The Penn's Grove record., 1884-12-27

lb WAS VI u JEALOUS ulnDO5ttlbus NON
that Ellie was his promised wife, he did
not care for the idea of her going to
balls in the way she had hitherto done.
If she must go, he decided that she
ought TO dance almost exclusively with
himself. Aud To a certain extent he
conveyed his ideas TO Efie, who listened
patiently enough, but id not appear
quite to see her way to make any prom
Uses on the subject.
81 eau { refuse everybody, +" she said
1T would seem 81 stupld-and | am
very fond of dancing"
''Then dance with me, Ellie, u urged
Nj. Duff. "Am | not enough for you
nOwf''
"'Of course, " she agreed in an uncOn-
vnced hesitating tone that was not
lost upon the sharp ears of her intended.
Mr. Duff carried his point, as far as
waltzing went, at the first two or three
dances they went to directly after their
engagement aud Ellie, though slightly
FESTIVE at ha-ing to refuse a number of
suppllaDts, shaved altogether very
well, especially as Mr.. Duff did not ex
eel in the Terpsichorean art-in fact,
danced very badly.
Nevertheless his shortcomings in that
line were a source of considerable an
noyance TO his pretty betrothed, who
hoated to perfection round the room
when she had a fairly good partner; and
she had an inward conviction that,
when she and Mr., Duff attempted a
waltz every IN was watching then En-
ratio career and laughing at them.
This idea rather damped the prospect
of the Dragons ball to Ellie b 1t her
spirits rose whe1, on the morning Ut the
eventful day, Mr.. Duff presented her
with ali exquisite crystal heart-shaped
locket, set round with diamonds of great
beauty, and surmounted by a lovers
knot, also in diamonds. This orna
ment, worn on broad black velvet, with
a splendid bouquet, and a SIMPLE white
tulle dress trimmed with punches of
snowdrops, completed Miss Ellie Mac
gregOr's costume for the military ball.
Never had she looked prettier than
when, closely guarded by Mr.. Duff, she
entered the brilliantly-lighted Assembly
Rooms and never had she dreamed of
such "a fairylike scene a the rooms
themselves presented. Ellie was be.
Sieged with requests for dances, many
of which she declined reluctantly
enough. But presently Lady Mac
gregor came up to her and introduced
one of their hosts-Captain Verschoyle
he wished it so very much, her aunt
whispered and Efie, with a charm
Inely shy glance upwards, met a pair
of handsome bold, dark eyes fixed ad-
miringly upon her.
MAY | have a dance ?n he asked.
Ellie hesitated for an instant. George
Duff's heart stood still.
mo. s." said Ellie. THAT is tue
Lancers."
''Thank you" answered Captain Yer
schoyle, rapidly inscrIbing his initials
on her programme, and then departing.
For a few seconds there was an omi-
nous silence between Mr.. Duff and his
fdncse; and then Etie SAID tlmidly-
81 hope you don't mind, George ; [
gave him only asquare dance. 1t really
seems so foolish to refuse everybody"
"When we are married, Efie," he re,
joined gloomily, ~ sha'n't allow you to
dance at ALL"
"Pcor me ~ said Ellie to herself !;
but she remembered the crystal heart,
and refrained from expressing disap-
probation openly.
Presently George desired another
turn and Ellie found herself strug-
Cling along in trying circumstances,
which were not improved by the sudden
consciousness that she was being keenly
watched by the dark eyes of Captain
V~erschoyle.
Ellie read both amusement and pity
In them and almost sharply she told
Mr.. Duff that she thought they had
better sit down-anythIng was better
than being so terribly knocked about.
Mr.. Duff felt considerably hurt at this;
and Efie experienced a sensation of re-
lief when Captain Verschoyle again APP
peared and claimed her for No. 5, which
he said was Just about to begin.
Mr.. Duff resigned her, but resolved
to keep his treasure in sight-in fact, a
bright idea seized HIM to dance in the
Lancers himself, if possible visa els to
Ellie.
Accordingly he hurried off to secure
Hester as n partner, and in SO doing
lost sight of the hlue-and gold uniform
and the white dress: he would soon
find them again however, he said TO
himself. Hester accepted her brother
in-law elect at once, and gladly agreed
to search with him for Fife /; but she
was nowhere to be found in the Assem-
bly, Rooms.
''Perhaps she is in the Music Hall"
suggested Hester !; ''they are dancing
there too.'
AS Hester and MI. Duff entered it,
the Dragons band was discourslng
''Sweethearts," and, to the horror and
wrath Of the young man. he beheld his
beautiful Effie whirling round clasped
in the arms of Captain Verschoyle.
She was very young-he must have
patience, MI. Duff told himself As he
glared at them and then by a mighty
effort resolved TO endure what panied
him so exceedingly, and not to be hard
upon her.
Captain Verschoyle danced to perfec
ton, and Efiie felt that she was the OBJ
served of all observers as she floated
along, guided by the irresistible Captain
VerschOyle. What a change after
Georges p~lungIngl
Captain Verschoyle was enchanted
with her dancing-so no said. She
could not refuse him at least two more
dances before the evening was over.
lie was so earnest, so determined 10
have them, that Efie, after declining
Vt first, proceeded to deliberate and.
laving done that, the initiating took
place once more on her programme; and
The handsome Dragon expressed him.
self duly grateful.
~ hope you are not going t. dance
again with the partner | have just seen
Won with, Miss Macgregor ?" he said
Il declare it made me quite angry to
watch how he dragged sou abOutl Who
- he pn
II suppose you meal Mr.. Duffp' re
Jlied Ellie, coloring as she spoke.
Duff Ah-ought TO be Duffer y
declared Captain Verschoy.e. why,
here he is looking AS black as thun.
lerl" Aud Captain Yerschoyls smiled
I'll