The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1895-12-19
CHAPTER NNNII.

The mess-house of the TIL IIussars
was n very large one, and peculiarly fitted
for occasions like the present, not only
were the rooms wide and lofty. hut they
were well shaped as we'll. anu 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 III her hand. as
though its possession gave her confidence.
She vas 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 n moment in his own.
You are late, Miss Knox" he said
and the formality of his address sent a
chill TO the girls heart.
AT this moment Mr.. Blount came up.
Miss Knox, / thought you were never
coming. One of our dances is already
finished; and, oh, why didn't you wear my
flowers"
She glanced at Stephen Prinsep To see
if he looked conscious; hut he was talk
ing to her mother again. and apparently
paying no attention To herself.
Il only promised 10 wear the prcttiest,
if YOU remember" she answered to Jack
Blount.
81 would have sent you white flowers.
il | had known you liked them best; all
white roses"
81 am very glad you did not" she ejar-
ulated. sharply.
This time the Colonel heard. and turn
ins suddenly. their eyes met. His were
grave in their cXpression-almos 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 We're no more passed
swiftly through her mind.
She moved toward Jack Rlount.
Don't let us lose this dance, too sll,
said. hastily. and III" next moment VA,
whirled among the dancers.
Other guests arrived. and Colonel Prin-
sep had social duties 10 perform: but ht
found time ever and mon to notice Jane
us she lifted past with her different part.
ners.
BY and by he allowed himself a dance
with Diana Knollys, more because she
was an exceptionally good dancer than
from any memory of their old ~arquaint.
nnceship.
My only dance that has not been a
duty one" he told her with his pleased
smile.
'Then ! must feel fattered."
mo. 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 | have been away
from it as long as You. We went 70
Simla for the hot weather. ! did like
that. but there | knew SO many people
Here have scarcely any friends. Miss
Knox is nearly my only one
"You like her? Don't You remember J
told you that you WOULD"
And of course prcjudiced me against
her. Women never like each other to
order, you know. But | do like her now
very much
Just then Jane PASSED. Jack Bloun,
was with her. his ugly conceited LITTLE
face beaming, and exerting himself 10 the
utmost to make himself agreeable. evi
IDENTITY not failing in his cndeavor il
James ripping laughter were To be be-
licved.
Il wish she would not encourage him
So" said Miss Knollys, uneasily.
"Why. don't you think him nice
Il think him detestable: hut then I am
nearly alone i'll my opinion. He was im-
mcnsely popular at Simla, and indeed
everywhere women seemed to like him"
Then why should you hold aloofI'
Diana Knollys smiled archly.
"They say" she said, in careless tones.
she has colne here especially to propose
10 Jane Knox. and should she refuse
him"
''Do you think she will?" broke in Col
onel Prinsep.
"How can | tell? | 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 bach 10
him, when he saw Jane go into the veran-
ia with Jack Blount, and after the next
dance had begun they were both absent
still. An Uneasy feeling prompted him
to follow them.
tTo be continued.