The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1888-01-21
by no means delighted with this turn

"Oh. we don't expect you to see
how charming he is" Clara hippantly
answered; sit would scarcely be nat.
ural under. the circumstances. But
Maude and think differently. And
OIL he's put his name on my card for
three dances!" And she fourished
the bit OF pasteboard in triumph.
George stretched out his hand for it.
s'Is there room for my name there,
Miss Clara?" he asked rather stiffly,
not relishing her enthusiasm, and in
clined to think that, after all, the
"sweet girl" had considerable eco
quetry about her."
~ believe there are one or two dane
es left," she answered with an indiffer-
ence which made Made smile, remem-
boring how different her reception OF
Georges attentions had been On a
former occasion.
"You had better take what dances
you wish before my card is filed" she
said quietly, when her lover had re.
turned Clara's card.
| "Oh, Til attend to that after the
first dance" he answered and in anotn-
er moment they had taken their plac-
es upon the floor.
Maude said nothing; but her quiet
smile meant volumes.
George spoke little while dancing; he
was nettled by the marked change in
Clara's manner. He did not care q
straw for the girl, but his vanity was
wounded. He furtively watched her
as she danced with Stephen Black-a
singularly handsome man, he acknowl-
edged to himself-and observed all her
little airs and graces-the very arts
which she had employed to please him
not long ago. The moment the dance
was over he seated Maude beside
some of her friends and rushed off to
take Clara, determined to divert her
attention from this interloper. Clara,
t on the other hand, was bent on re-
tanning Mr.. Black by her side, and her
chagrin could not De concealed when
he, glad OF the pretext afforded by
Georges approach bowed himself
away and walked across the room TO
Maude.
Ten minutes after, when George, mer-
cilessiy snubbed by Clara, disconso-
lately sought his betrothed. his smart
ing vanity needing the balm of her
unwavering devotion, he found her
talking gaily with Mr.. Black, who
made no effort to conceal his appre-
citation of her society. With easy
grace she introduced the two gentle.
men, who bowed sti1y to each other,
then resumed her conversation, which
consisted OF old "reminiscences in which
George had no share, therefore he
could take no part in their talk.
In moment he had forgotten all
about Clara and mis- petty annoyance
on her account, while q pang OF real
jealousy seized his heart. For
the first time in his knowledge
of her he saw Maude entire
ly engrossed with another
man, that man q former sutton, and
his experience was not a pleasant one.
He stood beside her for some time,
waiting for a word or look; but she
had seemingly forgotten his very exist
ence. By-and-by he quietly touched
her hand.
"Will you give me your card,
Maude?" he asked, as she looked
around.
Certainly" she smilingly answer
ed; "but Pm afraid all the dances are
gone"
He looked at it without word; as
she had said, there was not one dance
left.
81 told you when we entered the
room that you had better secure as
many as you DESIRED" she said, in
answer to his look of reproach. And
ne, remembering his indifference,
could answer nothing.
That was the most miserable even
ing George Campbell ever spent.
Maude, in the gayest of spirits, was so
absorbed by Stephen Black that he
had no opportunity to exchange more
than half dozen words with her dur
ing the entire evening. Nor was he
the only sufferer; Clara Vaughan, al
ways on the lookout for fresh con.
quests, had determined to secure
Stephens attention. and was made
absolutely furious by his devotion to
Maude. She could not retain him by
her side for three consecutive minutes;
her Establishments fell less on this
man of the world. who knew every
phrase of q coquet's art, and thought
Clara rather q clumsy work-woman,
though she did very we'll for a village
girl. Maude's simple frankness and
absence of self-consciousness suited
him far better, and he remained by
her side as much as possible.
But Clara had determined upon one
grand effort, and late in the evening
proceeded to make it.
In 10 ot nd nd e.
laughing and talking together in q
corner OF the ballroom. Near by
stood George Campbell, his face dark
with anger. when Clara came tripping
towards him. her face wreathed with
artificial smiles.
"Oh, Mr.. Campbell" she cried; "I
am ia such a quandary! Uncle and
aunt have gone home without me, and
have no escort, and it Is so late!"
She paused 9 d looked appealingly
mot at George. but Stephen, fully
expecting that he would offer to do
escort duty. But he seemed blind and
deaf to all but his companion, and
George was forced to respond.
81 shall be glad to see you to your
home, Miss Clara, if Miss Arthur will
walt here until my RETURN" he said,
slowly and reluctantly.
At this mo ment Stephen suddenly
recovered sight and hearing
"Allow me to relieve you of the care
of Miss Arthur" he courteously said,
turning to George. al have car
riage below, and shall be delighted to
take her home"
Before the irate lover could answer,
Maude spoke.
THANK you, Mr.. Black; that will
adjust matters nicely" she said, with
q bright smile. "You need give your
self no concern on my account, Mr..
but attend to Clara, it you
please"
What could George say? His face
grew darker than before as he STAN.
mered out something about being
"glad to oblige all parties, then offer
ed his arm to the no less discounted
Clara, and strobe rapidly away. And
it is certain that the little coquet new
er had a less entertaining escort than
~ oh -