Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-05-28

that RaIph's taste was not bad after all
II the presence of a lady did not re-
strain Waiter from making the intimate
acquaintance OF the bottle, neither did
Count Hohenfeis nor Jack think IL nee
essary TO apply the curb 10 their appe-
titles. They were both accustomed 70
the society of theatrical ladies, and knew
that most of them allowed their male
acquaintance n considerable latitude OF
department The fact was that Miss
Lyon herself was not averse 10 the joys
flowing from an indulgence in the noble
juice OF the grape, and so IL came about
that when the dessert was served, the
only member who did not show the IN
fluence Of claret and champagne was
Ralph.
Naturally, under these conditions, the
conversation, which had been lively from
the beginning, gradually became almost
bOisterOus, and reached the utmost limit
OF what is allowed in the presence OF
women. Ralph alone did not participate
in the loud mirth, and evidently wished
that the whole affair was over.
He did not all like the conduct OF his
fiancee. Could she, after al, be no bet
ter than he was told other actresses
were, given to sensual pleasures, without
stability and the power of feeling deep
and lasting affection?
He would not entertain the terrible
thought for an instant But he was re-
solved to speak to Miss Lyon about the
matter in the morning
Why did she talk so much to Walter?
True, he had by his silence given her lit
tie encouragement 10 address her con-
versatiOn TO him. yet she might be lit
tie more considerable
His brothers behavior, however, made
the Doctor simply indignant Walters
face was flushed with the effects OF the
wine, he talked very much and rapidly,
and every word was addressed 10 Miss
Lyon He endeavOred to pay her one
compliment after the other, but he had
not the knack of delicate fiattery, and
his compliments were invariably Of a
rather coarse character. Nevertheless,
they evidently pleased the lady to whom
they were addressed
Ralph had given her credit for better
taste.
Walter Warringham grew holder and
holder as he became more intoxicated
He repeatedly seized Miss Lyons hand
and pressed IL with unnecessary warmth.
She withdrew II, but not with the repel-
ling energy that she might have en-
ployed, Ralph thought. He felt the
blood rush TO his cheeks and was angry
at himself for it. He looked angrily at
his brother, but Walter did not notice it.
There can be no doubt about 1.-THE
young Doctor was Jealous.
The German nObleman and Jack Spot
ford, after vainly attempting TO make
the conversation general, had retired to
a corner of the table, and were eagerly
devoting themselves to the study of the
contents OF the bottles The younger
Mr.. Warringham mOnOpOliZed tho con-
versatlon of Miss Lyon. The German
! delivered lecture on the qualities Of
good Rhine wine, TO which Jack listened
attentively, though he had already
passed the stage IN which he could still
comprehend all that was said TO him
Miss Lyon was more VlvaciOus than
ever. Not with n single word or the
slightest glance did she indicate her con-
| seriousness Of the presence of her future
husband.
She listened to the gross batteries of
/ Walter Warringham.
The little supper party was not as
pleasant an affair as il ought TO have
been.
Ralph sat in OminOus silence. His
eyes wandered from Walter to Miss
Lyon and from Miss Lyon TO Walter.
| The flush had left his face, and he was
very pale now. He rapidly drained sew
eral glasses Of champagne, and now, for
| the first time IN the evening, the infiu-
ence of wine became perceptible in him
as In the others. His jealousy grew TO
madness.
Walter at last lost all sense of deli
cacy and propriety. Forgetful that she
| was the intended bride of his brother
| fOrgetful of the very presence Of Ralph
and the other gentlemen, he made an
/ attempt TO kiss the handsome actress.
/ Up jumped Ralph with the lightning
| like quickness of the tiger, and his right
hand dealt a blow on his brothers cheek.
] a curse escaped from Walters sur
| prised lips. His hands involuntarily
| clutched bottle that stood before him.
/ and he would have hurled il at Ralph,
| but the Count interfered and held his
/ hand.
Miss Lyon rose from her seat At the
instant when she saw Ralph jump up, II
flashed through her mind what risks she
was taking. She was in danger Of
| alternating her lover. That would
| never do.
Now she took Ralph's arm and he lee
her from the room.
Jack SpofTord sat in his chair anC
looked on with an expression OF uttel
inability TO comprehend what was going
on. 1t was ludicrOus in the extreme, bu
nobody had an eye for it
When the Doctor and Miss Lyon had
Walter. But the latter and Mr. SpofforI
were very intoxicated. They were easill
persuaded to take rooms at the hotel.
Count Won Hohenfels went home alOn,
and wondered what the outcome of tn,
| quarrel between the brothers would be