Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-06-26
THE LEAP YEAR BALL.
The Freshman, the Junior, the Maid and
the Plot That Failed.

from both directions "GaZe at that, he
cried, fourishing letter in the air; ait 5
an invitation to the leap year ball at the
gym, and it is from Kate" He had never
before spoken of her in public as Kate, and
the gang laughed and said, lis it?"
"Think of it," cried Teddy in great
glee, 'she has actually given me the
preference over that big junior Hayes, the
varsity half back and first bass on the glee
club"
"The duse she has, said the gang.
Read it," said Teddy, and the gang
stuck their heads together and read:
KAPPA ALPHA THETA HOUSE,
ANN ARBoR, Mich, Feb. 22.
DEAR MR.. CoLLINs-May ! presume upon
your we'll known good nature and offer myself
as your escort to the leap year ball on the aft
ernoon of the 18th? Sincerely,
KATHERINE KELLER.
A week later, on the afternoon of the
ball, Teddy was in his apartments dress
ing rapidly Bradley, who for some guess
able reason was not going, acted as his
valet.
"Lend me a collar, Brad, tallest one you
have, and, say, may l wear your patent
feathers? Mine are cracked and the gov
ernor would not cough up the dogs for a
new pair.
AS Bradley tossed in the articles men
toned Buttons came to the door and an
nounced that Mr.. Collins was wanted.
| "Be down in moment, he answered.
"There she Is now. Good Lord, help me
on with this Internal collar. All, that is
thing on. How do l look anyway? Cor
| ;A0 Il ,;,I, .,;I L, Il
of her Teddy, don't you think?
"And say, dear boy, can you let me take
that solitaire ring of yours-the one
| Blanche returned you-guess you will not
be likely to use it again. I've always
wanted diamond. Dad promised me one
| for Christmas, but he flunked on it. Then
if 1 like it will buy it, don't you know"
"You won't go and give it away, will
your"
"Why, of course not-that is-oh, come
now, Brad, let loose on it! Twill give you
more than you paid for it," And Teddy
trod the stairs with the sinner in his vest.
As Miss Keller led him to the carriage
his pride overcame him, and he devoutly
wished that Hayes might see him at that
moment leaning on her arm.
Alas, his wish was soon gratifed!
Comfortably settled in the carriage was
the big football man himself, with his
complacent grin and nasty, easy ways.
Somehow he tumbled into the seat op-
posite the junior, while Miss Keller took
her place beside the latter. Oh, 1t was
awful! He saw through it all now.
Whatever preference she might have for
one or the other was effectually concealed
by this strategem.
1\ddy crouched In his corner, taking
but lstless part in the conversation,
whilo the half back was gay and fascinat-
ing. Teddy was thinking! He was plot
ting against the long haired man of the
leathern sphere. During the ball, which
was held in the big gymnasium, his ebul
lent spirits returned. He was presented
to the baldheaded, bewhiskered ohaperons,
consisting of dozen professors pair of
regents and tute or two. He reached the
refreshments before they had disappeared
entirely, and he had his card filled with 20
charming goods, in all of which he felt
that he had conducted himself like a per-
feet lady.
The grand ball was nearly over. He
bolted dance and stole out to look for
the hack driver.
George" he whispered, when he had
found that individual, II want you to do
something for NO."
"Yes, seh," replied the driver, whose
pronunciation would disclose his complex
ion at midnight.
"Here Is So. Now when you drive us
home be sure to 60 to the Deke House
first and let out the other gentleman.
Never mind what she says. Tell her you
forgot anything, but get him out first;
then you can ramble around town most
anywhere before going to our place. You
see, / want word in private with the
lady, Do you catch?"
ooh, yes, sab" showing his worries.
"You will do it, them"
"Sure ting, sah.'
As Teddy re-entered the gymnasium he
felt the ring in his pocket and smiled
sweetly. As he was working up mild
interest in the remarks of an elderly fe-
male from tho medical school, Miss Keller,
with the half back in tow, came up.
"Oh, Mr.. Collins, we have looked every
where for you. We are going home now. )"
In the carriage side by side sat the jun
ior and the freshman, for Miss Keller had
demanded seat to herself, pleading weari
ness For some moments the silence was
oppressive.
"What grinning villain he is!'
thought the freshman.
"What sneaking little freshmanl"
thought the junior.
Teddy glanced uneasily out Of the win
dow. We're they going to the Deke House?
They should have been there by that time.
The streets were dark; he was not quite
sure where they were.
"Did you enjoy yourself, Mr.. Collins7"
she asked.
Had an immense time"
II thought you seemed preoccupied in
the early part Of the dance.'
"Not in the least. Never spent a more
enjoyable evening in my life.
"What cheerful liarE" thought Hayes.
"Ah, here you are, Mr.. Collins" she
said as the carriage wheeled up to Teddy's
fraternity house. II am SO glad you en-
joyed the ball. "
Teddy crawled out, mumbled his thanks
and said good night. Avoiding the gang,
he reached his own rooms and surveyed
his double in the mirror.
edward Collins" he said sternly, his
fists closed, "you have permitted yourself
to be duped; you have acted like an ass;
you are worse than an ass-you are an
idioti But for all that say confound the
niggerl'
A few days later he caught sight of
George and his cab.
"Hello, George, you Internal Indian!'
he yelled. II want to know what you
mean by not keeping your contract with
me.'
The grinning negro refined in his horses
"Oh, you mean why I didn't let the other
gentleman out flrst?"
"That is precisely what mean9" thun-
dered the angry freshman.
"Why, you see, you gimme %, didn't
your"
"Yes."
'To take t'other gent home flrst but he
gimme IS to let you out first" And the
horcaa rattled down ingalls, street. keepinO