am not in the buying mood. If you will take half you
mention, I may consider the subject, but--"
"Pardon me, Madame," I interrupted, being in no wise anxious to leave
the placque behind me, "I have been considering the matter and I hold
to my original price. Mr. Blake of Second Avenue may give it to me
if you do not."
"Mr. Blake!" She eyed me suspiciously.
Pages:
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103