The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1898-03-15
AN EERIE EPISODE.

1t was at a masquerade at Galinber
It's studio III one of the old Roman pal
aces. There were music, the tripping
sound of dancing feet, laughter and the
unintelligible hum Of conversation min
gled in a gay medley.
Carson. an American, a new arrival
in the city and a stranger to that col
ony Of sculptors and painters, had been
accidentally separated from the friend
who brought him in the crowd shortly
after his entrance to the ballroom.
He was wandering listlessly among
the merry ma>kers, quite regardless of
their gibes and laughter at his expense.
Tired at length OF his aimless peregri-
nations, be turned aside from the glar-
ing lights and heat to the shade and
GOODNESS of the balcony.
The wide at the end Of the
room We're open and gave an unobstruct-
ed view Of the Kaleidoscope scene with
in. \ divan near the balustrade offered
a place for repose. but it was not until
he was seated that he was aware of the
presence OF a lady. She occupied the
farther, end Of the divan and was par
TALLY concealed by the dropping tree
ferns and palms with which the bal
cony was decorated. She moved slightly
in her nest of %tricolored cushions, and
ner fan fell with a slight CHATTER upon
the stone floor.
Carson picked it up and gave it to
her with a courteous bow. She thanked
li,, e,l,j,,, -, I..-): --:.I- -. -
slightest Italian accent.
II fear thav am i%ntruding, signora,"
ne said.
Not so. The balcony is free to all
who come. There can be no intrusion"
She reached up her hand as she spoke
and pushed aside the feathery branches
that sWayed between them. Then be
saw that she was young and very fair to
look upon.
Her face was decidedly English. She
wore an Undesirable swathing garment
OF soft texture that was gathered up
closely about her neck and fell to her
feet IN long, clinging folds-strongly
suggestive Of a Bernhardt costume.
Two beautifully shaped arms were bare
to the shoulder, and the small hands
that lay in her lap looked as though
they had been modelled in wax.
She leaned back, resting her head up-
ca the succeed pillar, her fan waving
~languidly to and fro.
Permit me-" said the American.
taking the dainty lace and ivory trifie
from her hand and tanning her gently.
She smiled a gracious assent, and
then began talking.
1t was SO warm in the ballroom and
one grew 50 tired dancing, she said.
Did the gentleman dance: Perhaps he
was not acquainted with many ladies
"a stranger IN Rome: Was he an artist
or a sculptor:
Neither, signora. lam an attache. ~
From what country-England:'
"No-America.'
america All, that marvellous iand''
She chattcd on III an open, friendly
nanner until a bevy OF tired dancer, in
yaded their retreat. Among them was
his friend Tarro.
Great heavens. Carson. Where have
you been: | have looked everywhere for
you. Everybody IS unmasking, and it
Is tlme fer supper. No doubt you are
starving. Come, | have secured a table,
and you are To meet some charming WO-
men. What have you been doing here
All alone: IT was exceedingly stupid in
as to get separated.
II have not been alone" replied Mr..
Carson. He glanced around, but the la
dy was gone.
Not alone: Why, who was with
vou:"
THE lady. Did you not see her when
you came:"
"A caprice, my dear boy. l saw nc
lady. No, You sat there star
lhg III q most sentimental manner at
that Moorish lantern hanging over
there. Come along. They are waiting
Cor as
They fingered long over their supper.
There We're merry, high pitched talking
and much laughter, but Carson was not
III a state Of hllarity. His restless, bored
glance wandered over the assembly, and
once he started and turned sharply in
his chair at the low voice OF a woman
who, with her escort, passed close be
sid him.
Iarro tried to rally him on his alb
etraction, but his lrow contracted fret
FULLY, ana he noryou>ly fingered a spray
Of fiowess that lay ~ his plate. He
was not sorry when the ball was over
and he found himself Oh the pavement
outside q the palace.
A cab was waiting, but without
knowing why he declined to accompany
his friend, saying he preferred to walk
to his hotel. He sauntered along slowly.
with bowed head, absently staring at