Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-12-10
IN PARTHENIA'S GARB.

thenia. He had graduated from Har-
ward only the June previous, and as he
was accustomed to spend his vacation
With his family in Europe or on the
leaboard he had scarcely been home
for four years. This was the first
event of his homecoming, so not only
was he comparative stranger, but
the few recognizable faces were mask
ed from view. The accident of their
costumes had assured him his first
dance with Parthenia and fortune had
given him the rest.
AS they danced together it was as il
they were moving in a dream. In the
gay eddies of bright costumes. in the
strange jumbling of the garments of
oil ages and all chimes. they too SEEM
ed fated to cling together, and thus be
alone. In the mystery of her presence
he forgot himself and his isolation.
sontent 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 she seemed to question who be
was.
You have been to college-to Har-
sard?" she said as they were dancing a
quadrille.
He looked at her inquiringly. For
moment she fauced he recognized her
voice
No" he answered. as he took her
hand in the grand right and left. Then
cegretting even a 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.
Only once had friend at Harvard,
q very dear friend"
That is such distinctive misfor-
tune We remarked, with touch of
smi'ia4 '""ny.
Sic s., Led sadder and more thought
full anu dad not reply. His curiosity
was aroused; possibly he was touched
with the dreamy regret of her voice.
Il once lived in Cam bridge" 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 moments
hesitation, Mr.. Perry is engaged to
Miss Craig and Mr.. Marvin is now in
in Europe"
He bit his lips in perplexity. Yet
why need he seek to discover who she
was?
However, she seemed dissatisfied
You know Mr.. Marvin" she asked
He laughed consciously. Yes [
have heard of him. He was q wild
harumscarum fellow. well known in
his class. but great prig."
He had many friends?" she asked.
wistfullv.
AT first sight people liked him."
Then he demanded abruptly: do
you know himp"
No" she answered, after 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 inn
pulsive 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 as if | were a
girl again. and thought of nothing but
friendship and fowers!"
He was amused at her assumption of
maturity.
Really" he said, with sly irony.
you bear your age wonderfully; YOU
are remarkably well preserved"
She laughed at the odd banter of his
tone.
DO you really think me so youngp'
she asked little piqued.
All" he said with languis hing
look. you are as young as the IN
holding lily, as young as tie rosebud
at dawn"
That is true" she said demurely.
''My mother has often told me that
l was born young"
Very soon she relapsed into her
mood of silence. After all, he thought
her better thus. AS she clung to his
arm she brought him dreams of his
boyhood. when he had cared for one as
lovely as she, perhaps but not so long
forgotten. They walked out into the
hall and assembled the central stair
way. where they could overlook the
dancers beneath. He leaned his head
against the balustrade. She sat clasp
ing her knee and gazing at him ao-
stractedly. She was under the strange
ly imaginative influence of the mas
querade. Perhaps it was just this
very dream influence that pleased him
SO. for is not all friendship, all passion.
dream? Certain it was that as they
sat together, strangers though they
were. there was perfect understand
ing between them-so perfect. indeed.
that for long time neither spoke or
wished to speak.
He had been watching the gay move
nents of the quadrille. The motley
dancers in the parlors beneath wove
in and out in turmoil of movement
and color. He felt peculiarly isolated
among such mirth and gayety. A
stranger in strange land is not half
SO lonely as stranger in the home of
his people.
At last, as if recalling his fancies he
turned and said. fixing his gaze upon
her mask: Il am so glad that came
as Ingomar."
She was listening. but did not mind
his words. Perhaps it was the rich
strength OF bis voice that caught her