Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-11-16
CHAPTER XVI.

manded q fine view; the Gardens and
pleasure-grounds were extensive. There
had been some talk Of decorating the
gardens with cOlored lamps, but il was
late in the season for evening wander
ing out Of doors. though summer
seemed almost % have returned for
few DAYS; moreover, the moon was at
its brightest. aiIovdiny light enough to
any who chose 20 escape for a while
from the thick Of the throng; so the
idea was given up. and all resources
were drawn upon to create brilliant
scene within doors.
Mrs. Dalton had been desirous that q
card Of invitation should be sent to Mr..
Fancourt.
II am sure Mrs. Newcombe would be
proud to receive him. she said.
But Lena gave decided negative to
the proposal. She was not anxious to
appear with her tidncee in her train; on
the contrary, she was always thankful
to escape for a while from Mr.. Fan
courts presence, and had a strong feel
ing that being obliged to receive bis at
tentions in public would be unbearably
irksome.
HE is too much man of the world
to dance attendance upon me when l
am his wife, she said to Bertha-"at
all events, would not allow it-and l
will not undergo the boredom of having
him hanging about now, when can
avoid it."
"Oh, Lenal" was the reproachful re-
SponSe; but Lena only turned away
when Bertha began to eXpOStulate, or
to express her fears for the future. She
would not listen, would not be warned.
She had a wonderful stubbornness of
nature under that soft exterior OF hers
-firmness it would have been termed,
if in a better cause. ,.tl
AS usual, the sisters were very di-
versely attired for the ball. Lena wore
white silk, trimmed with rare old
lace that had formed part of the bridal
paraphernalia of Captain Dalton's
great grandmother. She had also
adorned herself with the set of tur-
quoises Mr.. Fancourt had given her;
nor did she decline to accept a rare
bouquet for the occasion, though she
had avoided having his company, and
could well have dispensed with the kiss
that accompanied the gift.
Both St. Lawrence and Douglas had
been invited to this party-handsome,
lively young men were always well
come addition on such occaSions-and
Douglass detection had been a subject
of regret. st. Lawrence, however, ar
rived in good time. Mrs. Newcombe
had appointed him one of the stewards,
to assist her son in keeping the ball 60
ing, in token whereof he had crimson
ribbon fastened to his button-hole; a
decoration which caused more than one
of the guests to ask, Who is that very
distinguished-look man wearing the
Legion of Honor?'
st. Lawrence and Bertha spoke but
little during their first dance. 1t was
happiness enough to be together. As
their hands met, as they stood side by
side, as she felt his eyes bent upon her,
and listened to the tones of his voice in
the few words he spoke, the joyful con-
viction forced itself on Bertha's mind
that she was beloved, and in the softly
flushed cheeks, the downcaSt eyes, the
tremor of the little fingers in his clasp,
st. Lawrence fancied he read signs that
bade him hope.
''You will give me the next waltz,
will you not?n he asked, bending over
her, as at her request, he led her to
seat.
II think not the next" replied Ber-
tina, smiling, at the same time glancing
toward her mother, who she perceived
was watching them.
CONSTITUTED authorities might OBJ
! ject, you mean," said st. Lawrence, fol-
lowing the direction of her eyes. "Save
a round dance for me later on then.
You will not refuse me that?" he plead
ed, taking her tablet, and writing his
name against waltz.
Bertha smiled assent.
''Now you must CO." she announced
You must not forget that you are on
duty"
Tell me one thing" he said, in a
tone of anxiety, as he still fingered
near her. us Fancourt to be here to-
night? Ifancied he might be coming
with you."
mo" Bertha replied; che is moi
coming"
She had it on her lips to say that
| Lena had not been anxious for his at
tendance, but checked herself. st
| Lawrence seemed, however, to read by
intuition what was in her mind.
''You will think that speak in rid
| dies" he observed, in a low tone, ''if
tell you that am glad your sisters af
fections are not bound up in this mar
riage."
"You frighten me!'' Bertha returned
in the same low voice, looking alarmed
II am sorry to have to do that" St
Lawrence declared; land the worst Of
it is, / cannot as yet explain myself
Would you be grieved personally i
anything occurred to break off thi'
match?"
Personally, no." Bertha replied
more and more alarmed. Il don't mint
telling you that l have never got owe
my first dislike to Mr.. Fancourt--ant
you know how strong that was. Nov
you really must 60. There's Mrs. New
combe looking for you"
st. Lawrence asked Lena to dance
once, but her card was already full;
notification he received with provoking
tranquility. Bertha danced severa
times, and sat out other dances once O.
twice. This she preferred doing. Sh'
could not 90 ON dancing square dance
and round in endless succession with
out fatigue, as Lena seemed able to do
At last St. Lawrence came to CLAIM
the promised waltz. He saw the trOu
bled expression of her face, and whis
pered, as he placed his arm round he
with gentle pressure
''Take courage-all will be for th
best, | hope and trust"
! There were several German waltze
| played that night which sounded as j
| they had been composed expressly TO
lovers to dance to. In the midst of tn
invous triplets an under-tone of patho
| l.;!de itself felt; deep sentiment scenes
;.Sin.., sadness. Such music now re
| ~, d tsrorgh the room as, st. Law
and Bertha noated along together
the beating Of their hearts appearing t
keep time to the pleasant strains. o.
they went, scarcely conscious Of any
thing but the bliss of the moment, til
the music stopped with grand crash