GRAZIA'S MISTAKE

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 91, 17 April 1894, Page 6

GRAZIA'S MISTAKE

BY MRS QUORGIESHE LDON.

Author of 'Faithful Shirley,' Brownie's Triumph,' 'The Forsaken Bride,' Geoffrey's Victory,' etc.

CHAPTER VII. PADLA AND ORAZIA MEET WITH AN ' ADVENTURE. The next few days after Grazia had found a refuge in the 'beautiful house of Paula Nelson were very buay ones, for Paula herself was obliged to spend considerable time upon some manuscript which she seemed anxious to finish, while she had also taken it upon herself to provide her protege with a suitable costume in which to appear before her aristocratic guests at tho coming reception. 'You have ever so many pretty things,' she observed, after critically examining; Grazia'a wordrobe; • but I have an idea which I would like to see carried out, and which, with your style of beauty, I am sure will be exceedingly effective.' ' But, my good friend, you forget that it requires no email amount of " filthy lucre " to produce effective costumes,' said Grazia, emilling, yet repressing a Bigh\ of regret that none of the pretty evening dresses lying upon her bed would do for her 'first appearance/- . * * ' I bog your pardon, but I do not forget, and the money is a secondary consideration with mo,' briskly responded Miss Nelson. •The results are what concern me most just at present. Don't bother your classic head, Miss Grace King, about minor" details when we have so much at stake.'

' Bub how can 1 help it, situated as I am ?' Grazia asked in a troubled tone.

♦ Very easily, my dear; just leave the matter entirely with me,' was the laconic response. ' • Don'b you think that would be just the least bit presuming ?' demurely inquired Grazta.

• Well, perhaps, if it had been your own suggestion,' Paula admitted with a short laugh. Then, turning squarely about, she looked straight into Grazia's eyes, and continued : 'I have more money than I know what to do with, Grace, so let me have my own way in this, and don't be squeamish ; it will help tho dressmakers and seamstresses, if it does no one else any good. ' Then if you have so much money, what makes you dreas so plainly and simply yourself?' Grazia gravely inquired. At this question Mies Nelson gave a prolonged whistle, that would had done credit to the ccx she strove to imitate. • "Plainly and simply !" My dear child, your innocence is refreshing to say tho very least,' sho cried. ' Why, my tailor's bills •would frighten half the belles on Fifth Avenue!' • But there is very little material in your clothes, and you wear almost no trimming whatever,? persisted Grazia, but looking a trifle dismayed over the blunder she had evidently made. ' True, my child ; but you have yet to learn that people have to pay for the privilege of having a hobby,' said Paula, with an air of superior wisdom. 'I require my clothing to bo cut as nearly like the garments of a man as the law will permit me to wear; but, being a woman, ray tailor charges me about three times as much for my fad as he would ask tho lords of creation for the same services. My hats are made to order, my boots and gloves likewise, and each dealer gets his extra price—l suppose because the things are to be worn by a female, and hemUßt have soinoUiing for the violence done his feeling. JK-..n my shirts, which of course have to be made by measure, are assessed an additional dollar, because they are to a certain extent, unsexed. I am not sure but the Government will be crying for "protection," and imposing a heavy tariff upon the sex, if there should be much of a tendency in this direction,' she concluded, with a mock gravity that made Grazia laugh out musically. Ah, that is a pleasant sound, Grace ; do it often, will you?1 her friend observed, her honest blue eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

'But to go back to the question of costumo ; have I your permission to send for madamo the modiste, and put you in her hands with carte blanche to carry out my idea ?' ' ' • I suppose I might as well yield first as last, since you seem to have set your heart upon il-, and will bo satisfied in no other way*' Grazia said, smiling, but flushing a trifle, for she was extremely sensitive about being dependent ' Very well, and thank you 'too,' Miss Kelson returned, as if she had been the recipient of an especial favour. A fashionable modiste was accordingly BDmmonod, Miss Nelson's idea discussed and approved, and then left to be developed .according to madame's judgment and taste. . Wednesday evening amved^as did also, ab the proper hour, Misa 'Nelson's eueste, who proved to be a coterie Of most refined and intelligent people of both sexes, who met once a fortnight) to discuss the leading questions of the day, with a view to drawing out the most practical ideas as to how they should be met and dealb with. Ib was called the ' Common Sense Club,' and its members proved that it was nob a uienomer, for their subjects, after being

carefully chosen, were not simply taken up for discussion and then dropped ; but two and sometimes four evenings were devoted to the consideration of different phases of fche same subject, after which a Committee was appointed to *sum up,' and deduce what appeared to be most feasible, when it was voted upon, and the club pledged itself to follow out as nearly as possible in their lives tho principles thus approved.

