The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1891-11-14
In PARTHENIA'S GARB.

had come rs Ingomar, she as Par
thenia. He had graduated from Har-
ward only the June previous. and as ne
was accustomed to spend his vacation
with his family in Europe or on the
seaboard he had scarcely been home
for four years. This was the first
event of his homecoming, so not only
was be a comparative stranger. but
the few recognizable faces were mask
Cd from view. The accident of their
costumes bad assured him his first
dance with Parthenia and fortune had
given him the rest.
As they danced together 1t was as IL
they were moving in dream. In the
gay eddies of bright costumes. in the
strange jumbIing of the garments of
oil ages and all climes. they too SEEM
ed fated TO cling together, and thus be
alone. In the mystery of her presence
he forgot himself and his isolation,
content with the thought that for the
moment there was harmony between
them. Often utter strangers are at
tached by the subtle ties OF sympathy,
and in the first hour of intercourse are
induced to touch on heart secrets that
years of friendship could not elicit.
+, Once sue seemed TO question VINO he
was.
You have been to college-to Har-
vard?" she said as they were dancing a
quadrille.
He looked at her inquiringly For
moment she fanced he recognized per
voice.
mo" he answered. as he took her
hand in the grand right and left. Then
resretting. even masquerade false
hood. or perhaps with his vanity
aroused to know why she had thought
him college man. he waited until
they were together again. and asked
the reason for the question.
Nothing" she replied. softly.
'Ouly ! once had a friend at Harvard,
. very dear friend"
THAT is such distinctive misfor-
tune. +" remarked. with a touch of
smilir- "Nlv
! She ed sadder and more thought
ful anu G.a not reply. His curiosity
was aroused; possibly he was touched
with the dreamy regret of her voice.
II once lived in Cambridge" he
said. tentatively. land knew many col.
lege men,"
She shook her head and was silent.
Il knew Ethelbert Perry and Earle
Marvin.
She was startled.
YES" she replied. after n moments
hesitation, MIR Perry is engaged TO "a
Miss Craig aud Mr.. Marvin is now in
in Europe"
de bit his lips in perplcxity. Yet
why need he seek TO discover who she
WASP
However. she seemed dissatisfied.
You know Mr.. MaryinP" she asked.
he laughed consciously. Yes
have heard of him. He was wild
harumscarum fellow. well known in
his class. but great prig."
He had many friendsP" she asked.
wistfullv.
"A, first sight people liked him"
Then he demanded abruptly: do
you know him?'
NO." she answered. after a slight
hesitation. Then she said: Il have
heard he was very popular"
She danced very well. As often
happens with girls of her restrained
disposition, she became strangely i'm
pulsira with the excitement of motion.
When they ceased and went together
into the conservatory she was beaming
with gladness.
How pleasant" she exclaimed
"Ah. it makes me feel MS If were
girl again. and thought of nothing but
friendship and flowersr
He was amused at her assumption of
maturity.
Really" he said, with sly irony
lyon bear your age wonderfully; you
are remarkably we'll preserved.
She laughed mt the odd banter of his
tone.
DO you really think me SO young?'
she asked little piqued.
.'Ah." he said viii, a lanyuishinp
look. You are as young as the un-
lolding lily. US young ms tile rosebud
at dawn"
THAT is true" she said demurely.
"Ms mother has often told me saat
/ vas born young"
Very soon she relapsed into her
mood of silence. After ALL he thonuht
her better thus. As she cluuy to lis
arm she brought him dreams of his
boyhood, when he had cared for one as
lovely rs She perhaps. but not so long
forgotten. They walked out into the
hall and asc"aded the central STAIR
way. where they could overlook the
dancers beneath. lie leaned his head
against the balnstra,le. She snt clasp
Ing her knee aud gazing mt him alb
She was under the strange
~ imaginative influence Of tho mas
qnerad.. Perhaps il was Just this
very dream Influence That pleased him
30. for Is noi nil Friendship. all passion.
A dream? Certain 1t was that ms they
sat together. strangers thnngh they
were. there was a perfect understand
ing briwecn tiieni--so perfect. indeed,