Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1882-10-18

| she was engaged to lead with Guy Raj
| llpgs, the best dancer in her set
She need not fear tonight that she
should not near sweet nothings whis-
pered in her ear. Guy Ratings had
| been one OF her adorers since he had
DOTTED roundabouts, and never failed to
show himself openly disconsolate that
hero from another city mad borne off the
coveted prize. But even this balm to
her wounded vanity tonight was not to
be forthcoming.
| Before leaving the house a note was
brought her, In which Mr.. Rallings, re-
grets ut q sudden sprain TO his ankle,
arose from the fact that he must be de-
prived of pleasure which he had so long
been eagerly anticipating, In feeling
himself for one night, at least, the envy
of all the men in the room, etc., to the
end of the chapter. But, entering Mrs
CEosby's dressing room, her vexation
vanished as her hostess, rapturously
greeting her, having followed her in an
instant hurriedly up the stairs, met her
with the announcement that, having
known of Mr.. Rallings' accident, she
had supplied a substitute-one she was
quite sure would do equally well, and
old friend of her husband, Mr.. Jack
| Desmond.
Then she retreated to her guests, leav-
| ing Sydney to follow, nor noticing the
| quick, crimson stain on the lovely cheek
which had Haunted itself at her words.
Sc | might have spared him." thought
the girl. "Now to do so only one
thing is wanting; and that is.my power"
And, taking a last glance in the mir
ror at the charming vision it reflected, at
the face men called beautiful, at the
figure whose Partisan toilet donned to-
night in all it's first freshness, it was
small wonder that at the improbability
of the latter q little, incredulous smile
touched the rich, red lips.
It still rested there when Mr.. Des-
mond relieved her father of his charge,
and drew her arm within his own.
eve have not had much practice to-
gether, Miss Collins, he said, as he led
her to the further end of the room;
"but rather think no one will be the
wiser save ourselves"
Z" [ should imagine you danced well, ="
she replied, indifferently, and [ can
easily give you the figures Mr.. Ratings
and had decided upon; or I should be
happy to receive instructions in any new
ones at your hands,"
You have not asked me why I have
not been to see you" he questioned,
little later, as he kept time to one of
Strauss most charming waltzes.
His arm was about her slender waist,
her little hand rested on his sleeve; his
eyes for moment met hers, but her
laughter was gone, and In its stead was
new born tenderness.
She stroye to answer lightly, but the
words refused to come.
I" / dared not come, " he whispered.
| A little later she could have laughed
at the singular influence the simple ut
terance had possessed over her.
Was not this man acting part, and
did she not know it It was she who
must hold sway, not he; but even as she
thus decided she felt that she was toying
with flame which might scorch those
who approached it, and yet burn on
calmly and undimmed.
"I have a message for you from
Ellis, she said, when she bade him
good night. win you not come home
tomorrow to hear it ?"
He bowed assent She had put his
coming IN such form that refusal was
impossible.
The next day found him in her pres
ence. 1t was but forerunner of many
days to follow. But nothing no longer
spoke or limited of danger to either;
they talked of themselves, the past, the
present. On the future they rarely
touched, and then with the passing
lghtness of bird 8 wing
Three weeks had passed, and Mr.. Des-
mond spoke of leaving them. On the
evening before the day fixed for bis de-
parture he came to bid Sidney good by.
You have made me break the first
promise [ have ever broken, he said to
her. 81 had promised Ellis to be best
nan at his wedding, but [ telegraphed
yesterday TO have passage taken for me
in the steamer which sails for Europe a
fortnight from to-day"
"Are you going to Europe ?" she
said slowly. "For how long? ?"
Until I have conquered myself, he
answered. He sprang to his feet.
Good-by Miss Sydney!" he said light
ly. 'God bless you and dear Old Ellis
In your new life"
She, too, stood up, and strove to
make reply. Tears were not common
visitors to the deep blue eyes, now that
she would fam drive them back-tbey
came yelling up from secret fountain,
falling so thick and fast she would not
wipe them away as they fell. nor check
the sobs which racked the slender
frame.
Inst1nctively he opened his arms and
drew her to his heart. She felt it madly
beat as In hoarse tones, but III every
fond, endearing accent. he murmured
her name. Suddenly she wrenched her
self away. The tears were checked.
She stood pale, trembling before him,
but with the fixed light of resolve in her
beautiful eyes.
81 heard that no woman had ever
touched your heart, !" she said. CT de-
termined to try-you see the result. For
you is scored another victory-for me
defeat 1 wish my humiliation to be
complete, therefore / make my unneces-
| 1.