The Argosy — page 378: what you’re looking at

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

Paul Smith, A.R.A. 357 Lady Steynham interrupted laughingly. “T must veto the whole thing. It is too long, too much, and too artistic for the general public. As hostess, I must consider my guests.” “Oh, aunt!” Lady May observed piteously, while Paul looked annoyed. ‘Tf you like to have, say one or two tableaux as a lever de rideau, May shall have her wish, and we will decide upon a costume ball.” She addressed the last words to Paul, adding witha gracious smile : “* We will put up your large picture, the woman with the red hair and the broken ornaments : that unfinished one that hangs in your studio.” Willingly,” replied Paul. ‘It will make an excellent tableau. But who will sit for the fair dame ?” As he put the question, a vision rose before him of the beautiful unknown. “Tf we could only get Lady Somerville—she has just that shade of red hair,” said May. “Lady Somerville,’ Paul inquired; ‘‘who is she? Years ago I knew a brother of Lord Somerville; he died in India, or was it Canada? He was attaché somewhere in the frigid or the torrid zone.” “Tt’s the same. He inherited the title, married, and died abroad. His wife was an Australian, very rich; all over diamonds and nuggets. You must have met her ; she is very lovely.” Lady May spoke with the generous enthusiasm of youth ; her aunt adding as a rider: “ And not very young.” “She doesn’t look more than twenty,” the young girl replied ; “‘though of course she is more If only she would come, the tableaux would be perfect. But you don’t know her, aunt.” “Silly child! what has that to do with it? Si c'est impossible cela se fera. Give me another cup of tea and don’t trouble about my affairs. I undertake that Lady Somerville shall play the Beauty, and Don Pablo shall be the Messenger. And don’t lose your heart, for I hear she’s engaged to Lord Duncan Glenholm.” Paul assured the ladies that he was arrow-proof, with a look and expression that conveyed to his hearers the idea that they, individually, were his protecting segis from love’s wiles. And having conveyed the desired impression, he left. V. LADY STEYNHAM succeeded in her aim. She was introduced to Lady Somerville, and she prevailed upon her to undertake a part in the tableaux ; this was, however, only upon condition that rehearsals were dispensed with. Lady Somerville requesting a photograph of the picture. In vain Lady Steynham suggested a visit to the studio. Lady Somerville declared ‘“‘she hated artists, as they expected so much flattery and adulation ;” and the Countess, only too happy to secure the Beauty, willingly acceded to the terms she mentally voted capricious. VOL. XLI. A A COnniclbooks (SO) im