The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1882-10-20


wall-flower."
Ten minutes later, Jasper. merciless-
ly snubbed by Kate Magee. disconso-
lately sought his betrothed, his smart
ing vanity needing the balm of her de-
votion. He found her talking gaily
with Mr.. Mountain, who made no at
tempt to conceal his appreciation Of her
society.
With easy grace Jessie introduced
the two gentlemen, who bowed stiilly To
each other.
For moment he forgot all about
Fate. for he was jealous.
For the first time he saw Jessie en-
tirely engrossed with another man, that
man u former, sutton and millionaire,
and the experience was not a joyous
one.
BY and by he turned to Jessie.
"Will you give me your card?' he
asked, as she looked round.
Certainly, but I'm afraid al tho
dances are gone" she smilingir an
swered.
He looked Mt the programme without
word: as she had said, the card was
full.
That was the most miserable evening
Jasper Sullivan ever spent.
Jessie. in the highest of spirits, was
SO completely absorbed by Mr.. Mount
fair that he had no opportunity to ex-
change half dozen words with her.
Kate Magee was annoyed. for she had
determined to secure the millionaire,
but he treated her with the greatest in
difference.
She determined, however, on one
grand effort, and late in the evening
proceeded to make it.
Mr.. Mountain and Jessie were still
laughing and talking together in one
corner Of the ballroom.
Near by stood Jasper Sullivan, his
face dark with anger.
Kate came up to him, her face all
smiles.
..Oh. Mr.. Sullivanr' she cried; II am
in such a fix. My cousin has gone
home without me, and 1 have no es-
cort; and it is SO Late
She paused and looked appealingly-
not at Jasper, but at Mr.. Mountain,
fully expecting that he would offer to
do escort duty. But he seemed blind
and deaf to all but his companion, and
Jasper was forced to respond.
81 shall be glad to see you home, Miss
Magce, if Jessie will wait here till re-
turn" he said slowly and Reluctantly.
Instantly Mr.. Mountain seemed to
regain possession of his senses.
"Allow ME to relieve you of the care
of Miss Miller" he courteously said, as
he turned to Jasper; II will be delight
ed to take her home"
Before the angry Celt could reply to
the New York millionaire Jessie inter-
posed:
.Oh, thank you, Mr.. Mountain. that
will settle matters nicely" she said. her
face being illumined by bright smile.
What could Mr.. Sullivan say? His
face grew darker than before, rs he
stammered out something about "bcing
pleased to oblige all parties So"
1t Is certain Kate Magee never had
such miserable escort as her country
man proved to be that night.
An hour later Jessie was standing on
the steps of her residence, bidding MIR.
Mountain goodnight.
II may call and take y.A for q
driver" he said on parting.
"Yes, shall be delighted to CO." was
Jessie Miller's answer.
Jessie, one word" a voice arrest
ed her just as she was going into the
house.
A CLEAN of amusement crossed the
girls arch face as she turned to con-
front her Celtic lover.
"Why, Jasper. dear, is that youp"
asked Jessie, in innocent surprise.
'.Where is Kate Mageep'
''ConfOund the GIRL" he exclaimed,
'.if it had not been for that coquette-
but never mind. Are you going to ride
with that conceited fellow tomorrow"
Certainly 1 am" she replied coolly.
"Why notP"
because ! forbid it."
my dear Jasper. At present you
have no right to command"
"But Jessie"
81 think" added Jessie, .'that you
have forgotten the little agreement we
made. II you remember"
II remember nothing except that l
have been an arrant fool" he exclaim-
ed, seizing her hand and holding it in a
tight grasp. my dearest, have suf-
fered so much tonight, that under
stand how unfairly I have hitherto
treated you whenever have flirted
-n
my dear Jasper. am surprised to
see how you dislike your countrywoman,
Kate Magee. In my opinion she is such
love of a girl"
"Jessie, show me some mercy" cried
Jasper. Forgive mer'
Il do forgive you," answered Jessie.
| "But you must let me accept Mr..
Mountains invitation for tomorrow"
mo, no, no! cannot allow that
-n
"Not when tell you that Vincent
Mountain is my sisters husband, and
has been for two years. Why, you are
jealous"
'Oh, Jessie. can you forgive mep'
Eyes, of course can. / have only
given you little lesson that you need
ed"
A kiss prevented the pretty Jessie
from saying anything more about her
stratagem.
Jasper Sullivan went home that night
radiantly happy.
The lesson had cured him, and he has
since proved not only an honest lover,
but a most devoted husband.-NeD
York Mercury.