Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-05-17
HOST AND WON.
OR THE THIRD SEASON.

eyes, he shall propose this season,
aud then l shall have the qualification,
the delight, the exquisite triumph, of
refusing him. 1t will only serve him
right"
Such was the language of Florence
Neville's eyes as she contemplated,
with no little satisfaction, the graceful
reflection of her figure in the glass, be-
fore which she was attiring for the first
ball of the season.
OF whon3 was she speaking? Of whom
thinking? Why did that short rosy lip
curl with such beautiful scorn as the
last look was given to the snowy dress,
which hung IN lace folds like summer
clouds round the fairy form of its
young mistress? Florence was at that
moment picturmg to herself the sub
jugation of one high heart which had
obstinately refused doing homage at
her shrine-of one being IN the wide
world vino had denied her power,
calmly gazed at her undoubtedly lovely
cOuntenance, and TRANQUILITY disap-
proved her style. It was insuferable;
SO Florence determined that her third
season should be distinguished by the
conquest OF the naughty, high and
handsome earl of ST. Clyde-not that
she cared for him; oh no; she was only
determined to make hlm propose. In
deed there was q sort of playful wager
between her cousin, Emma Neville,
and herself on the subject, and Flor
ence felt her credit at stake if she
failed.
"Have you thought of our wager,
Florence? said Emma Neville, as they
descended to the crawing-room to-
gether.
"To be surel You think I shall lose
it. / can read your thoughts"
"If he is the St. Clyde of last season,
you certainly will" laughed Emma.
That man is invulnerable, Florence"
"Nous verrOus, nous verrous?" said
the beauty, and taking her fathers arm
she sprang into the carriage.
1t was brilliant bali! the rich and
the noble, the young and the beautiful
all were there; and In the center of
an admiring circle, dazzling, conspicu-
Gus, stood Florence. She was prepar-
ing to waltz with tall, dark, unbend-
ing looking parsonage, who was appar-
entity quite indifferent whether he sup
ported her light figure or that of any
one else. This was Lord St. Clyde.
Florence, on the contrary, was all spark
ling gaiety. She was dancing with him
for the third time. Another moment
and they were flying around with rapid
grace.
Things went on exceedingly well.
Florence knew her ground and the
game she was playing, and as she passed
Emma the cousins exchanged glances.
That of Florence said: she is Woal"
That of Emma: "Not yet"
"I'm afraid you are fatigued," said
Lord st. Clyde, as he lead his partner
to seat.
"Oh, no, not much," replied Flor
ence; "but the rooms are very warm.
1t is impossible to dance and still more
to neutrality-suspicious. here"
She was in one corner of the room
the most crowded and removed from
either door or window.
"The Conservatives are COOL" said
the earl, but he did not offer to lead her
there. Florence was perfectly aware
that the Conservatives were cool, but
she knew, also, that they had another
advantage-they were perfect groves of
the choicest flowers and orange trees,
cOnse quently no spot was ever better
fitted for filtration, perhaps for pro-
posal. With experienced policy, how
ever, she only leaned gracefully back
and gently famed herself. Lord ST.
Clyde stood by her side. He was any
thing but ballroom man, for though
his figure was faultless, and his dancing
just enough to show it of, he had none
of that charming huency of converse
ton which a dancing partner should
have; he could not pay compliment
if he did not feel it-he would not if he
thought 1t was expected; therefore, had
he been Mr.. St. Clyde, lun., he would
have been great bore In society; as it
was he was q delightful young man
so much proper reserve.
The galloppe III Gustave aroused the
earl from reverle.
"Are you too much fatigued to Join
in the galloppe, Miss NEVILLE"
ooh, yesl l never galloppe, it fa
tigues me sol Is it possible you like
that romp, Lord St. Clyde?"
The earl persisted, but Florence
would not dance; he persuaded, but
she would not listen; he condescended
to repeat the request, and hen al
most allowed compliment to escape
him; no, Florence was firm. The earl
said no more. but drew himself up.
Suddenly Florence rose with her bright
est smile.
81 am too selfish, my lord; that gal
loppe is so inspiring that l cannot resis!
it,
& change came over the spirit Of St.
Clyde; he was another creature, and
Florence was herself again, all triumph
ant. The next moment the dancers
were thrown into confusion, there was
rush towards the windows, and Lord
st. Clyde was seen darting through the
crowd toward the conservatory with a
fsinting figure in his, arms-it was
Fl renee Neville.
The cousin bent affectionately over
the insensible girl, and the earl knelt
by her side with glass Of water.
cit was my fault" exclaimed st.
Clyde, In an agitated voice, II made
her dance-good Godl how lovely she
looksl She does not revive-what shall
we do2'
"Has no one salts?" cried Emma;
"calI my uncle; think we had better
go h0me-ob, who has any salts?" The
earl was already gone for them.