Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1895-12-26
CHAPTER XVII.


CHAPTER XVII.
The mess-house of the til Hussars
was very large one, and peculiarly fitted
for occasions like the present, not only
were the rooms wide and lofty, but they
were we'll shaped as well, and conse-
quently easily decorated.
They had already begun the program
when Jane arrived. She came in shyly
behind her father and mother, but hold
ing her bouquet produly in her hand, as
though it's possession gave her confidence.
She was wondering whether Colonel Prin-
sep would ask her to dance.
She heard his voice speaking to her
mother. AS host he had come forward
Immediately to meet them, and now took
JAMES hand for moment in his own.
"You are late, Miss knox," he said;
and the formality of his address sent
chill to the girls heart.
At this moment Mr.. Blount came up.
miss Knox, l thought you were never
coming. One of our dances is already
finished; and, oh, why didn't you wear my
fowers?"
She glanced at Stephen Prinsep to see
if he looked conscious; but he was talk
ing to her mother again, and apparently
| paying no attention to herself.
II only promised to wear the prettiest,
if you remember" she answered to Jack
Blount
II would have sent you white flowers,
if I had known you liked them best; all
white roses"
"I am very glad you did not" she ejac-
ulated, sharply.
This time the Colonel heard, and turn
ing suddenly, their eyes met His were
grave in their xpression-almost an
CRY, she thought; or was it only panied?
Her glance, first sad and shy, grew
wild with all regret" as the memories
of those days which were no more passed
swiftly through her mind.
She moved toward Jack Blount.
Don't let us lose this dance, too," she
said, hastily, and the next moment was
whirled among the dancers.
Other guests arrived, and Colonel Prin-
sep had social duties to perform; but he
found time ever and anon to notice Jane
as she fitted past with her different part
ners.
By and by he allowed himself dance
with Diana Knollys, more because she
was an exceptionally good dancer than
from any memory of their old acquaint-
| anceship.
MY only uduCe ludL HAS uOL Deeu d
duty one" he told her with his pleased
| smile.
'"Then I must feel flattered."
"No, don't do that or you will make
me vain beyond endurance. Tell me in
stead how you like Alipore now that you
know it BETTER
"You forget that 1 have been away
| from it as long as you. We went to
| Simla for the hot weather. | did like
| that, but there I knew so many people.
| Here have scarcely any friends. Miss
| Knox is nearly my only one"
''You like her? Don't you remember 1
| told you that you would!'
| ''And of course prejudiced me against
| her. Women never like each other to
order, you know. But ] do like her now
| very much"
| Just then Jane passed. Jack Blount
was with her, his ugly conceited little
| face beaming, and exerting himself to the
| utmost to make himself agreeable, evil
IDENTIFY not failing in his endeavor if
James ripping laughter were to be be-
| lieved.
| 81 wish she would not encourage him
so,' said Miss Knollys, uneasily.
'Why, don't you think him nice?''
| 81 think him detestable: but then am
nearly alone in my opinion. He was i'm
mensely popular at Simla, and indeed
everywhere women seemed to like him."
''Then why should you hold aloof?"
Diana Knollys smiled archly.
! "They say" she said, in careless tones,
| che has come here especially to propose
to Jane Knox, and should she refuse
| him."
''Do you think she will?' broke in Col
| onel Prinsep.
'.How can I tell? I hope she will, al
though in that case l prophesy for her
what the French call "a bad quarter of an
| hour"
He laughed in reply; but some twenty
minutes later her words came back to
| him, when he saw Jane go into the veran-
| da with Jack Blount, and after the next
| dance had begun they were both absent
| still An uneasy feeling prompted him
| to follow them.
CTo be continned.)