St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-08-31
COURTSHIP AT A PARTY.
GAIL Her Castles Were Not Built o.
Air.,

invited out, the thought that their means
would not permit an exchange of social
courteSieS kept her at home. Naughty
Mabel Winston had just sent the young la
dies an invitation to party with the eX-
pectation that it would be respectfully de-
clined.
There was considerable discussion as to
whether or not the invitation should be ac-
cepted. Ethel at last decided that she could
not go.
''But think you ought to go, Ethel, &"
said Cora. Il do not believe in flowers be-
ing born to blush unseen; and how are you
to meet that ideal Of yours if you remain
shut up here all your life?"
''Well, Cora. III the first place we have
no dresses nice enough for party, and L
hate to go anywhere where [ can't dress as
well as those | meet"
''Trust to me- Ethel, and you will look as
well as any one. AS | can only sit in a cor
ner it does not make much difference about
me- Do put aside your pride and reserve
for once and crafty me by going to this
party. l feel that something is going to
happen: you will make an impression Oh
somebody, | know"
''At your old trade of building air-castleS,
Coral Then, just to have them tumble
down and punish your folly, l will go. l
do not think it would be disappointment
to Mabel. though, if | refused. She is more
selfish and naughty than ever. | must 90
in my old black silk, too, for we can afford
no extra expense, and there must be no
sacrifices made, / insist"
SO, on condition that Cora'S exquisite
taste should be called into requisition in re-
novating the black silk, it was settled that
the girls were to 90 to the wonderful party.
The eventful night came at last. The
finishing touches had been put to Ethels
toilet, and she was standing before Cora
for inspection and criticism. The black silk
fitted her girlish figure to perfection, and
fell behindin a long, graceful train that had
the effect Of adding at least three inches to
her height. Never had she looked so well,
and Cora could not repreSS her fond adj
miratiOn.
The sisters started early, so that the lame
girl might be seated before the guests as
semhled. Mabel received them cordially,
for she was feeling triumphant and happy.
The scene was calculated to excite pleaSur-
able emotions.
Even Cora caught the infection, and
Ethel's buOyant spirits knew no bounds.
She sang and played and danced with an
abandonment and enjoyment that delighted
who knew her only as reserved, proud
young lady.
AS for Mabel-well, it was no wonder she
felt confident, for her blonde beauty had
never appeared so brilliant. The costume
of azure and white was charming, and her
natural charms were heightened by all that
art could do. Leaning on the arm of her
companion, and looking cOquettshly at his
grave face, she seemed irresistible. But
Mr.. Frank WOlvertOn listened to her gay
badnage with rather cynical expression
of cOmtenance, and, though his manner
was deferential i'll the extreme, it seemed as
if it were prompted by mere courtesy. and a
passive yielding to the acknowledged sway
Of beautiful woman rather than by any
feeling of interest in herself or what she
was saying.
1t was on this man that Cora's attentions
became concentrated for his dark, hand
some face pleased her. 1t was the face of
one who had thought deeply and knew the
world. He was evidently the lion Of the
evening-the object of MabelS hopes and
aspirations Cora was watching him in
tently and earnestly, as if she depended on
him to lay the foundation of her air castles.
He was just the kind of man, she felt,
that would recognize the latent power in
EtherS character. The intense desire that
he should know her took possession of Cora
so strongly that she rose from her seat. al
most yielding to the temptation to ask Mabel
to introduce him. But this she knew Ethel's
pride would resent, and sitting down again
she looked anXiously to where Ethel was
standing, to see if lie would not at glance
perceive that she was woman to interest
him and turn from the shallow flirt at his
side.
With a thrill Of eXultant pride she saw
that her sister was at her best. She was
surrounded by several men who were listen
ing eagerly to her gay conversation. The
color mantled her cheek. while her glorious
eyes flashed with wOndrOuS brlliancy. Her
slight figure was erect, and her head thrown
back with conscious power and pride
Once more Cora looked at Mabel and her
companion. They were very near her now,
and MabcFS manner had none of its cold
lightness. She had been piqued and inter
ested into self-forgetfulneSs; there was ear
nestneSS in her face, and the eyes, with
their melting beauty, were flied with a
light the meaning of which was I'M
mistakable. 1t could not fail to have an
effect upon the man beside her. Her face
had lost its Indifferent look, her eyes were
warming with tenderness.
With sigh and a jealous pang for Ethels
sake, Cora sank back At that moment a
merry peal of laughter from the group sur
rounding Ethel attracted the gentleman's
attention. Mabel turned with him, and in
stantly her look changed to one of jealous
alarm as she watched the effect Ethels ap-
pearance had on her friend
His careless glance changed into one of
admiration and delight. The languor in his
manner passed away and he stood erect and
interested, and, for moment, as if spell
bound. In that moment SIch a CHANGE
swept over Mabel's face that it was scarcely
recognizable. The blue eyes lost their
melting sOftness and assumed a steely gilt
ter: her whole body trembled with sup
pressed passion. But only for a moment;
in another she had1regained her self-posses-
sion, and, perceiving Cora, touched her
companions arm, and in her blandeSt man
ner begged to introduce him to dear school
friend of hers.
Mr.. WOlveTton bowed with courtly grace.
and seeing Immediately why Cora sat apart
offered Mabel q chair and took one himself.
Just then Ethel, glowing and excited. came
toward them, and, as Cora's eyes lighted
with pleasure, a triumphant glitter came
into NIabel's. The introduction was made,
however, with careless ease, and she in
dulged in a little small talk before she gave
her thrust. Then, turning to Ethel, with
her most innocent expression, she said:
congratulate me on the success of the
stratagem that won you from the flattery of
so many admirers to your sisters chair,
though you must not think, Mr. WOlvertOn,
mat without the attraction of your presence
EIhel would not come at all. She is a most
devoted sister,"
The poisoned dart was flung by skillful
mana, ana one who knew well the weak
tar,,--