The record-union., 1896-05-03


fectly straight feathers. The unfas-
tened ulsters afforded glimpse every
now and then of large yellow or hello
trope bows of chiffon, more or less
crumpled, which some of the girls wore
pinned at the neck.
Most of the boys were very shabby
some even a little ragged, though, as
a rule, their clothes were patched.
There was a great deal Of noise, partly
owing to an unsophisticated habit pos
sessed by both sexes OF carrying on
conversation at the top Of their voices
and partly by the fact that none of the
dancers wore shoes. Hobnalled boots
do make a considerable noise on bare
boards, especially when their wearers
dance with more vigor than grace.
As Figson entered, some Of the girls
nodded and two or three Of the boys
shouted Joe's salutation Of low are
yer?" but otherwise there was little
formal greeting.
Joe had returned to his partner, a
round-faced youth of about his own
age, for Joe despised "gurls." The two
boys charged madly down the room,
chanting ''Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay" with
wild cries and scattering the more or
derly couples right and left. The lady
at the piano left off playing to remon-
strate.
shut up, can't yer!" shouted the
boys.
Joe Wright oughtn't ter belong to
the club at all, kickin' up such a row.
exclaimed one of the girls angrily.
Jolly sight more Of ornament to
it than all the lot of you stoopid girls
put together retorted Wright. Come
on, Jack! let's 'ook it, and ave go at
fencin'!'
The boys made a dash at the swing
door and disappeared into the dark
ness beyond, Joe yelling something
about "sellin' up the dear old 'ome,
and partin' with a few old sticks, -
breaking off the melody before he let
the door bang, however, to shout in a
tone of whitening scorn: 'Gurls!-
ugh!-I ate the lott"
Figson meanwhile stood leaning
against the wall, his hands in his
pockets.
There were several partnerlesS girls
sitting round the room, but Figson was
mot much of a toff at dancin'," as he
himself expressed it. Indeed, though
he regarded the pastime tolerantly, it
was with more than dash of con-
tempt. "Foolin' Of that sort" was all
very well for ignorant chaps who didn't
think at ALL but it was a little beneath
the dignity of a man who sometimes
went to lectures at the Hall of Progress,
who had leanings toward anarchism,
and who occasionally expended a penny
on a publication known as the "Athe-
istic, Communistic, Anarchistic Scorch-
er." In spite of the listless and rather
elaborately blase expression with which
Figson, as usual, regarded the frivol-
Gus scene, it was not assumed until he
had looked sharply around the room
in search of someone, that someone be-
ing a girl.
Having assured himself that she was
there and not dancing, he presently
turned his back indifferently on the
madding crowd and began to study a
notice board which hung on the wall
just inside the door.
The notice board afforded much in
formation about the club. 1t announced
that the fee for members was sixpence
a month, mentioned various classes for
arithmetic, wood-carving, art singing,
ETC., which had been formed, and gave
the names Of ladies and gentlemen who
We're at the head Of affairs on the differ
ent evenings, as well as other items Of
general information.
F'igson had time to read a notice of
the next meeting of the Green Lion
football team, list of members who
were gently reminded that their sub
scriptions would be thankfully re-
ceived, and an announcement of a Sun
day concert, before the music stopped.
The polka was over, but hardly a
interval was allowed before
a spruce young man, with hair neatly
parted in the middle and brushed up
stiffiy on each side, shouted: Take
your partners for the lancers, please" T"
This exhortation was followed by a con-
siderable uproar.
Joe Wright and his companion re-
the dancing room with a rush.
''Lancers? I'm there shouted Joe.
"Jine," beckoning in a lordly fashion
to one of the girls, engaged for the
lancers? !Come on, then; Wen ave
tops. Clear out, there, AIRY! Take
yer lady somewheres else; Jine and I
are tops,''
Stop that step dancing, joel" called
the distracted NJ. c., as Joe INDUCED
in double shuttle of a seemingly dan
gerous description, lodging around the
shrinking and loudly protesting "Jine"
with an agility which battles descrip-
tion.
Now. Ma'am, please!" when some
thing lilo or
and the music struck up once more.
The girl Ffgson had looked for on his
entrance into the room was now lean
ing against the wall at some little dis
tance from him, elaborately gazing at
nothing.
Look ere at this notice, Liz" OBJ
served Bill, putting a finger at ran
dom on one of the papers pinned to the
board
wv 'ere?" said the girl, advancing
with a great show of interest.
III wife outside. Slip out in a min
ute," he whispered. under cover of the
noise and confusion of the lancers.
Ullo, Liz. Not goin', are yer" called
one of the girls as she waltzed back to
her place.
only to get a drink of water" re-
Piled Liz, closing the door after her.
Figson stood in the little passage
leading to the reading room, leaning
up against a cupboard. When the door
was shut he promptly put his arm
round the girls waist and kissed her.
Doan'tn" said Liz perfunctorily. but
without moving.
Il shall" said Ffgson, doing it again.
Look ere, my disy," he observed after
a moment. Il want ter ave a talk with
you"
Talk away" answered Liz, who was
sitting on a high stool, swinging her
feet