Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1883-05-11
LOST AND won;
OR THE THIRD SEASON.


and then | shall have the qualification,
the delight, the exquisite triumph, of
refusing him. II will only serve MIN
right"
Such was the language OF Florence
Neyille's eyes az 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 whonI WAS she speaking? Of whom
thinking? Why did that short rosy lip
curl with sdch beautiful scOTn 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 picturng to herself the sub
jugation Of one high heart which had
obstinately refused doing homage at
her shrinc-of one being in the wide
world who had denied her power,
calmly gazed at her undoubtedly lovely
countenance, and TRANQUILITY disap-
proved her style. 1t was in5uflorable;
30 Florence determined that her thild
season should be distinguished by the
conquest OF the naughty, high and
handsome carl Of ST. Ciyde--not that
she cared for him; oh no; she was only
determined to mako HIM propose. In
deed there WINS sort Of playful wager
between her cousin, Emma Neville,
and herself on the subject, and Flor
ence felt her credit ut stake if she
failed
"Hayo you thought Of our wager,
Florence? said Emma Neville, as they
descended to the Grawing-roOm to-
gether.
40 be surel You think | shall lose
it. ] can read your thoughts
eff he IL the 81. Clyde Of last season,
you certainly will" laughed Emma.
That man is invulucrAble, Florence"
"Nous vcrroue, nous vsrr0us?' said
the beauty, and taking her fathers arm
she sprang into the carriage.
1t was brilliant BALI the rich and
the noble, the young aud the beautiful
all were there; and i'll the center of
nm admiring circle, dazzling, conspicu-
Gus, stood Florence. She WAS prepar-
ing to waltz with tall, dark, unbend-
ing looking parsonage, who was appar-
emily quite indifferent whether he sup
ported her light figure or that of any
one else. This was Lord 81. Clyde
Florence, on the contrary, was all spark
ling gaiety. She was dancing with hin
for the third umc. 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 * she passed
Emma the cousins exchanged chances.
That of Florence said: che is WON'T
That OF Emma: "Not yet"
"I'm afcaid you are fatigued," said
Lord st. Clyde, as he lead his partner
TO II seat.
ooh, no, not much" replied Flor
ence; "but the rooms are very warm.
1t is impossible to dance and still more
to broatho-partcularly here"
She WAS iii one corner of the room
the most crowded and removed from
either door or window.
The CorseIvatories are cool" said
the earl, but he did not offer to lead her
there Florence wa3 perfectly aware
{ .ne ConsCrvLtOriCs were cool, but
she knew, also, that they had anothsr
advantage were perfect groves of
the choicest flowers and orange trees,
consequently No spot was ever better
fitted for Irritation, perhaps for pro-
pcsll. 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 llucncy of conversa-
ton which dancing partner should
hi,.
ifIhe did not feel the would not if he
thought was expected; therefore, had
he been Mr.. ST. Clyde, jun, he would
have been II great bore IN society; as it
was he was delightful young man
80 much proper reserve,
The gaNopp2 i'll Gustaye aroused the
earl from Il reverle.
care you too much fatigued to Join
in the galloppr, Miss Neville"
ooh, yes. | never galloppo, it "a.
tigues me- SCI Is it possible you like
that romp, Lord st. Ciyde?"
The earl persisted, but Florence
would not dance; he persuaded, but
she would not listen; he cOndescended
to repeat the request, and then al
most allowed a compliment to escape
him; no, Florence WAS firm. The earl
said no more, hut drew himself up.
Suddenly Florence rose with her bright
est smile.
81 am too selfish, my lord; that gal
loppo ia so inspiring that l cannot resist
it,
a change came over the spirit Of ST.
Clyde; he was another creature, and
Florence was herself again, all triumph
ant. The mex moment the dancers
were thrown lutu confusion, there WAS
rush towards the windows, and Lord
81. Clyde was seen darting through the
crowd toward the conservatory with u
Iainting figure in his arma-i it was
Florence Neville.
The cousin bent atIectionately over
the insersible girl, and the earl knelt
by her side with glass Of water.
ut was my fault" exclaimed St.
Clyde, in an agitated voice, 81 made
her dance-good God! how lovely she
looks! She does not revive-what shall
we do?"
Has no one salt>?' cried Emma;
"call my uncle; think we had better
go h9me-oh, who has any salts?r The
earl was already gone for them.
With stted laugh Florence opened
'NA 'AN'Nt 'SaAS itii 9C9 tuI slHTlGu
up,
"Wss it not we'll done?"
Good heaven, Floreuce!"
We'll my dear, did you not ever
hear of any one fainting before? You
will lose the wager, ezuiEa mia :"
"My dear Florence, how you fright
ened me?'
Never miad-hush here they come:
now take papa to the ball room for my
boa and leave the rest to me-"
Emma did as she was desired and
forbore to ask any questions until they
got home; then she anxiously enquired
did he propose?'
mo! provoking menl but very nearly.
Did not faint well?"
eyes, but it will not do, Florence
that man does not care for you."s
"Never mind that, he shall propose
"But you do not care for him?'
"Qu' impcrte? he shall propose"
"Never."
81 will make him remember this is
only the first ball ofthe season."