Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1888-01-20
CHAPTER x-TmE FAIRY QUEEN.

When Louis Charteris entered the ball
room the first set was just over, and he
paused moment near the doors feeling
that he, i'll his civilian attire must present
a very homcly appearance. He had never
been to military ball before, and tho
crowd of brilliant uniforms, the white or
bright COlored dresses of the women. the
lights. decorations, and flowers made n
really gorgeous tOIH ensemble.
But where was Naleries His eyes sought
her anxiously, and while he sought he
heard her name:
Miss Herbert cuts them all out" said n
mans voice near, and Louis, turning quick
ly, saw two young officers OF Hussars
There wasn't y girl in town this season
TO compare with her. She ought to so to
town-sho'd be the rage"
"All the fellows are mad to dance with
her." said the other. Didn't she and
Beau look well togetherl 1t was worth
while TO watch them"
Yes, and wasn't Dolly Chantrcll mad
at being cut out by a dCbutUntc, and mad
with Beau for not paying attention to her
instead of that divine Herbert! There she
Is, with Lord DcnmUre; he's quite Smtten1'
Yes, there she was, saunteriug slowly
down the room observed of all observers, :"
leaning on Lord Denmore's arm. Louis,
too, had heard enough. He made his way,
with flushed cheek and beating heart,
through the crowd to Nalerie's side: and
suddenly, rs he drew near, his eyes fell
on the bouquet the girl carried, and he al
most caught his breath with the fierce pang
OF jealousy that shot through him. Not
his tlOwers-not HIS, whose theus"
So close he was 20 Valerie, and she did
not see him! he touched her lightly, and
she turned with n start.
LOUISE
Surprise, some pleasure, but something
too, that was hardly pleasure, and as she
met his look her own sank and tho blood
rushed 10 her cheek. She had been wrong
wrong-she felt 1t clearly now; though she
could not comprehend the full measure Of
the pain she had inflicted; but this wss no
time or place for explanations and apology.
Have you only Just srrivedr she added,
rapidly, for the sake Of saying something
That is sll, he answered, n little cold
ly. Are You engaged for the next set,
Valsris'"
Yes, the next, but kept the one fol-
lowing for you"
Thanks" He bowed and pissed on
Your friend seems rufied," remarked
1.ord Denmors. with slightly cynical
smile, as they moved onward.
Valerie was too generous and truthful to
permit the implication that Louis was to
blame, although she thought he ought not,
on so public an occasion. TO have shown
displeasure.
1T WAS my fault that he is So" she re-
turned, gently, and Lord Denmore bit his
lip, feeling that his remark was hardly,
good form" yet wondering who this was
whom his lovely companion called Louis, -
and who called her "Vale~ie."
Louis, at that moment, was greeted by n
voice he WAS hardly in the mood 10 hear
with pleasure; and yet the mellow intona.
ton. the winning cordiality Modified him
IN spite of himself.
mfr. Chsrterlsl-only just turned up'-
delighted 10 see your
And there was Max BsaureSard, looking
handsome enough, and with that air dis
tiugt,e which is more striking even than
beauty. to make any lover jealous, holding
out his hand.
Louis brow relaxed, he even smiled as
he gave his own hand in reply.
Let me introduce you to some of our
fellows" added BsaureSard-"and you'll
want a partner. / suppose you don't know
many people heres Dallas touching one
of a group of young men standing near
''let me introduce You to Mr. Charteris:-
my old friend, Lieutenant Dallas. Major
Travers-Mr. Charters. Travers, pray