The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-07-09
1.-THE ball will be one for costumes
said Alice Legris.
t.Wharnfora -,

SAID Alice LegrIS.
Wherefore ~
Because in the first place l have my
idea; secondly, we have some very pretty
medieval costumes which we wish to use
again"
Approved ! shall be delighted to see
Laura arrayed as at the tournament of
Plougner. Probably we shall see the val
liant champion return, shall we not Miss
Alice!'' said the commandment, archIy.
Your idea is very ingenious, you would
make a perfect diplomat To-day when
they are pursuing to extremes the eman-
cipation Of women and their admission to
public offices, I vote that diplomacy be re-
served for them ; what lack they for that
work ?''
Discretion, people say, replied Alice,
shrewdly.
"Oh miss, you SANDER YOURSELF
SThere are exceptions, sir; claim to
be one of them. Very well, you con-
sent ?''
Absolutely. I rely on your taking care
to assure the success of our plan."
Il make all my reservations added
Laura.
"That is well we shall see.n
The Commandment de Tillac, delighted
with the prospect, set himself to make the
necessary arrangements.
my dear Alfredo said he to his
brother, II give grand ball in fifteen
days you will, / hope, Leontene, y con-
tinued he, addressing his sister-in-law, ''be
willing to preside at that fete with the
distinction and grace which you bring to
everything"
Madame de Tillac bowed assent with
smile, fiattered by the compliment, but
little satisfied indeed to see receptions be-
gin again.
Laura had regained her cheerfulness
since the return of her father. Alice and
she busted themselves in sending out the
invitations.
1T is provoking that the Knight of
Hope has not left his address, " said Alice,
as she was writing names on a list.
GILL RuAouctuCQ Uu6U l. OLlltll OCC Allu
again at this fete, !" replied Laura
THAT will be the moment to come to
defend his rights. He said to you: you
will see me every time you shall have need
of me- Between US, it is very lucky that
NJ. de Boissy was on hand there when you
were in danger of drowning, for you would
have vainly awaited the succor of your
knight. In short, his hope is realised, he is
loved without having done any great
thing to merit it he will come back and
show his face. 1t seems like tale from
the Arabian Nights. Call now your hand
some prince and say to him: Noble
knight, I am prosecuted, they are pressing
me to denounce you; fly to my help and
triumph once again over your unworthy
rivals. Has he not given you an enchant-
ed ring
Laura shrugged her shoulders, laughing,
The fifteen days passed merrily in the
midst of preparations for the ball. The
Commandant de Tillac, younger by ten
years, was going and coming in the man
sion, giving orders and organizing every
thing.
People will talk for long time of this
fete, y he said to Alice whom he called his
aid-de-camp, 81 wish to spare nothing to
give it e'clat, seem to myself to have
gone back to the time of my youth. Pro-
vided Laura does not put our diplomacy to
rout -
II have good hope,' responded Alice
with an air which seemed to say that she
had not yet brought all her resources into
action.
what woman wills. God Wills" re-
sumed the commandant ''your confidence
wins me. That shall be glorious day for
me and for her, when I shall assure the
future of my cherished daughter and I
shall owe it to YOU"
''Not to me solely" responded Alice
silly.
"How then?"
II am adiscreet diplomat, sir you don't
make me betray state secret.''
Il bow without insisting, Miss, despite
my desire to know this famous secret
Alice went out to go to give an order to
the gardener and also perhaps to avoid the
curiosity of Laura's father.
(To be continuedD