Los Angeles herald., 1892-06-05
AT MRS. VAN TROMP'S.

AT MRS. VAN TROMP'S
The Van Tromp mansion was brilliant
ly illuminated.
Carriage after carriage rolled up tt
the awning that rooted the crossing from
the curbstone to the marble steps of th,
stately old building, aad crowds of curl
ous idlers defed the drizzling rain t.
catch tieeting glimpse of the guests a.
they hurried shiveringly into the house
It goes without saying that gather
ing where CAROLS and Cadwalladers
were to dance with Winthrops, Living
stons and Biddles would be q thor
oughly "swell" and exclusive affair.
Old Ben stood guard at the entrance
doors.
He had Graded the grandfather of the
present master of the house and knew
the social creme de Ia creme, not only
from long association in the capacity Of
butler of the Van Tromps, but by in.
stinct almost.
Ben was making his profoundest obei-
.sance to wrinkled old dowager, who, as
a little girl, had listened to his fables,
when a faultlessly appointed equipage
drove up to the curb with clanking
chains.
I The liveried servant vaulted from the
coach box and opened the carriage door
with bow of the most approved form.
1 A very pretty blond head, hand
some, rosy face, a matchless bust, and
the balance of an elegantly attired fig
ure, not to forget the tiniest tiptoes of a
satin slippered pair of feet, emerged.
Her bearing was aristocratic, yet not
naughty, her dress in admirable taste
and the diamonds of that thoroughly
proper size, color and arrangement char
acteristic of old family jewels.
Altogether she made an appearance
that charmed and delighted the onlook-
ers, including old Ben.
However, despite years of proximity
to well bred people, the colored cerberus
could not repress the low exclamation,
''Fo' de Ian sake, when he failed to see
any one else leave the carriage after her.
The doors were opened and the way to
The cloakroom was shown to the new
conner.
Her wraps being disposed of she as
Cended the five or six steps that led to
the reception room.
Mrs. Van Tromp had not quite finished
her effusive greeting Of the great grand
daughter of o colonial governor when
she saw the young lady. How was it
that she did not know the handsome
guest?
| She vainly strove to recollect the name
while extending her hands to the new
conner. who tremblingly placed her own
therein, saying, with q faltering voice:
Mrs. De Ryder sends through me her
most sincere regrets at her inability to
enjoy your hospitality tonight"
''Oh, l am very, very sorry she could
not come, but Of course am more thar
delighted to entertain her charming rep
resentative," eagerly responded the
hostess, as she thought of the dowagel
lady of the Baltimore De Ryders.
Once within the hallowed abode of ex
clusiyeness the young lady withdrew tc
: p eot,s,..ratively dark corner and sur.
xeyed the kings and queens Of society
and their surroundings With al AL odd
mingling Of wonaerment, awe and curl
osity, and with the critical eye of one
bent upon in1pressing even the smalles,
details upon the memory.
"Red satin hangings, embroidered
with the Van Tronnp coat of arms ir
gold and silver, festoons of marecha,
MEL roses entwined with maidenhail
ferns and studded with incandescent
lights in colored globes" she murmurei
to herself.
Furniture in white and silver
Just then tho band began to play, ant
she continued, Emusic by about twelve
string instruments, and oh, how deli
cious!" she added, as she half uncon
sciousiy tapped the time of the tune will
her slipper.
Il have come for my waltz, Miss Van
dercook," said gentleman to youns
pady who had been sitting beside her
and the two walked away and wer
soon lost among the dancers.
"Vandercook, Miss Vandercook, whis
pered the curious young woman. "
must remember that name," and she tolt
OFF the letters on her fingers. She di,
the same with every name she hear,
mentioned thereafter.
'Do you not dance at allr' she sud
denly heard herself asked, and turnin,
toward the speaker she recognized th
host. Ere she had time to reply, h
added, .But beg your pardon for on
moment" as he started to walk towar
b group Of young men who were cha,
ing in window alcove.
Presently he returned with a tai
blond gentleman, whom he introduce
as ssMy friend and old college chun
Mr.. Jack Rush." and turning to tt
athletic young man he said, ga frieu
of the De Ryders."
Five minutes later the new acnuain
ances were doing full justice to the salt
torial inspiration created by Straus
breezy music.
After the dance they sat down toget