Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1888-03-29
CHAPTER ".

| McArdle, IN dress-cOat and pumps, was
the second person Phoebe greeted on enter
/ ing Miss Fawcett's parlors. He stood talk
ing with young girl, Lone hand resting on a
chair-back, the other hanging gracefully by
his side, and self-consciousness radiating
| from him. No other member Of the class
\ was In evening attire.
Gurley saw with satisfaction that Phoebe
was instantly admired. She moved daunt-
lessly into this little social sea, feeling that,
| like an iceberg, she carried sevenfold Of her
bulk Of cold misery below the surface. Not
| for her were the timid vanity and erratic
carriage Of young girlhood.
GLOW alluring your Miss White is, Gu
| pid," said Psyche, hooking her finger on
| his arm In the library. II wish had black
| eyes and a racy color-that moist, peach-lilrc
| richness Of the skin. They are so easily
and simply dressed TO. She looks as dis
| tinguished as q queen"
II accept your approval as n personal com
| pliment," said Gurley. "Now cast your eye
on McArdle.n
"Why should cast my eye on Mr. Nc
Ardlei You know he sets my teeth on
edge"
Psyche" said Gurlcy, with gravity,
"hadn't better bring our old engagement
ring back to youl There are some subjects
on which our harmony is utter"
"Right there our harmony would break in
20 discords. never felt as kindly toward
you in my life as do tonight, and it's all
because the annoying engaged feeling is on.
/ can't see why girls take pride in such dis
comfort. And II an almost cndurable Great
ure like yourself hampered me, Oh, con
slider what il might have been with that
wrath Of manhood yonder Us the party Of
the second part"
Il shall always remember gratefully,
Swansdown, that you rate me q little above
McArdle. McArdle denied before the hefellOws
to-day that he had the slightest scquaint-
ance with this young girl-when had seen
him take money from her hand which she
had earned by hard days work He didn't
want 20 identify himself with her or bring
her out at all; he only wanted 10 make use
OF her goodwill
"Jack, why do you set me 20 despising
people In my own housel II is 50 inhospi-
table | didn't pull you in here 10 have my
temper excited, but 70 ask you how TO break
that stiffness. Oh, DO all the girls and
young men in Greensburg stahd Up like that
and freeze each others marrow for polite
ness sake when they meet at an easy
socialr'
II am afraid they do,n responded Gurley
''They never used u do it," mOurned
Psyche.
"We're trying 10 be polished" said Cur.
ley. "And when we don't dance we pose
and drop an occasional word 10 each
other"
dance! II they only would. But yor
told me half the men are divinity students
and not dancing men at all"
Besides added Gurley, 1--WE are in
some awe Of our present hostess. We be.
lieve she comes straight from courts, and
occupies herself comparing us common
clOds 10 duchesses and counts and 80 ON
"What shall | dos would actually get
upon table and cut a caper II that would
make them comfortable"
"Try IT,"
as this the way you help mer' exclaimed
Psyche, flashing her rings as II through
them she discharged her surplus electricity.
~ would just love 10 bite you like / used 70
when we first fought each other"
"Yes, carry the engraving Of your lovely
hngernail under my right ear yet, " observed
Gurley, with enjoyment "But was going
10 say that when we Greensburgers want
t0 relax and timber ourselves thoroughly
we take 70 charades aud tableaux."
''oh, how easy" said Psyche. "Why
didn't you say so beforer
And then we end with college songs and
go home blessing our entertainer"
The company was accordingly soon divided
in twain, one section chatting expectantly
on rows Of chairs, the other wranghng and
eager in a green-room 10 which the house
wardrobes were made tributary. Fsyche's
aunt, quiet lady who scarcely impressed
ones memory, was made manager Of stage
properties.
Miss Fawcett and Phoebe, who were 10
appear as the captive Queen Of Scots and
one OF her Marys, remained together, while
open the act.
When they had completed their own fan
tastio adornment they set down 10 wait, aud
Psyche smiled at Phoebe.
fro DE CoNTINUEDl