The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, October 16, 1904, Page 6

THE SAN BUT BUSINES. 22 VL BYSINESS BEFORE 7 mastms. ERES MR LARKF T, A ? - L STEAD, 77 GILLIFE WHU:() GG '/"1‘7/?1 gg‘ov.f L EAR UNCLE SILAS: Although, as I am informed, the social season is not yet fully under way here because so many peo- ple who are necessarily included in all great or formal society affairs are still at their country places—and, indeed, remain there, many of them, until after the Christmas holidays—despite this there is no little social activity. This is, I apprehend, of the small and informal kind which may precede the return to town of all those e d to society prominence; yet to me it bears the likeness to contin and elaborate gayety. Even 1 am required to make choice of han one phase of social activity every day, not yet having ad- vanced to the dexterity in such affairs which enables one, I am assured, to meet 2 number of engagements, the hours of which coincide, or at least hronous. I am not sufficiently versed in the personnel of ter to indicate those belonging to it who are yet out of I hazard the surmise that few having marriageable daughters e among them. I made this comment to Mrs. Lacquerre, and she re- joined that I was getting on to the game—meaning, I suppose, that I was beginning to display acuteness of observation. “It is a fact, Reuben,” she added, “that mothers of marriageable gals have no liberty, no independence, no opportunty for the exercise of their own preferences in their going and coming. They must, or think they must, dispose of their time so as to miss no chance to get their gals well married. - It is not all for the sake of the gals, but partly for the sake of the mothers, that the campaign is pursued so sleeplessly. A woman whose gals are well married begins for the first time in her own married life to have a good time of her own. Then she goes abroad to see what entertains her, not to be seen where the gals may entertain; then she may begin to read—oh, indeedy, I know of mothers who have never opened a book from the time they were graduated to the time they paid er their daughters’ wedding breakfasts; then she may stop at her country place after the \ycck end parties are all over and the house belongs to the own- ers again, instead of chasing back to town'to get Mary Jane into the mar- riage market before the bargain rush has disposed of everything but the remnants and misfits.” I am aware that Mrs. Lacquerre warms her speech with some degree of BYEDWARD _ WY, "1 "OWNSEND Ao tropical hyperbole, yet I give some measure of credence to the remarks here quoted, owing to my personal knowledge of the surprising industry displayed by those seeking bargains in the marriage market. Some of my own experiences have been a shock to.my mode: It appears that /_\um Sarah reported my income at a sum very largely below the actual figures, so for a time 1 was not supposed to be a desirable parti in a worldly sense as I have since been disclosed to be. Mrs. Lacquerre says that Aunt Sarah sent out “bear tips” on me to “head off competition.” She also remarked: “Your Aunt Sally knew that I knew how much you are worth, but she hoped to conceal it from the market generally, and this narrows the fight for you to her and me for her Josephine and my Fran- ces. The scheme worked like a mice for Sally, because my gal is quite a fool about such things and wanted you to get out and make a reputation before you asked her to get into the ring with you, so Sally had you almost to herself. Then that newspaper story about your being one of the wealth- iest bachelors in the market upset poor Sally’s plans. You are out in the open, with no closed season to protect your hide, and every mother of a marriageable gal in town is taking a pot shot at you.” It would be unfair discrimination to give this estimate of Aunt Sarah by Mrs. Lacquerre without presenting the reverse of the problem. During a call on Aunt Sarah she remarked to me: ‘I believe, Reuben, that that newspaper story about you was inspired by Polly Lacquerre. She's the most dangerous woman in New York. She won't play fair. As soon as she saw that you were not fooled by the affectations of her posing daughter, Frances, she determined to give me as much trouble as possible. She knew my natural desire, as your aunt, to have you nicely married, but she is too odious to let me alone in my plans. Really, I am sorry, Reuben, that you so often consult with that slangy creature, for that’s just what Polly Lacquerre is, though we were school friends.” You will see by this impartial report of the comments of both ladies that true sisterly harmonv is absent from the relations of Aunt Sarah and Mrs. Lacquerse; yet, perhaps, that absence may result in supplying me with a truthful picture of each—or a caricature having lines of truth. It was at_the interview just related that I asked Aunt Sarah about the matter of paying off some of my social debts. She at once advised me to 2 HS SEOET £ AU 1 2 R~ o ] > give an afternoon musicale in my apartment musical talent, and instructed me to leave the ma hands of my man, Martin, who would have the was necessary. Aunt Sarah kindly supplied me I chanced to show to Mrs. Lacquerre, and that merrily as she scrutinized it. “P%hee!” she cxclaimed (I quc that it amuses you); “P’chee, Sally stop a clock through a veil. €3 of artificial rosebuds she has bu owe most of them attention, i all right, all right. Well, you g hair turn gray by getting up a blowout { ning girls there.” 