The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-11-12

and each was arranged with much
more attention to individual taste than
historic requirements.
That Of Atalanta certainly was, for
no one living has the slightest knowl-
edge of how the swift-footed beauty
was dressed when q golden tempta-
ton in the form of an apple proved
her genuine daughter Of Eve.
Not having soyrosian dame to
prompt her. or any Scyrosian fashion
magazine to guide, she robed herself
in scarlet bodice and skirt, short
enough to give free play to her pretty
feet and glimpses of delicately turned
ankles, gipsy hood of same color,
and a half mask, fiounced with lace
that hid even mouth and chin, and
yet permitted ease in breathing,
And very beautiful she looked upon
the evening of the contest as she stood,
mask in hand and hood thrown back,
watching the rapid glidings, twistings,
turnings, and datricate movements of
the happy crowd
Her antagonist tAought so: noticed
more than ever befare the ripping
hair, the flushed cheeks, the light
flashing in the black eyes, and saunt-
ering to her side said:
off beauty could ensure winning,
the gloves would already be yours"
"And as it cannot any more than
unwelcome compliments, what then?"
she questioned in turn.
"The kiss ] am to have will be much
the sweeter for"
"That win answer" she interrupted
contemptuosly, turning upon her heel
and darting over the mirrer-like floor
to another portion of the room.
He noticed the dexterity with which
she managed her skates, the graceful
swing, the long rapid slide, the firm
ness of motion, the certainty of poise
the utter want of timidity, and had
the race been short one would have
confessed himself beaten.
what is the distance around tbe
rink?" he asked of the proprietor, who
chanced to be near.
"Well, without going into fractions
was the business-like reply, "ten times
round would equal a mile"
Thanks" and he strolled away
complacently murmering, 1.-TWO miles
for the race, and if ! cannot catch the
black-eyed witch ! deserve to be mulct.
ed in much larger sum-"
Yet he did not neglect to take every
precaution to command success. Not
claiming to be an expert, to have been
beaten by one of his own sex would
not have rufled a feather OF his self
conceit, but to be defeated by girl
would be calling to his pride and make
him the laughing-stock OF all his ac.
quaintances.
"Going to win, Byrd?" asked a lady
friend, rolling up to the spot where he
was standing, and laying her little
gloved hand conidentiaily upon his
arm.
Certainly I am. 1t is preposterou'
to imagine the girl can have any
chance. She will tire out at the speed
before half the distance is accomplish
ed"
would you like to make the same
wager with me? / mean bet arrothe,
dozen pair OF gloves you beat Kat,
against-you know what" and sh,
pouted her ripe red lips out in tn
most provoking manner.
"Of course / would"
"And with me? and me? and me
and met" exclaimed her four colnpan
ions, tantalizing him with a prospec
of kisses enough to have excited
much more level-headed man.
eyes" he laughed; "but no more
Six dozen is quite enough to think o
losing, and when l shall be surfeiteC
with honey-sweets."
"Don't be too confident, Byrd" an
swered the first speaker. "Remem
Der the old adage Of the cup and th
lip"
"Yet prepare yourself to yield th
latter without reserve, as we say ii
the law. You know am folIowin
lit"
"And will never catch it any NOR
than you will me" was the tauntin
interruption Of Kate Merton, as sh
rolled easily past the little group
the point designated for the starting
"We shall see, my saucy LADY, h
he shouted after her, and then hastel
ed to assume his own position.
The usual terms governing sue
matters had been as reed upon by IL
high contracting parties. The al
was entitled TO q sts .rt OF one half
clap and amid great expectation
and excitement, lie track wascleare
and every ear an1 iously strained 4