Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-01-26
CHAPTER ".


morning she is employed in what she
terms ''practicing," when quite suddenly
the door is opened, and Mr.. Charters is
announced.
Il am rather an early visitor, fear
he says apolosctcally; "but am the bear
er of q letter from my aunt, and that must
be my excuse. | believe | am to take back
your answer. We are going to have a ball
at the Priory, and | have come specially
to beg the favor of your presence.
"Did you suppose your request would
be more powerful than Mrs. Rays invi-
tation?" asks Yolande scornfully, as she
takes up the missive with its elaborate
crest, and opens it with slow and careless
fingers.
Il was not so concetcd, he answers,
looking sadly at the beautiful face bent
now over the open letter. You VIII
Gomez" he asks, as she lays down the let
ter.
"A ball always has an attraction for
me beyond all other forms of enjoyment,
or-occupation," she remarks; "but | must
ask permission before this special one IS
graced by my presence
Just as if you don't always get what
you desirer' he says, laughing at her
grave tone. All. mere Is y oul l"th'i'
Papa" says Yolande, when the usual
greetings have been exchanged, Mr..
Charters has come to ask me to ball.
well my dear" answers Mr.. Mcrvyn,
looking lovingly at the bright race, OF
course, you said you would be dehghted
to GO
"She referred me to You for PERMISSION,
Interrupts Dcnzil Charters.
(Which. Of course, was A mere matter
of FORM" answers the I'd gentleman,
laughing. "Yoande knows very well that
she accepts what she likes, and goes where
she likes. She is Il sad tyrant, Mr.. Char
teriS."
"Thcre are some tyrannies--" begins
Denzil hastily.
Exactly" interposcs Yolande, with
ready mischief. "That is such an OPEN
ing for a compliment, that Mr.. Charters
would be more than mortal could he with
stand the temptation. | know just what
you are going to say, Mr.. Charters, so |
shall save you the trouble Now, please
entertain papa; for | am going to write
my note
"Can you not write it here" asks Den
iii, with strange longing for further
sight of the beautiful figure that imparts
so sweet a charm to the quaint old room.
"No, it is impossible" she says, shak-
ing her head gravcly; Il should be sure to
do it wrong. | must seek Miss Symptoms
advice and assistance
"He looked vexed," the girl says to her
self as she closes the door and goes slowly
on to the school room. ''Is he beginning
to feel already? Something tells me l
shall not have to wait so very long-now."
But the expression on the fair young
face is not good to see; and Denzil Char
teris would have been strangely perplex-
ed had he caught sight of the girls look
of triumph.
Very beautiful that witching face look
ed to him the night of the ball.
The ballroom at the Priory was q SPLEEN
did room-wide, cool and lofty It is bril-
liant on this night, with the delicate taste
full beauty of flowers and plants. the lustcr
of lights, and women's faces and women's
toilets.
The musicians are playing in a hidden
gallery; few early couples are boldly
joining in the opening quadrille Old Mrs.
Kay, stately dowager in rich gray satin
and point lace, is receiving her guests, and
Denzil Charters stands beside her. look
ing handsomer, nobler than ever: so many
romantic damsel thinks as she meets
the bow and smile of her host tonight.
You will keep some waltzes for me,
Miss Mervyn" Denzil whispers eagerly
as Yolande enters at last, chaperoned by
Miss Skipton.
Certainly" says Yolande graciously.
Let me enter them down now" he en-
treats. If you once so away | shall not
have chance, know
With a laugh Yolande hands him her
program.
Not too many" she says, as she
watches the pencil move from place to
place.
only three" he answers. Il am very
self-denying. But then these will be all l
have to look forward to. l am marked
out for nothing but duty dances for the
rest of the evening"
Iolande makes no answer, unless the
sudden sweet glance she gives him is one
Then she moves off, and is speedily sur
rounded and beset by importunate part
nerS.
1t is not till after supper that Denzi
Charters comes to claim the first Of the
three waltzes he has asked for; and Yo.
lande acknowledges to herself, rs they
float away over the polished floor that
none of her partners has III any degree
approached him in perfection of dancing
Still after it comes to an end she coolly
informs him that she cannot give him the
other two dances, as she is going home.
You are. without exception, the most
provoking little lady | have ever met he
says, with a vexed laugh. But you
know how to make yourself of value,
must say"
Il am glad to hear that" the girl an
swered, her eyes wandering idly from
group to group Of the hurrying crowd.
"It is always best to put good price on
oneself, have been told"
II wonder what your price is, he says,
his voice softening. his eyes looking into
hers with passionate intensity.
L. 4 a. sr.hr e.. 10 NJ ~