The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-10-21
COURTSHIP AT A PARTY.

Cora. after "A lingering illness, had been per-
manently famed; and though Ethel was
often invited out, the thought that their
means would not permit an exchange ot
social courtesies kept her at home.
Naughty Mabel Winston had just sent the
young ladies an Invitation to a party with
the expectation that it would be respect
fully declined.
There was considerable discussion as to
whether or not the invitation should be &c.
ceptcd. Ethel at last decided that she
could not go. IT,. ,
But | think you ought to 60, Ethel
said Cora. II do not believe in flowers be-
ing born to blush unseen; and how are you
To meet thai ideal Of yours ii you remain
shut up here all your life?'
..Well. Cora. in the first place We have no
dresses nice enough for a party. and nate
to 90 anywhere where ] can't dress as well
as those | meet"
"Trust to me, Ethel, and you will loo 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 TINS
party. | feel that something Is gong 10
happen; you will make an impression on
somebody, | know"
"a your old trade OF building alr-castles,
Coral! Then just to have them tumble
down and punish your folly, VIII go. l
do not think it would be IA disappointment
to Mabel. though, if | refused. She is more
shelfsh and naughty than ever. ! must go
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 requlsltlon IN
renovating the black silk. it was settled
that the girls were to so to the wohderiui
party. TIL.
The eventful night came at last. The
finishing touches mad been put TO Etnei 8
toilet. and she was standing before Cora
for inspection and criticism. The black SILK
fitted her girlish figure to perfection, ana
fell behind in a long graceful train that hld
the effect OF adding at least three inches 70
her height. Never had she looked so wei,
and Cora could not repress her fond adj
miration.
Tn sisters started early, SO that the
lame girl could be seated before the guests
assembled. Mable received them cordially,
for she was feeling triumphant and happy.
The scene was calculated to excite pleasur-
able emotions.
Even Cora ca ught the Injection, and Eth
els buovant spirits knew no bounds. she
sang and PLAYED and danced with an aban-
donment and enjoyment that delighted her
sister and excited the surprise OF those VINO
knew her on,v as a 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 coquettlshly at
his grave face, she seemed irresistible.
But Frank WoIverton listened to her
CAV badinage with ii rather cynical express
sion OF co~untenancc, and, though his man
ner was deferential in the eXtreme, it seemed
as if it were prompted by mere courtesy.
and IA passive yielding to the acknowledged
sway OF a beautiful woman rather than by
any feeling OF interest in herself or what She
was saying.
1t was on this man that Cora's atten-
tions became concentrated, for his dark.
handsome face pleased her. 1t was the
face OF one who had thought deeply and
knew the VIC Grid. He was evidently the hon
of the evening-the object OF Mabels hopes
and aspirations. Cora was watching him
intentiy and earnestly, as if she depended
on him to lay the foundation OF her ar
castles.
He was lust the kind of man, she felt.
that would recognize the latent power In
Ethcl's character. The Intense desire that
he should know her took possession OF
Cora so strongly that she rose from her
seat. almost yielding to the temptation to
ask Mabel to incrodlce him. But this she
knew Etiiel's pride would resent, and sit
ting down again she looked anxlously to
where Ethel was standing, to see II he
would not at IL glance perceive that she
was a woman to interest him and tnrn
from the shallow flirt AZ his side.
With IL thrill Of eXultant pride she saw
~ -. 900, - boz Inyf Ana was
surrounded by several men who were listen
ing eagerly to her gay conversation. The
color nlantled her cheek, while her glorious
ewes flashed with wondeous brilliancy. Hell
slight figure was erect, and her head thrown
back with conscious power and pride.
Once more Cora looked at Mabel and her
c%ompanion. They were very near her now,
and Mabel's manner had mons OF It's cold
lightness. She had been plqued and inter
ested into sclf-iorgetfulness; there was ear
n%estncss in her face, and the eyes, with
their melting beauty, were filled with a
light, the meaning of which was unmlStak-
able. 1t could not fail to have an effect
upon the ma beside her. Her face Lad
lost it's Indifferent look her eyes were warm,
ing with tenderness.
With u sigh and a Jealous pangfor EtheIs
sake. Cora sank back. At that a
merry peal OF laughter from the grOup sur.
rounding Ethel attracted the gentleman's
attention. Mabel turned with him, and
instantly her look charged to oncof Jealous
alarm as she watched the effect Ethels ap-
pearance had on her friend.
HIS careless glance changed into one oil
admiration and delight. The languOr in
his manner passed away, and he stood
erect and Interested, and, for a moment, as
if spellbOund. In that moment such a
change swept over Mabel's face that it was
scarcely recognizable. The blue eyes lost
their melting softness and assumed a steely
glitter; her whole body trembled with sup
pressed passion. But only for a moment;
in another she had regained her self-posses-
sion, and, perceiving Cora, touched her
companions arm, and in her blandest
manner begged to introduce him to Il dear
school friend OF hers.
Mr.. Wolverton bowed with cOurtly grace,
and seeing imniedia teiy why Cora sat apart,
offered Mabel a chair and tool one himself.
Just then Ethel, glowing and excited, came
toward hem, and, as Cora's eyes lighted
with pleasure, Il triumphant glitter came
into MabeI's. The introduction was made,
however, Will careless ease. and she in
dulged in d little small talk before she gave
her thrust. Then, turning to Ethel. with
her most innocent ex presslOn, she said:
Congratulate me on the success OF the
stratagein that won you from the fiattery
Of SO many admirers to yOur sisters chair,
though must not think, Mr.. Wolvertcn.
that without the attraction of our pres
ence Ethel would not colne at all. She is q
most devoted sister"
The poisoned dart was flung by a skillful
hand, and one who knew well the weak
point in her victims armor. 1t struck 80
surely that nothing further was necessary.
With hot indignation, impetuous Cora
flashed out:
"My sister never rclaxes her devotion.
Mr.. Wolverton. 1t was at at my earnest
-ntreaty, and solely to crafty me. that
she came. She is as incapable of neglect
ing those she loves for the empty admira-
ton of the crowd as she is of seeking the
society of anyone merely for the prestige OF
a name"
Mr.. WOlverton seated Ethel Il little apart
and engaged her in conversation until she
had regained composure and her wOunde
feelings had been somewhat soothed by his
kindness and attention. When once more
conversation became general and harmony
was apparently restored, he addressed
Mabel:
1--WE were engaged for the next dance, ]
believe, Miss Winston. / will conduct you
to your partner, and then, with Miss Cora's
xna,,;;,, u4,,,, .,1 ~ with han ~