Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-11-18
4 NOTED MASKED BALL.
CHAPTER |.

CHAPTER l.
ii was evening, and pretty Lille
KainsfDrd SIT iii the parlor with her
embroidery on her lap, and little pet
dog at her feet, but her thoughts were
not ON her work, for nearly every mo-
ment she raised her eyes TO the French
clock ticking gently Us polite clocks do
upon tile parlor mantle. The room IN
which ehe sat was furnished with ex-
qllisite taste and Costumes. a carpet
&c French gray, scattered over with
autumn tinted fern leaves; gray SATIN
curtains, bordercd with the same de
vice. gilt brackets, gilt chandeliers,
crystal mirrors, irideseent vases, mar
lie statucttcs, Venetian pictures, franz
"a in garnet velvet, and III the large
hay window tropical plants, and canary
birds ii gildcd cages.
Framed iii ~ this artistic beauty,
and quite IN harmony with her sur
ronndings sat Lille, evidently expect
ing some one Che had not TO wait
long, for in 81 short time servant an
nouneed Mr. Kingston, Miss" and
softly closed the door.
Lille rose with delight 20 meet the
young man, who now entered, and IN
hrr haste tangled up the pug ~ her
feet II tie mrshcs Of her Berlin yarn.
ooh Charlie she exclaimed mer-
cilessly leaving that unfortunate ami
NAL to cxtricate himself as best he
might, "have yon not come to tell me
You have changed your mind about
gong ~ that horrid long journey you
spoke oi Yesterday II
'4On thc contrary, came To bid 4
reluctant good bye, said her hand
some lover. You know that my faith
II cannot leave To- bring my mother
and sister home from Paris, and ] am
compelled To- 20, sadly against my
WISHES, 10 assure you; but you will
promise me one thing, darling do not
attend amy halls III parties until ! re-
turn, and ! viii not 10 81 either"
"Oh that isan easy promise To make
aud keep; d. YOU think could enjoy
myself without you ! shall count the
days and hours until you return
And sand the young man, will
not even look 1T another woman until
! sec my fair Lille again"
III with many VOWS and promises 81
eternal consistency they parted, and the
moon looked down through the bay
window and heard il ALL what has not
lhe moon heard The man in the
moon laughed softly 10 himself behind
Il cloud at the young girl weeping N
her lovers departure \ very unfeel
ing thing e. 10 but then lie was 50
high up and had nothing 70 DO but
amusc himself IA the worlds expense
i little later ia the moon pceped be
tween the white muslin curtains OF i
dainty little chamber. and saw Il lovely
pale face asleep on Il wet pillow.
CHATTER II.
Tie next morning when Lille awoke
sic felt that something had happened
what that something WAS, she could
not far thc moment define, then wher
she remembered that this was the very
,lay that Charlie was 10 sail for Europe
That he had left her for three long
months, and the tears started again &c
her eyes hut she brushed them hasti.
Ii away, and began 10 dress, lust Us the
breakfast tell was sounding tho second
time.
Nh traces III tears appeared On hel
face .ls she entered the breakfast room
whore her indulgent old uncle was
waiting patiently for her To pour out
his cup of Iava Lille always presid-
I'd nj the head oi her uncle's table, for
Ter aunt was II confirmed invalid, and
scarcely ever appeared nj breakfast
nreierring IN take that meal Ill ncr own
room indeed, her falling health was
fast causing her ca become quite a re
ciuse. 81 that Lille wis almost the sole
companion ot her uncle. who having
NJ children of his oNn, lavishcd his tt-
feetlens ON his orphan niece.
Rut 10 return e. the breakfast table
Lille found three notes beside her
plate one from her cousin, and old
play fellow, Sidney Dalton, declaring
hs intention III come Oh from Cam.
bridge aud spend i few days with them:
i dainty little rose ealored note, con-
tanning 4 pressed violet and few fond
parting words from Charlie. which
brought the leve-deht To her eyes; and
The third note Was an invitation to Il
masked tnll, q he given II the house
III her particular friend Mrs Milling
ION enc week from date.
Here the dining-room door opens
and IN comes Clara De Ford. hes init
mate. bosom friend.
TN Lille, Just think-one week
from to-day, how charming of Mrs.
Mlllngten to give hall What costume
vii yonweai2 We are all 10 he mask
81 until supper time.
II am nOt gong. said Lille, when
her friends valuhility had given her
room II reply.
Not going exclaimed her friend,
and her uncle looked up from his hot
muffin with surprise.
When, he said, did my gay little
fairy ever stay home from bali? 0l
course Won will 50. hut have An APP
pointment 1T nine, he added, glanc-
ing i; the clock. Il must leave you
young ladies to discuss this weighty
matter Of dress 1t Your leisure"
What Is the true reason you viii
not 90 to the ball, Lillie9n said Clara
when they sat talking in the parlor
after Mr. Rainsford had left them. Il
never knew anything half So provok.
ing, ! really believe you are going C
NOPE yourself to death, just because
Charlie Kingston has left. I'll be
bound he won't deny himself any pleas
IRE because you are not with him, but
dance and tiirt with all the pretty girl.
in Paris, To his hearts content. Now
if am ever so unfortunate as to have
4 Jealous lover continued the gay
girl, II will take care not to give way
II first 10 any Of my lords whims anC
eaprices, but just do as please, from
the start, and then he won't expect 81
much of me-
Yes, but it is my pleasure to sta,
home" answered Lille, "and besides
promised"
1T is Just like mems selfshness I,
expect one to do all manner of uncom
Portable things. What will your cous
IN say to your staying home"