Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1889-11-09

strolled into the lobby. But all his glib
ness Of speech had deserted him. He
was going to say so much, and could say
nothing
Helen broke the silence by saying, in
disguised tones, "You are not a very
entertaining cavalier. Why don't you
make yourself more agreeable. Mr.
Who shall say2"
IL am speechless with happiness, fair
mask" he replied. ITO have 80 much
loveliness 90 near me dazzles my eyes
and paralyzes my tongue. If you only
knew 'one half my heart would say to
quote from an old song, you might think
better of me-"
II have no doubt you could be very
eloquent on any theme you chose; but ]
am afraid you are young man of words.
You could be just as eloquent to the next
mask that came along"
"On the contrary" answered Rush,
somewhat loftily. II would have nothing
at all to say to another: my heart is not
large enough for two masks"
II have heard men protest in this way
before, but they have forgotten what
they said ere the last word left their lips.
There was one young man in whom be-
lieved, but even he turned out like all the
rest He professed the greatest friend
ship for ME, visited me at my house, and
We passed many pleasant evenings to-
gether; but suddenly his visits ceased.
Without word of warning he stopped
coming to see me. Our pleasant even
ings came to an end. DO you know why?
lie had formed pleasanter friendship
with another young lady, and was for
gotten"
"You are cruel; I formed no pleasant
er friendship; have never entertained
but the one feeling for you since the first
time saw you," said Rush before he
knew what he was doing.
"What do you mean?" asked Helen in
the most innocent manner, knowing per-
fectly well all the while. 'sYou formed
no pleasanter acquaintance you have
entertained feelings for me! This is very
mysterious. One expects mysteries at
masked balls, but l am more than sur
prised at being spoken to in this way by
an unknown mask"
"Then you don't recognize me" said
Rush. taking some comfort to himself in
the thought that he had not betrayed his
identity after ALL By this time they
had reached the end of the south lobby,
and were just about to retrace their
steps, when Rush felt Helen's hand
tighten its grasp on his arm.
"There is that awful man" she gasped,
as man, walking very unsteadily. came
out of the directors room, and. seeing
Helen. started forward as if he would
raise her mask. "Ah, here's my sweet
violet" he said, in thick, uncertain
voice; but, before the words had fairly
leA his tongue, Rush gave him quick,
sharp blow between the eyes and sent
him crashing up against the door Of the
room he had just quilted.
"Oh, Mr.. Hurlstone, what have you
doneY' exclaimed Helen, in trembling
tones; ''quick, take me 10 my aunt"
Rush thought her advice good, and at
once acted upon it He was only sorry
that he had not taken her to her aunt in
the first place, and then come back alone
and knocked the insolent fellow into a
cooked hat Fortunately there happened
to be no one at that end of the lobby just
at that moment, but he heard people
coming, and was dreadfully worried for
fear of the annoyance to Helen If she
were discovered under such circum-
stances.
Come this way" said she, leading
him through the little passage way at
the back Of the lower tier Of boxes.
there is door here that opens on the
stage, and We can go around and get to
my aunt and Mr.. Archer without being
noticed. Oh, why did l come to this
dreadful place? Aunt Rebecca didn't
want me to. Obi if had only listened
to her!"
Rush felt extremely mortified. II beg
your pardon, Miss Knowlton," said he
He had taken off his mask, and they no
longer played at mystery. II should not
have struck that fellow with you on my
arm, but l am not used to masked balls.
| don't know their etiquette. ! only
knew that you were insulted, and my in
dignation got the better OF my judg-
ment."
II forgive you, Mr.. Hurlstone," she
replied; "but don't forgive myself for
coming to such place. 1t is lesson l
shall never forget. Here are my friends"
she added. And Rush saw the two la
dies and Mr.. Archer and Archie Tilling-
hast.
Aren't you ready to 60 home YETI"
said Bessie. II think it pretty dull
here"
They all agreed to 20, and Rush bade
them good night at the door. Helen said
nothing about the little episode of the
lobby, and he was grateful to her.
After he had seen their carriage drive
off, Rush returned to the lobby to see
what had become Of the man he had
knocked down. On the way he saw
many curious scenes-among them the
blue domino who had first spoken to him
kissing the bald pate of the general He
,vos ovlod opo,,yh that Helen had pOne