The choice of a question for this evening had been left to Miss Nelson, and, after the club had been called to order, she composedly arose, and withoutl exhibiting the least se'lf-consciousnes of the striking figure she made, clad in her suit of rich black silk, cut after the most approved masculine style —excepting the slight variation of divided skirtß which she usually made; with hor cut-away coat and white brocaded vest, showing a wide expanse of ehirt front, in which there gleamed a diamond of the purest water : her elegant white satin tie, knotted after the prevailing fashion, and the natty, stylish patent leather boots that encased her shapely feet, she remarked in her frank, "energetic tones :

11 think everyone present to-night knows that I have for the last four or five years been devoting myself to a special object in life—have, in fact, been " a woman with a mission ;" that of seeking out and trying to rescue young girls who come to New York to earn their living, but who, before they are aware of it, are lured into traps and pitfalls from which there seems to be no escape for them. I have gone into this work almost single handed, and the stand I have taken, as many of you know, has only called forth sneers and scoOs from the majority of people in the'circles where I move. Butl know that I have accomplished some good ; and, even though I may never receive the co-operation of any one in tho future, I shall still maintnin the attitude I have assumed as long as I have health and fortune.

'I am sure you will not be surprised, after this, at the titlo of the paper which you appointed me to prepare for this evening,' Paula continued, with a slighb smile ; • bub I want this groat question discussed in our club : " What shall bo the attitude of all self-respecting people toward fallen women and their betrayers 1" Perhaps some of you may think this a delicate and intricate question ; but it is one that lios very near my heart, and one, which, I boliove, most vitally concerns the domestic life of the future.'

She then proceeded to read a very able paper, in which sho clearly and forcibly treated her subject in its various phases, giving many incidents which had como under her personal observation thab were both startling and pathetic in the extreme. Sho dwelt somewhat at length upon the facts that while a young girl, having once been led into wrong, is ostracised from society—is scorned, trampled upon, and crushed down, until there is almost nothing left for her bub to continue in the life into which she had been trapped, tho man who has wronged her—who has ruthlesaly robbed her of all thab makes life dear, goes unscathed—is received, especially if he be a man of fortune, into society with open arms and allowed to bask unreproved in its brightest smiles. His crime in ignored, or, at the moat, mentioned with an indulgent air ; he is petted, fawned upon, and finally wins, with the encouragement of doting parents, who appear to regard it as an honour to give her to him, a puro and lovely girl, to be his wife. • Such a Btate of Rociety is a shame and an outrage to every pure woman in the land,' Miss Nelson remarked, in conclusion. 'A man who has once beon known to deliberately rob a young girl of her reputation should never again be admitted into tho homes of respectable people, until he has righted thab wrong by making her his lawful wife. If a girl who oversteps the bounds of propriety must be cut off, like a leper, from society, the same doom, ab least, should be pronounced upon him whose crime is the greater. I am bub one among millions,' said the girl, sweeping the circle of faces before her with her great honest eye 3, 1 a single drop, as it were, in the great eoa of humanity, bub while I live I will set my face steadfastly against the society thab opens its doors to these wolves thab prey upon human souls. I grant there is something to be said upon the other side, bub in every instance which I have quoted here to-night, a sweet and innocent girl was lured from her home, for an ostensibly honest; purpose, bo earn a respectable living, by those benb upon her destruction. No such man, if I know him to be guilty, shall ever cross my threshold ; to him I will never give my hand in friendly greeting. My own sex, I own, has been greatly to blame for the state of things which exists in Bocial life ab the present time; but if the woman of to-day has any regard for the welfare and happiness of her descendants, she must take a decided s^tand for the right—sho must throw her influonce into the right balance. A lively discussion followed the conclusion of Paula's paper—a discussion which showed thab others had been thinking along the same line, and it was finally voted to take up the same subjecb at the next meeting. A gentleman was appointed to preparo a paper, and then, the time usually allotted to the consideration of topics having elapsed, Paula introduced her piano soloist for the.enterbainrr nb of her guests. This was followed by a couple of songs, after which the artist's picture was unveiled and socially discussed for half-an-hour or more. Then calling the company to order again Miss Nelson remarked: 1 Gentlemen and ladies, I have another great treat) in store for you. lam fortu-

nate in having with mo a friend who is a ekilful harpist, and who has consented to favour the club with one or two selections.'

As she concluded she. walked to the farther end of her beautiful room, where a large and handsome screen had been placed, and presently emerged from behind it, accompanied by a vision of loveliness that held the attention of everyone spell-bound. Grazia's tall, willowy form was arrayed in a long flowing Greek costume of white armure silk, whose rich and graceful folds fell around her most effectively.

The sleeves were.short and finished with a broad band ot trimming, composed of pearls and other jewels. A girdle of the same confided her robe at the waist, its long ends sweeping down to the floor.

A fillet of gold and pearls bound her hair in true Grecian style ; and, as she walked slowly toward her harp, she seemed the embodiment of grace and beauty. If her appearunce was effective, her performance was even more so, and everyone listened breathlessly to the melody hor cunning fingers evoked. Great enthusiasm prevailed upon the conclusion" of her first selection, and another was immediately demanded, which Grazia cheerfully accorded.

Paula then devoted a little time to introducing her 'friend' to her guests, after which supper was announced. An hour was spent in the dining-room most enjoyably, then there followed a season of general sociability, and after ono more selection on the harp by Grazia, by special request, the guests finally took their departure, affirming they had enjoyed an unusually delightful evening.

