The Red Cloud chief., 1884-01-11

ShO 80 "oA W hS ~ chAS
ting themselves up with their claret and
cigars, and are always asking what
they call a fellow or two to spend the
evening; but it is to spend it with them
behind the billiard-room doors. while
we anguish in the drawing-rOom with
novels and fancy work.
Hermann. being of a peaceful dispo-
sition. had never ~qua-reled with this
arrangement, and assuredly the friends
who came to those Saturday even ngs
were not disposed to do so.
Some twelve or fourteen guests were
already assembled when Philip and his
sister arrived. and the dancing had be-
gun. Grace was quickly engaged, and
was soon blissfully lost in the mazes of
a waltz: while Philip stood by the door.
seeing no other lady disengaged. and
feeling, for some reason, averse to
daEcing.
Thekla BerghauS came up to him,
looking .'as fresh as morn, as fair as
May" in her clear white dress. blue
ribbons and shining hair.
miss Berghaus! l thought you were
dancing"
mo. l have been settling the elders
and some friends of their own age to a
rubber. Besides" added Thekla, mag
unanimously, Il make it a rule. as the
eldest girl, never to begin dancing the
first thing. 1 think it is due to my
guests TO see them fairly started"
"Most laudable, But, as every lady
but yourself is dancing already, don't
YOU think you could give me Just the
end of this waltz"
"No, Mr.. Massey. 1 do not" said
Thekla, composedly. As she sat down
and pointed to a chair at her side.
lyon don't usually cOndescend. TO act
a part, but You are doing so when you
ask me to dance with YOU now. You
don't want to dane in the least"
"Ah. my dear Miss Berghaus. dom,
you think il would be rather terrible if
every one at q Cance---"
Were to come forward with such
quibbling objections As those / have
just raiscd:?" OF coure. it would be
dreadful. But l always fancied that to
Won | could speak more plainly. l
thought you did not like shams.'
i do not" said Philip. earnestly.
land was only testing when / spoke
so. You have been such a gooi friend
to me. Miss Berghaus, and you are so
good to Grace
..Oh, nonsense. l like Grace so
much; and as for being good TO her it
is not the right expression; she hardly
requires people TO be good to her.
How handsome she looks Tonight.
The dance was over. Philip offered
Thekla his arm. and suggested they
should take a turn in the garden.
"Oh. with pleasure said she. rs
they came Out into the square hall.
by the way. Mr.. Massey. tw, friends
OF mine are coming tonight with whom
| want to make Grace acquainted, :or
they live neN door To You. and they are
oh. there they are
She withdrew her hand from his arm.
and went Ia meet two figures descend
inc the staircase. Philip stood below
in the hall and watched. Tn. figures
We're tall and slight. me dark and
fair. As they came downstairs
and stood speakin: to Tiekla. the
young man almost rubbed Ills eyes in
establishment and doubt. Could it
was it--yes, that was most certainly the
hr ght hair and sweet face If Mabelle
Fairfax. and that Cttcr-his eyes few
quickly toward nerves. he instantly
recognized the strange and beautiful
the pale. creamy-white complex
ion: the long, velvet soft. almond
eyes. with their fringe of curved
the low, white forehead. with
the dusky hair ripping in natural waves
across it. How beautiful she was. In
stead of moving, he stood rooted in his
place, watching them with a grave.
intentness. They did not APP ,
pear to see him: Thekla was talking
$50 glad You have come! / began
to think you were going to fail us, and
l should have been so disappointed, be-
cause Miss Massey is here. ind"
Philip, still looking at the group of
encountered most distinctly al
this moment a slow. seemingly casual
glance from the beautiful eyes before
sp oxen of. Heavens! he thought. what
eyes they were. That look set his heart
and all he was conscious of
was the eager hope that Thekla would
that Grace had a brother !
and introduce him. Thekla did so at |
this moment.
Miss Massey, you know. of whom l
spoke TO YOU: she lives next door to
YOU, with her brother. and is II great
friend of mine" Three days ac-
1uaintance with a congenial spirit suf-
iced TO turn any of Ihekla's favorites
INTO n great friend.) .'Ani | want you
o know her. Meanwhile, let me intro
luce her brother"
The whole trio turned, and another Of
hose slow. fascinating regards was be-
slowed upon Philip.
MIR. Massey. Miss Fairfax, Miss Ma
belle Fairfax. old friends of ours, who !
nave lust come to live in Irkford.'
Philip bowed profoundly. slowly. pro-
onging the salutation in part because
ne suddenly felt himself t%ongue-tied. i
,iabelle said nothing. but her cheek
and there Was 4 smile in her
yes. Miss Fairfax did speak, saying:
II have seen both Mr.. Massey and
his sister 60 past our lodgings several
ines"
well. let us go and find his sister,"
aid Thekla. shall we 90 into the
lrawing-room. or-oh. Mrs. Lee!"
She advanced to receive a batch of
resi- arrivals. and Philip found himself
llone with the Misses Fairfax.
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