The Press., 1897-11-04
AN AWKWARD FIX.

Do you think two girls ought to be born so exactly alike?'' said Charlie Dacre, ruefully twisting up a cigarette.
 The other man laughed.
 Are you talking of those two Dem nison girls? They're not exactly alike. "
 'It's all very well for you, but l haven't your long sight. and I declare to you if l see either of them at little distance or in bad light can't tell which is which 1 am going to 8 party tonight given by the respected parents of my Dennison, and positively dread it."
 Perhaps they play tricks on you, |" said Ballantyne. "One of them is rather Ekittish.
 Charlie got himself up that night with extraordinary care, and as he was e good looking fellow he presented a rather striking appearance as he entered Mrs. Dennison's drawing rooms. He had been detained. so that most of the guests had arrived when he came, and his inamorata was nowhere to be seen. But shortly after he had paid his re- spects to the host and hostess the daugh- ter of the house, prettily dressed in white and blue, came up. Dacre begged for a dance-two dances.
 "I'm so sorry" said she, "but I've nothing vacant till the lancers, You re little late, MT. Dacre. you see, with a slight accent of reproach as she gave him her card. Charlie apologized in the humblest terms, and the girl be- slowed a smile on him as she was led away.
 Dacre went to seek her in good time for bis lancers. She sat on an ottoman in a distant part of the room, where the dropping folds of a curtain formed a shade from the glare of the lights. The blue and white of her flmy gown stood out against the dark background. Dacre hastened across the room to her. Miss Dennison-my dance," he said eagerly. May I?'' She turned her pretty face and arched her eyebrows in surprise. "Yes," said Charlie, "the laucers- you promised-oh, beg your pardon. You're your cousin-I mean, the other Miss Dennison-and, of course, haven ( seen you before.
 Then, recovering from bis confusion before the young lady could speak, be added:
 "I hope I'm not too late to get a dance. Miss Dennison?''
 Having secured this, he sought the other Isabel
 | "Wby in the fiend's name do they dress alike?' he muttered in nervous fear of another mistake. He might be continually coming across the one he | o1 | Several times he bore down on a fail girl in blue and white, but turned away, deciding that he had only come on an Isabel in another place. The lancers bad begun. It as in full swing before he came suddenly on a sofs where sat the Isabel.
 Miss Dennison." he stammered I'm SO sorry"-
 "Pray don't apologize, said sht coldly. 'I assure you the delay is no of the slightest moment '"
 Indeed, it was quite unintentional,' said the unfortunate Charlie in despair II have been looking for you'-
 II have been sitting here the las ten minutes. and you passed me jus now"
 II saw a blue and white dress" ac knowleeped Charlie, but some peopl, came between it and me. Won't yol forgive me and dance thisy It isn't to. late."
 II think my mother wants me. " saiC Isabel. rising with dignity.
 May l take you to herr"
 "No. thank you
 Charlie only got pardoned whel every body was going. He was mad witt himself, but could not bring himself t acknowledge the real reason of his ap parent neglect He was sensitive abou these constant mistakes. They went oi happening, of course, the one Isabe laughing at him, which he dreaded, tn other turning naughty and offended He offered some flowers to a Dennisol girl one day and she said demurely Are you sure they were meant fo meY'
 Whom else could they be mean for?" said Charlie sentimentally. My coDsin, perhaps-she's ove there," said the girl merrily. Dacr flushed in unutterable confusion ant took back the flowers. scarcely know ing what he did. And when he turne,