Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-08-29
CHAPTER XXI

NOOugrOvc hshcu Nv viva" A''
morning.
Now, though the young people had
house of their own across the way, they
took their meals in the Woodgrove
mansion, and consequently were pres
ent at this exciting moment.
Good or bad?' Mrs. Woodgrove
asked.
Good, royal, grand"
"Of whom?' demanded Elsie.
.Of friend Of yours, my dear
sOh, do tell; Iam burning to knowit.'
"Thcn hold your tongue, love" Mrs.
Woodgrove said, laughing, "for Mar
Gus could not keep a secret for tive con-
sccutive minutes"
"Wcll," remarked the old man, VI
may rs well paralyze you at once-Mrs.
Clarence Grindlay is going to be mar
ricd."
"Oh. Marcus, ut her time Of life!'
eyes, and what's the worst OF i'll
mean the best of it's that she is 60
ing to wed German baron.
mot Count Won Thun?' Elsie asked.
"Oh, | did not like him."
"Did you not, darling? We'll, it's all
settled, so it's no use crying over spilled
milk. Now, here's where we come IN
Marion is going to give a ball on
Wednesday evening toexhibit her lord
ly captive, and we are hidden guests
now, who will go?'
Not l." Mrs. Woodgrove said, de-
cisivcly, "but l should like Frank to
take Elsie, and you, Marcus must ac-
company them out Of respect to Mar
ion."
Perhaps in no city Of the world can
such unbounded. reckless extravaganza
be witnessed as in New York, the capt.
tai Of the land Of republican simplicity.
Ostentation and rank seem more nat'lr-
ally associated, but, bless Your life,
when John Smith, who never had "a
recognized grandfather, has made his
pile" he knows how to lord 1t with the
best Of them.
The (irindlay mansion on the night OF
the ball outrivaled Aladdins palace.
The flowers for decoration cost five
thousand dollars: gorgeous servants
twenty years ago one saw no liverles III
the Empire city-brilliant in plush and
tinsel. fitted like plumed birds amid
tropical blaze Of gold and purple.
In the center Of the spacious hall a
fountain was erected-a lovely marble
basin, from whose depths naiads blew
forth lets of eau-de-cologne or rosewa'
ter, while from the dropping, bell
shaped flowers Of group OF astras
hung dainty petals tipped with tiny
electric lights Rooms hung with rich
draperies, floors covered with carpets
from the looms Of Turkey, soft and If
responsive to the tread OF the foot
ceilings hand-painted and glowing IL
rich color; fantastic tables and chairs
Of quaint device; costly inlaid cabinets
rich vases; priceless china-it was like
a vision of fairyland, only, after ALL az
sensible Marcus Woodgrove observed
1t was the fairyland Of the stage-on'
could not help expecting to see iiarle
auin. plunge through an old "famil,
picture" u or Columbine pirouettinl
On the polished floor,
No man In his senses would dare
description Of the fair owner Of thes'
delights. She was radiant as q dream
tor Worth had out Worthed himself to
the occasion; yet, as one gazed at th
diamonds, sparkling like dew drops owe
skirt and bodice, one couldn't he'll
wondering how much she would fetcl
Of auction II sold just as she stood
Baron Won Thun must be prou
man this night to survey these count
less signs Of untold wealth and say vi
seven days all this shall be mine
Elsie, In her white robe and simpl
wreath Of flowers, looked like snow
drop which had tumbled into a gol
Qeous bed Of tulips. She had one littl
shadow Of disappointment. Frank, he
darling Frank, was not Aawless, he, a
ungifted with the natural perceptio
Of the beautiful, which his wife II
stinctively enjoyed, saw nothing incor
rruous, no lack Of harmony In all tn
barbaric pomp around him, nay, eve
peyeled In its very gorgeousness'
Mr.. Woodgrove was, as he put I
mad clean through"
"She might have founded hospiti
with what to-night's hummery wi
cost her." he said Indignantly "and a
In honor Of a foreigner
Two gushing girls passed at that mi
ment, and Elsie was amused to hes
them murmur:
"Oh, the dear, dear baron"
isn't he a love?"
$50 distinguished looking"
''Such an air."
"But his accent, they say, Is not vel
good"
"Pshaw, dear, you couldn't expect
baron to talk like college professo
Such a man sets the fashion OF pr
nunciation."
ITO be sure he does. Oh, isn't MI
Grindlay lucky to have captured hin
Why, hundred handsome girls wi
oceans Of money would have jumped
him."
But seel The baron approaches o
little group with his promised bril-
upon his arm.
Elsie was overwhelmed with co
fusion; but the older lady was too hap
to be ungraclous.
INV dearest" she gushed, II a
charmed to see you. Uncle, 1t Is go
Of you TO have come. Let me prese
the guest of the evening, Baron Abe
Won Thun Of Carlsbad.
Elsie curtsied, the count bowt
Thar had. met before; but Mr.. Wot