Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-09-03

q
she walked. Not a single speck of color,
not flower nor ornament, only the loose
draperies, one of which fell like a veil
over the head and shoulders, so that the
lady's face was turned from me. I could
just see that she wore a mask, but that
was all Together the two passed amidst
the crowd who eagerly pressed round
them. No doubt, thought, this is some
honored guest to whom they wish to
show some special attention.
And truly it seemed 80. The warrior
presented his companion to each in turn
of those who claimed the honor, with an
air of pride which there was no mtstak-
ing. HIS eyes flashed behind his domino,
as he noted looks of admiration on all
sides.
So they made their way through the
eager throng, and as they did SO, one thing
struck me as strange: wherever their
steps led them, following them In their
wake, went a tall dark figure. noticeable
from its being entirely alone, never turn
ing to address those either on the right or
left, and for being about the only one In
all the gay throng in dark colors. It was
in fact, Glad entirely in black-a thick
mantle shrouding it from head to foot SO
that as it glided after the slight form
of the warriors lady OF goddess, which
ever she was meant to bet reminded
me of the shadow which falls across the
path when one turns ones back on the
sunset.
Only for one moment this idea struck
me-the next had forgotten IL as the
crowd gathered together once more, and
the tall dark figure was lost amidst their
gay costumes. Ny attention was attracted
elsewhere, for 1 saw the warrior and his
lady had made their way to the curtained
recess directly opposite to the one in which
was. Here the girl sat down, YEARLY It
seemed to me- upon low couch, her COM
panion throwing himself into the seat be-
side her, and beginning to devote 10 her
every attention with an eagerness which
was unmistakable. These she received. II
not reluctantly, at least without In any
way returning them. Her hand lay pas
slve In his warm clasp she more than
once freed herself from his encircling
arm and when he at last apparently pro-
voked by her coldness drew her TO him.
and rained eager kisses on her faca
could see she struggled hard to prevent
him, and at last sprang up looking
round with motion of terror. Her COM
panion seemed to half-angrily inquire the
cause of this. For answer she glanced
fearfully at the window. He forgot his
anger, seemed to laugh at her fears, and
to please her drew the curtains on the
diamond panes This done, he returned
to her side, stretched himself out on the
rug at her feet imprisoned one hand in
both Of his, and with his eyes gazing up
into her face, seemed to compel her to
forget her fancies, for she made no resist
ance now to his caresses. but submitted
quietly.
But did not stay to watch this little
comedy OF love more than q few moments
my mind was full OF one great thought
where were those was so longing to
seer This gaiety and show wearied me
If it kept one of them at least from me a
moment longer than was necessar y Lady
Isobel was no doubt busy elsewh ere with
her guests but in the rapid survey which
took of the throng in the han, saw no
Madeline. 1t Is true all the faces which
met my gege were masked, but knew It
was not possible could see and not know
her.
would seek them at once, But where'
One of the servants would easily find
them. AS thus answered my thought,
my eyes fell upon something lying on q
couch at my side 1t was q monks cloak
and cowl which had evidently been used
by one of the jewellers as a means of
double mystifcation, and had been care
lessly cast aside, On it lay one or tive
dominoes-plaGed, no doubt In case any
guest should neglect to provide him or
| herself with one.
A bright idea struck me-
Why not seek her ] wished myselfl
Here was Disguise by which I could
make my way unnoticed amidst the throng
| in the hall beyond-may-be see and speak
with my darling and she not know it,
/ smiled at my own fancy, then hastily
donned the heavy cloak, drew the hood
well over my face and fastened the mask.
moment stood trying to decide how
1 should aot supposing Madeline should
know me AS paused, the door which
had closed behind me was suddenly thrown
| open and a servant entered. drew back
little, then recognized old Margaret
the old woman who had been my nurse
those years ago. Here was Just the
opportu nifty wanted, to ascertain, With
out making myself known, the where.
aPouts Of my darling.
Trusting that, after 50 long an absenct
she would not recognize my voice, l stood
In her way as she was about to leave the
room. seeing It occupied, and asked:
| "Can you tell me, my good woman
where am likely to find your mistressP'
| II can't say as how = can sir ,
was the reply, and the old woman
In her neat black dress snowy
apron and cap, frightened mo doubt ar
old servants privilege by knots of rosy
rtbbon-her wrinkled old face, with I'll
framework Of Write hair, was flushed
with excitement but could not but
notice, scarcely as CHEEKY and contented
looking as when had last seen it
dropped me deep curtsey. 81 can't say
as how can, sir. am most Hurried out
Of my wits. Whatever shall be like to
morrow don't know"
"Rest No, there's more work for to
morrow than there is now"
But Miss MadOlinei" 1 interrupted
unable any longer TO restrain my I'm
patience.