Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1892-12-18

herself she Would hay6 wondered per
haps that Victor Forsyth, OF whom shi
had heard so much, did not appear mort
brilliant. She was rather relieved al
his quiet way. She had already said e
herself: ale Is n very nice fellow. Nc
one would suspect no was worth half a
million. Now" she added mentally,
"ft will be a pity if he, too, is going daft
over Hope Argnadale. She has destroyed
Alan's peace OF Iaind, and that is enough
though he is such firt."
Tho dinner went on; Forsyth had nc
longer but one idea. 1t was to gain an
other look at tho enchanting faoe that
had appeared and disappeared. Furtivc,
almost feyerish, he watched tho end OF
the table. He could see that Craig had
eyes and thoughts only for the lady be
side him. At times a moody look came
over his handsome face which Forsyth
never remembered to have seen there
before. But Miss Arnadale did not
come fairly within range again.
when they rose from the table For
syth had but one motive. 1t was to get
presented to Miss Armadale. For that
reason ho devoted himself to Lucille
Eliot as the most likely means of &C.
completing his purpose. But Craig and
Miss Armadale had disappeared from
tho drawing room. Forsyth thought
tho figure in the long white cloak which
passed and repassed the windows on
Craig's arm was she, but he had no ex
cuse for joining them.
Presently there was a strong touch on
the keyboard of the piano, gliding into
a measured waltz. The servants were
rolling up the long rugs that covered
the hardwood floors, and setting tho
chairs against the wall. Some one was
inviting Miss Eliot to waltz. She ex
cused herself to Forsyth, and he re.
manned standing watching tho door
Two or three couples were moving to
slow waltz time mp and down the floor
Forsyth's attention was caught by soma
one clapping their hands together smart
~ and calling out in peremptory way
"Fasterf
1t was Hope Armadale She and CRAIG
had entered by side door, and stood
together at the extreme end of the long
room. She had a bunch of blue yiolet5
in her Bosom, which Forsyth was sure
she had not Worn at dinner. Had she
just accepted them from Crgig7 Was
he her lover? He was placing his arm
about her waist Forsyth had never
before seen poetry" in woman's mo
ton, His senses swan as Hope Arma.
dale came flying past him.
"For PHYS sake, Mr.. Victor Forsyth.
have you left your manners in Ger.
mGuyl Don't you see there aren't
dancing mon enough to go round2' /,
was Glare Craig in blue wrap and silver
bangles, who had come up to him I'M
perceived.
"But, Miss Clare-I don't waltz"
Ridiculous Gomez She seized his
hand. Hold me tighter. You are a
great deal too tall for me-"
NO matter. We are getting on all
right"
"Of course we are"
"And-when you are through with
me, won't you introduce me to the tall.
est lady in the roomY"
THE tallest lady, Hope Armadaloy
yes"
"Of course will, just to tease Alan"
SIS" ESQ., Forsyth'5 heartbeats almost
choked him-''is Alan engaged to Miss
He'd like to be-"
Forsyth could have Rugged the elfish
Clare for the comfort OF her saucy
words
Come" she said, suddenly stopping
in revolution, disengagine
herself and catching her small hands
around her partners arm. ALLAN has
gone for her cloak or something. Now
is your chance. Mr.. Forsyth wants to
waltz with you, Hope, because you're
tall" she went on, all in breath. 81
don't show him of enough" she was
saying. Then her hands were unclasped,
and she was gone.
Forsyth was murmuring something
about pleasure" He had partial CON
troll Of his words, none whatever of his
eyes, which looked exaltingly into Hope
ArmRdalosl
1--WE tall people can sympathizo with
each other" she said.
"lf height is--a bond Of sympathy,
blessed be my many inches" laughed
Forsyth. "Will you give me one turnY'
"Mr. Craig has just gone for the car
riage. We promised Mrs. Eliot to como
home early
"one turn repeated Forsyth be-
tween entreaty ana command.
Miss Armadale rose, half undecided,
but still she rose. He held her in his
arms. They caught the time, which the
quicEened when he saw that
Miss Armadale was dancing again.
Forsyths protest TO Glare was an af-
fectation. He waltzed superbly. The
pair moved in swift smooth circles, as
though by single will. Forsyth knew
this-knew TINT the will they moved by
was his. Flo breathed the odor of tho
blue violets in Hope Armadale's bosom,
and 1t sufooated him. He was sure
Craig had placed the flowers there. Ho
could almost have snatehed thon away
and scattered them underfoot.
They were the last loft dancing.
I've must stop, Miss Armadale said.
He obeyod her almost abruptly They
were face to face with Miss Eliot and
Alan Craig. Miss Eliot Had her wraps
about her. She looked little dis
turbed.