Paula had not forgotten her most important object in dispensing her hospitality as hostess.

She had, of course, many questions to answer regarding her surprise of the evening, and she was very much gratified to observe the favour which was bestowed upon her protegee. She delicately hinted at tho adversity that had made her friend homeless, and insinuated that, possessing an independent spirit, she desirod to turn her talent to account, and thus provide for her own needs. Her efforts in Grazia's behalf were abundantly rewarded, for, during the week that followed, a score or more of letters poured in upon her, bogging her influence to secure tho young harpist's services for as many private entertainments. Paula advised Grazia to make her price high, sagely remarking thab * people in high life appreciated their luxuries according to what they had to pay for them.' She accordingly did so, and found herself becoming quite independent ; for obo had all the engagements she cared to fill, and the season that followed proved to bo a very brilliant ono for her.

No ono appeared to have a suspicion that Miss Grace King, the talented harpist, had over figured in tho criminal court as tho suspected perpretrator of a horrible murder, and Grazia, amid her new surroundings, gradually found herself looking back upon that terrible experience as one looks back upon a dreadful dream.

She became very much of a favourito in tho society where her engagements called her, and as her costumes were always »cry effective and hor beauty a thing of joy, people vied with each other in showing her attention and making much of her.

But for the two blots Upon hor life—the stain of suspicion upon hor name, and the miserable tie thab bound her to a man, whom, all too late, f-ho had found to be unworthy of her—Grozia would have felt that the future held much of promise for her.

Sho was in love with her profession —her harp was like a part of hor very self, and sho always, thua far, had found her audiences moeb appreciative and sympathetic ; while her rolationa with Paula were every day growing more intimate and tender.

When not engaged with tho preparation for her work, she ofton accompanied her friend upon her missions of mercy, and she was appalled to learn to what an extent her sex wero wronged by those who apparently occupied high places in the world ; to discover what corrupt, what double lives men of influence—men with wives and families, with lovely daughters of their own growing up around them—were leading. Ona day tho two girls were passing out of one of the large stores on Sixth Avenue when Paula stopped in a vestibule a moment to recount some change she had in her hand. Suddenly the door behind them was pushed violently open, and a beautiful woman of aboub twenty-five years, a look cf mingled agony and horror written upon her whito face, dashed by them with a moan of pain that touched both their hearts. Bub, as sho reached the outer door, her strength seemed all ab once to desert her, and she leaned against its frame panting und gasping for breath. Paula, always on the watch for come object upon whom to lavish her philanthropy, immediately approached her and kindly remarked : ♦ You aro in trouble, madamo ; can i be of any assistance to you ?' The woman glanced quickly nb the speaker, then covered her face with her hands, and shrank, shuddering, away from her. 'Go away !' she cried hoarsely. ' I never want to look upon the face of a man again.' Paula started slightly, and an expression of annoyance clouded her line eyes for a moment. Then sho gently returned : 1 Pardon me—you have made a mistake;!

I am a woman, like yourself ; and if I can aid you in any way, I shall be glad to do so.' The stranger, thus addressed, took another look a,c Paula, when, comprehending the situation, and evidently being upon the verge of desjpair, she exclaimed : 'It is truly comforting to hear the sound of a friendly voice, for I am in sore need ; I have two children who are hungry for bread— who will be without shelter to-night unlesa I can find work.'

4 Then you shall surely have work, for I shall give ib you,' said Paula. • What can you do?' ' Dressmaking, millinery, sewing of any kind—l am willing to do anything, in fact, to earn an honesb doilar,' was the low, eager reply. 'Then pray banish thab look from your face, for you shall have all you can do; your children shall want for neither food nor shelter,' said Paula, reassuringly, bub with an unusual break in her voice, for the despair written upon the face before her moved her deeply. The woman turned away, a sob of thankfulness bursting from her lips, while her struggle to prevent herself from breaking down was so pitiful thab Grazia waa almost on the verge of weeping herself.

But Paula came to the rescue. ' Will you kindly tell me your name and where you live?' &ho asked. 'My namo is' Ham—Mrs William Ham, and I have one poor little room on Perryatreeb.'

' Thank you," said Paula, 4 Perry-Btreot i.s nob far from here, and if you will go with my friend, Misa King, to my carriage, which is waiting outside, I will-return .to the store to purchase materials for you to work upon, and join you as soon as possible.' Paula was infinitely astonished after this kind oder, to have her hands almost; savagely seized by the objeci of her generosity, while she passionately exclaimed :

' Pray do nob buy a yard of cloth in this store for me to work upon ; for badly as I need employment—dosperate as my situajtion is, 1 believe I would rather starve —I would almost rather my children should starve than to have my necessities relieved through the medium of this house.'

• What can yon mean ?' domanded Paula, in astonishment.

• I mean that I have been most cruelly ineulted hero to-day, and every honest, needy woman in the land has been dishonoured, through the indignity offered me hero, less than half-an-hour ago, by one of the proprietors of this establishment.' (To be Continued.)