1 judge that my entertainment was a st have a good time, and the cost almost stagg soprano, a barytone, a tenor, 1 a pianist ments. When they were nc wployed were decorated by a fiorist wh and the refreshments ved by 3 were much approved by tl when they eat c. T had in my mind to tel! y ceptibility, but as 1 consider the n more than a couple of When had peared more interested were 0 more int —a lady came to o what an exquisite apa attention to the bea decorating. But she i really deserving lowed influence of she replied (promise ¢ she is so sensitive), mosphliere a true the way. there is 1 alone. She adm she utters the thought of She signaled to a ishing amount of chan Martin young T not bee from about, w “Your mother tells me began admitt to whom T hope you have enjoyed the music,” I refilled “That tenor is tl ningest ‘Hle's made 0-g0oo eyes at ing more fun than a monkey “That is a form of said. “It's not bad fun.” she commented, indifferent] fore pleasure. Where’s Mr. Larkmead, the gillie who I suppose I was trotted out to show my paces mamma, what's the matter? This diversion was ¢ thing on eartl ever 1in the dinner gettir entertainment with she repli a rise which d by g lady’s o pinching her daughter’s arm. Mamma had overheard t tried fo stop the-disclosure that the young lady had and did not know to whom she was talking. More in sorrow than in anger I 1 I myself mother and daughter depart after te g Aunt Sa izing, what a lovely time they had h The aiterhoon proceeded with some degree of ended it is likely that nearly all those therc Before she left Mrs. Lacc e came to me ar done well. *I saw you repulse a number of 2 paigners and you must be tired. You y come and me if you've nothi else on fc evening and talk turnip, sugar or history to you.” » smiled in a that at least two of my encounte invitation. [ had just dressed f« that two ladies had called to see me. Neither Martin’s face nor voice disclosed what ma meet, so I was surprised to find waiting for me in the parlor deep mourning, with a younger woman. one of the preit seen, but who seemed to be suffering from a painful cough the room the elder woman rose and threw back her veil, < stained face, and in a trembling voice said hurriedly “Mr. Lark: you have jusi now entertained womeh who are beautiful, weal blessed with health. Will you listen for a moment to women once wealthy and one of whom"—her glance fell lovingly on I ion—"* once beautiful, but is now dyin This was uttered with such dramatic force that I was .greatly moved. T assured her that if it lay in my power to help her I would esteem it a favor to be allowed to do so. “I will detain you but a moment,” said the elder woman ter is threatenedgwith consumption, and is ordered to go & ore the cold weather sets in. But we are penniless! How we became so, how we were wronged by false trustees of our estate, how we have suffered in si- lence, I will not say. I would not speak for myself, but could I see my daughter, my pride and treasurc. die, when speech to one good and gener- ous man would save her life I am not begging; one remnant of our for- tune was saved—this jewel. What its intrinsic value may be I do net know; but a few thousand dollars, perhaps. I could pledge it for what I must have to save my darling’s life. but that I could not do. Pledge in a vulgar pawnshop the first and fondest gift of my dear, dear husband!” She was overcome for a moment, and the beautiful girl soothed her. Then she resumed: “I, a lady, can speak to you, a gentleman. Will you advance me a mere thousand dollars, or will you have the blood of my in nocent child on your conscience?” 3 é She proffered me the jewel case, and the beautiful girl, turning melting eyes upon me, said: “If you care for a girl's faithful friendship, a friend- ch will recognize its obligations, help us!” as nearly distraught, as I hastily spurned the proffered jewe! case d hastily: “I am only too glad to be of assistance. I wil] write a check at once.” As I entered my library I encountered Martin. tin!” I exclaimed. or those confidence women?” he asked, calmly. »r those unfortunate ladies,” I responded sharply. xcuse mie, sir,” he continued. “If you will not believe me you must prove the truth by your.own ears. Please step into the hall and listen.” I could not resent this from him, for I knew his loyalty and experi- ence. In the hall I overheard this conversation: Martin spoke: “Well, what do I gét out of this?” “What do you mean, fellow?” “Come, now, no airs. I'm on. ter wise.” The younger woman spoke: tip the valets.” “When I cash’ the check I'll give you fifty dollars,” said woman. “All right,” said Martin. empty or with a paste stone?” . The woman replied in a tone of pride: “I leave it empty. If the sucker opens it 1 have a fit becanse it’s stolen. See? I used to put in a paste stone, but if that is discovered there’s no way of squaring the game.” 1 heard the young woman titter as Martin left the room. In the library Martin simply said: “I never happened to see her before, sir, but I've long heard of her as the cleverest confidence woman in the city. The trick she works is not new. but she is very successful with it, T hear. “Thank you, Martin,” I said. “You may dismiss them. You need not wait up for me to-night.” “Thank you, sir,” replied my extraordinary man. Alas, Uncle Silas! Alas! Affectionately, knew known and I agrec ening when Martin in 1er of call disclosing a and were mpan- who daugh- “My check book, Mar- I want my rake off or I'll put the mas- “Loosen up, mamma. It’s always best to the eclder “How do you work the jewel case now, REUBEN.