Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1894-02-28

Davenport isl remarked my compan-
ion. lis it true she is fiancee to Mr.
Dakyn?"
Most improbable. y replied. almost
crashing my teeth
"Ah, we'll, thought they looked like
it. | may be mistaken. And gra-
ciously accepting my reluctant arm the
matron descended with me to the sup
per room, which was just open.
What a banquet that lady did get
through! thought the time would
never come when she would cry" Hold,
enough!' Lobster salad and scalloped
oysters, mayonnaise and ortolan, cold
lamb and pigeon pie, to say nothing of
trifes and tipsy cake, cream and jelly
| fear | did nothing to restrain her,
but, on the contrary, in my own reck
less mood urged her on to fresh exploits
and pastures new. After all, she was
old enough to know her own constitu
ton and what she could really do.
For myself | could eat nothing, but
the champagne for wonder was
good, and Natty could hardly have
called me cup too low when at last
my matron drew on her gloves, and
beaming on me, for | had served her
we'll, announced her readiness to re-
turn.
Arrived once moro in the ballroom,
| bethought me of my sisters advice
and set to work dancing with vigor.
Although late in the day, there was no
lack of partners, the feminine element,
as is usual at county balls, largely pre-
dominating. | was not an accomplish
ed dancer like Dakyn or Dalrymple of
ours; but, animated by pique and per
haps also by champagne, made up by
energy for what lacked in skill. The
floor was now in excellent condition,
and after supper everybody danced.
And to the inspiriting strains of the
"Hopscotch Polka even the jolly broad
backed squires, who usually confined
themselves to quadrilles and lancers,
stamped merrily around till their rubi-
cund faces were as scarlet as their hunt
coats. | got on admirably, having
several times for partner my colonel's
wife, Il rather young and very pretty
brunette and the best lady dancer in
the room. We were extremely lively,
and | put out my hest wit to draw the
fire of her brilliant dark eyes, that Ella
might imagine we were in the midst of
a hot Irritation. Presently my maneu-
vcrs, or rather Geraldine S, began to
have the desired effect. | had perceived
for some time that my rccrcant sweet
heart was covertly taking an interest
in my movements, and once she sighed
slightly us we passed SO nearly that my
sleeve brushed her shoulder. knew
kl,,f l,nf |
should not have to go home without at
least an explanation.
After awhile Ella ceased to dance,
and | overheard her evado Dalrylnple's
proposal that he should take her to sup
pen. Then guessed my chance had
come. Relinquishing my partner as
quickly us | could, continued to stroll
unconCernedly past Ella, ignoring
pleading lock from her as | passed.
AS she had misbehaved she would have
to make the first advance. This she
did. Rising and coming after me, she
laid her dear hand upon my arm and
said:
"Oh, George, l am so hungry! Do
take me to get some supper.
Has no one asked your demanded
sternly.
Yes, two or three people, but am
more hungry now. Please take me. "
IF you will tell me why you have
treated me as you have done and say
you arc sorry, perhaps | will. lHu
must be very hungry to cry a!.Nut it,
for l saw that her eyes, which had been
so coldly defiant all the evening, were
now full Of tears.
Then, finding ourselves near to one
of the curta ined recesses, which was
happily for the moment unoccupied, |
drew her within it. Now tell me why
you were so cross, and why you would
not dance with me, said. Il am
perfectly aware that don't dance so
well as Dakyn or Dalrymple -
You knew quito well, sobbed Ella,
that | would -would hundred
times rather-d-d-dance with you than
either of them.
Then why would you not when
asked YOU" inquired pertinently.
"A g-g-girl surely has Il right to show
her displeasure when her-her Low
when you hadn t written to her for more
than month. protested Ella, gradu
ally getting the better of her sobs.
so that's what's the matter with
you!' inelegantly rejoined. Then |
may presume you had nothing to do
with sending the last letter did write
back?"
Send your letter back. Georgel Are
you mad, or am |? You dear, good
old mani sho resumed, when matters
had been explained, II am us sorry for
you now rs have been for myself all
tho time.
Tho place we wero in was sufficient
ly screened and tho band making
enough din to allow of our consummat-
ing the reconciliation in the usual low
ers' fashion, after which we went to
supper, and this time, though the vi
ands had suffered considerably in the
interval, found my appetite complete
ly restored.
80 it is not correct that you have
contracted an engagement with my
cousin during the period of my dis
grace?" inquired as we stood together
for the last dance.
Certainly not, sir. Are you ready?
Now, mind you don't hurry the time"
That was the most delicious dance
we ever had. When it was over, Ella,
who was staying with some friends in
the town, had to go. Her chaperon
was already yawning. Il shall look
more sharply after my correspondence
in future, she said as she babe me
good night. Mind, if Miss Skittles
fails in her duty. l am ready for the
staff corps and India
How we should ever have got home
that morning, except for Natty For
wood, l do not know. Major Hardness,
the only good whip in the regiment,
who had driven US over, was far too
overcome by the heat of the room to
take the ribbons going home, and the
chief would not allow any of the young