The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1884-02-15
HER LAST BALL.

"Then You will not consent to go to
the ball with mt; BGrtonp,,-
Blstt2nSunway's face was very grave
and anxious.
81 cannot 90, Stella. My business
is so pressing. it is necessary that run
down to St. Louis this morning. My
little wife. can you not give up this
bail, and remain at home? This gaiety
is becoming too important a part of your
existence, Stella! DO stay at home to-
night, for,my sake, dear; il is that bus
mess of Effingham's that calls me
away, and capnot return before to-
morrow morning. Listen, Stella. To-
night will decide whether l am to be
rich or beggar. For have risked,
perhaps foolishly, our entire fortune in
a speculation, which will either make
me millionaire or pauper. and to-
night shall know whether | fail or
succeed
"And if you lose everything" pout-
ed Stella, ''then I'm sure I'll never re-
ceive another invitation like this. And
my dress is lovely, white lace and dia-
monds; Sister Minnie's diamonds, of
course, for you know l have none of
my Own!'
''Give up going to Mrs. Barclays
ball." pleaded her husband, land if
my venture succeeds, and my expecta-
tions are realised, you shall have set
of diamonds of your own, the very
finest can purchase.
And Burton Conway stopped his
handsome head and kissed his wife's
red lips. There was grieved look
upon her pretty face, for Stella Conway
was a spoiled child who had never had
a wish crossed; and she had set her
heart upon this ball, which the rich
and aristocratic Mrs. Barclay was to
give at her palace home.
Stella's vain little heart was full of
the anticipated pleasure. She had
thought of little else, and talked and
even dreamed of the coming festivities;
and now on the very morning of the
eventful day to be disappointed in this
fashion. it was altogether too bad; for
she had never attended any place of
amusement unaccompanied by her hus-
band: and 10 know that he must be
absent from the city was equivalent to
saying that all was over in regard to
the ball.
1T is just too provokingr' pouted
the pretty young wife; she was a rosy
blonde. dainty and dimpled; ''too aw-
fully provoking that Burt must start
off upon this particular day, when I'm
quite sure another will do just as well.
Business! How | hate the very word!
And suppose" she caught her breath
with pang of terror at the very
thought, suppose we do lose our for
tunep 1t is small, but all we have to
depend upon save Burton's law husi-
ness; why, then, I'll never have d
chance TO 60 to Mrs. Barclays. for
she's so rich and exclusive, she would
never invite us if we were poor.
Burton Conway was putting on his
hat and overcoat. He came 10 her
side now, and took her in his arms.
Goodbye, darling" he whispered
fondly. God grant that may return
successful! Pray for me, little wife, y
he added, as he kissed her tenderly
again and again. She did not return
his kisses, but stood, hurt and cold,
her face half averted.
Goodbye, darling" he repeated,
and then he was gone.
All. had Stella Conway dreamed of
what was coming she would never
have let him go away without kisses
and fond farewell words, and assur-
ance of affection. And she knew not
that the hour was drawing nigh when
| she would have bartered her whole ex-
| istence for one of those loving kisses.
| Once alone. Stella sank upon sofa,
and hiding her face among the cush-
ions, burst into tears.
"Tll never forgive him!' she painted
angrily. "He might have postponed
this trip-I know It! Should our for.
tune really be gone, he will have the
satisfaction of knowing that he has
cheated me out of my last amusement,
and 1 will never pardon him for it
never"
While she was indulging in her
grief, the door-bell rang, and the SER
Want ushered in a fine-looking, showily
dressed lady, Stella's particular friend,
Mrs. Thompson-a giddy woman, but
not wilfully injudiciOus.
"Crying-I do believer she exclaim
ed. .'W6y, Stella, what is the mat
terp''
II can't-go-to-- ball-
tonight, Marica," faltered Stells
through her tears.
| "Not gop You are crazy, child
Why, your dress is ready; and Minnie
sent her diamonds in my care"
And she produced a small casket
j and proceeded to open it. The spec
tacle of the jewels uuon their whit,